What Litigators Can Learn From Some of the Coolest Graphics in Construction

I am constantly amazed at how the world of litigation has changed so much in such a short period of time since I started practicing almost 20 years ago. OK, I accept that some of you don’t think 20 years is a short period of time, but it sure seems like it to me. As I have mentioned in this blog before, the ability to make powerful, high-quality trial graphics was extremely limited by the software available in the early 1990s. I was reminded of how far we’ve come in the area of visualization and modeling when I recently had dinner with Mike McTeer, who made a similar career shift as I did, but in a different field. Mike has a background in construction, and a few years ago, he decided to start a firm that specializes in 3D visualizations of construction.

His firm specializes in “Construction Visualization Integration and Building Information Modeling,” which basically means he visualizes and creates models of projects so builders more fully understand the process of the project, discover better ways to build it, and identify problems before they occur. When I saw his work, I was struck by what a great tool this is for the construction industry. This type of computer modeling was impossible only a few years ago, and Mike says that a number of larger clients now require it for any job before the work starts.

You might ask, what does this have to do with litigation?  Well, just like Mike’s clients who never used this process before then realized they cannot do a project without it, attorneys who discover how a case can be visualized and strengthened with graphics at an early stage begin to view litigation graphics as a de facto requirement for case preparation and presentation. (more…)