Many trial attorneys still worry about being judged harshly for having deep pockets if they offer polished graphic presentations. Stop worrying. Start learning. Visual communication is an essential part of trial presentation today, and being successful requires thinking through the eye and not just the text or the word.
The reality is that jurors want well-thought-out, well-prepared presentations that help them understand evidence.”
(We promise: they may think about how much lawyers are paid, but they don’t give a second thought to how much graphics cost. Still, need convincing? Read our blog post, “Do Fancy Graphics Make Jurors Think of Deep Pockets?”)
Jurors today — like most of us — are exposed to visual language constantly. Screens dominate most of their waking lives, so sophisticated visual communication is the norm. And given that the largest part of our brain (by far) is dedicated to visual processing, trial attorneys must convey cases visually to reinforce key arguments and pieces of evidence.
Crafting an effective visual trial does not require hundreds of graphics. It requires an understanding of visual language, an understanding of your case, and an understanding of trial persuasion. We understand all three.
We know when “a picture is worth 1,000 words,” and a well-crafted graphic will convey at a glance what might take 30 minutes to present in words and argument. An instantly graspable and unforgettable image (in case the graphic isn’t in the jury room) is invaluable — and we and our team of graphics partners have decades of experience creating those images.
We also know when a picture is not worth 1,000 words — an equally important skill when crafting your visual trial! Too often, clients believe that a video, photograph, or demonstrative will persuade a judge or jury on its own when it is obvious to us that the evidence will either not speak for itself or will deliver a message opposite to the one you want your audience to hear.