VR Legal Resources

ExhibitView – Finally, Presentation Software ANYONE can use!

Charles Perez — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:29:18 +0000

OK- First – a short story: Often times I’ll go into a law firm and discuss their upcoming cases and the best way that their exhibits should be displayed. Naturally, I’m hoping to leverage the skills of our presentation department together with our litigation assistance and our presentation rental facilities at VR Legal Resources. Typically, if we’re brought in from the beginning, we’ll design the presentation around my software program of choice “Visionary” since, in my opinion, it encompasses the best features of CTSummation, Trial Director and Sanction which are all excellent programs in their own right but possess one commonality : a very steep learning curve.

While demonstrating our trial presentation prowess to a large firm here in Orange County I asked if they had ever considered using visual demonstratives other than PowerPoint to simplify their presentation in court. One of the junior partners quipped “we have a program called Trial Director” and then he kind of trailed off. “That’s a terrific program” I replied, “how do you like it?” Cold silence followed. Finally, the same junior partner said “Well, we’ve never used it; we bought it and installed it but no one had the time to figure it out”.

Moral of my short story: If you aren’t using it, it isn’t any good!

Last month I stumbled upon a new program called ExhibitView making bold and brash claims that it was “The most powerful presentation software..allows users to present with ease, using multiple integrated technologies,( yada, yada, yada). In my line of work you hear a lot of this so I watched their 2 minute video intro and downloaded a 30 day demo from their website and proceeded to pick it apart and see what all the ranting was about……

(Oh – Full Disclosure – let me add right here that my opinion is based solely on the trial version of the product.. I have not received any compensation for what I’m about to state.)

Simply put: “WOW!”

You’ve Gotta Try This!

If your firm has ever balked at using a software presentation program my advice is to go download ExhibitView and try it now. Granted, I have the advantage of working with several different programs in our line of work and I’d have to admit that I’m fairly well versed in the different applications they all have to offer – but – this is probably the easiest program I’ve ever used. Read the info on their website and see all of its impressive capabilities.

“Learning Curve”? This one is FLAT ; if you can work a word processing program and know the basics of “drag and drop” you’re home free.

The program downloads all the tools you need to get started and then actually configures your computer to prepare it for your presentation; it really does support multiple integrated technologies – practically ANY document or image type as well as supporting an arsenal of audio and video formats.

The program is one of the most intuitive programs I’ve ever used – truly “Idiot Friendly” (and I mean that in a nice way) – I can safely say that you will not be overwhelmed with techno-babble, just concise, easy to understand, simple instructions. (Additionally they (ExhibitView) appears to have fast, online tech support however, I didn’t have any issues so I didn’t test that part out).

I imported a text synchronized video deposition created with another application (Visionary – but, it could just as well been from YesLaw , Trial Director, etc) and it imported seamlessly into the control pane. From there I discovered that I could easily “edit on the fly” the video if needed.

I then imported a variety of documents (PDFs, Excel Spreadsheets, Word Docs) and found that I could easily enlarge any portion of the document, create annotations (again “on the fly”), highlight and then print them out. The same could be said for JPEGS, GIFS, BMPs or PNGs.

I didn’t get the opportunity to see how many documents I could squeeze into a presentation, the most I’ve accomplished with Visionary is something in the 300,000 range, but I was told that the program could hold as much as a hard drive would allow and I don’t see any reason to doubt that claim.

Obviously the other presentation programs all have their places – each has applications which may be similar or unique to a situation and each of them will have their “fans”. They all have additional features that you may or may not need and all of the existing programs perform incredibly well - if you use them.

(NOTE: If you’re happy and content with your exisitng solution by all means stick to the familiar, every program has its “comfort level” (even PowerPoint!) -but, if you’re technically challenged this is worth a try.)

For those of you who are still contemplating wading into the 21st Century but still reluctant to because of some old horror story you heard about some poor attorneys presentation “melting down” in front of the jury and the panic and woe that followed – GET OVER IT!

This is the program you should at least try. If you can’t master ExhibitView in 30 minutes give me a call so our firm can create your presentation for you!

To my fellow presenters: keep your eye on this program. In fact, go and download a trial copy and let me know what you think - I believe you’ll be quite impressed but I’d like to get your thoughts and comparisons in the next few weeks and maybe revisit the topic.

via Trial Presentation Blog : Courtroom Presentation, Litigation Software : Charles Perez : Trial Presentation Blog.

Is That My Video Deposition on YouTube? Best Practices for Law Firms

Charles Perez — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:29:44 +0000

We perform a variety of legally oriented services her at VR Legal Resources; everything from scanning and Bates Stamping exhibits to preparing and presenting exhibits and demonstratives in court, and, from time to time, we’re called upon to videotape a deposition.

We’re fortunate to have professional relationships with many of the top law firms in the Los Angeles / Orange County area and a few of these firms handle some of the more popular cases you hear about on television or read about on celebrity web sites.

Being “ringside” during these sometimes intense encounters and watching the verbal jousting that takes place is what keeps me passionate about my career in litigation services, that, and the fact that I’m entrusted with “behind the scenes” information that ethics dictate that I keep confidential.

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to videotape a young, well known celebrity.

During my initial introduction I always make it clear that “I don’t have a dog in this fight” and that I’m simply there to record the event and I try to keep my interaction as friendly and professional as possible.

This particular actor smiled, shook my extended hand and in a joking voice asked “This isn’t going to appear on TMZ or YouTube is it?” to which I replied “Of course not!” and then I adjusted his microphone and we got about the business at hand – the video taping of his day-long deposition.

I’m a “Certified Legal Video Specialist” which basically means I’m certified in the proper use of taping such goings on and adhere to a strict code of ethics which dictates the handling of sensitive issues, professionalism, etc,etc.

To date there are 76 NCRA “Standards” (National Court Reporters Association – they oversee us videographers) that I’ve agreed to abide by.

NCRA Standard # 73 states “The videographer shall preserve the confidentiality of the deposition and take whatever steps necessary to ensure this confidentiality”.

Seems pretty straightforward. We don’t release our videotapes willy-nilly to just anyone, nor, have we ever been approached to do so and we’ve never really concerned ourselves with the matter.

Well – right on cue I receive an offer from the Merrill Corporation to download this White Paper entitled : “Is That Me On YouTube? Ground Rules for Access, Use and Sharing of Digital Depositions”

This an eleven page, highly referenced, thoughtfully produced guide authored and compiled by Bruce Wessel and Wayne A. Hill, Jr. designed for any law firm that hasn’t established a “Best Practices” policy for the proper handling of depositions. And, apparently for good reason.

via Trial Presentation Blog : Courtroom Presentation, Litigation Software : Charles Perez : Trial Presentation Blog.

“Twittering” – Social Networking or Mass Distraction? : Trial Presentation Blog

Charles Perez — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:28:12 +0000

O.K. – so I’ve officially become a “Twit”.

I’ve had my “Twitter” account for about 9 months now and didn’t have a clue as to what to do with it.

Two weeks ago I jumped into the fray and gave the world tacit approval to stalk my every move, read my fleeting thoughts and, more or less, participate in “my daily experience”. (Wasn’t this what my Blog was supposed to do? And the “LinkedIn”?)

Twitter is the “now experience” on the internetspreading like an uncontrolled virus throughout the world – easy to get but a nasty little number to get rid of.

I had the good people at LexBlog set up my little “Tweet Box” (off to the left there) so that anyone who wished to live vicariously through my experiences could get a glimpse of my inner thoughts and observations – such as they are..raw and unvarnished.

Amazingly, to date, about 50 or so people have chosen to “follow me” in my daily escapades and glean what (little) wisdom I can offer throughout the day. Talk about pressure to perform!

For those of you who don’t understand the “Twitter Phenomena” let me just say “You either get it or you don’t”. I won’t even attempt to explain the attraction or fascination the world has with this new form of viral communication; it reminds me things like the “Pet Rock” or CB Radios of yesteryear – a unique experience for many but a puzzle for the rest (the sane world).

My challenge is trying to get a complete thought out in 140 characters (or less) and have it make a modicum of sense. Originally I thought it was 140 WORDS or less.

You have NO IDEA what a challenge this has been for me! I’m not known for brevity… not by a long shot! Especially when I’m trying to be profound. (Note: Twitter is not a vehicle for (my) profound thoughts).

via “Twittering” – Social Networking or Mass Distraction? : Trial Presentation Blog.

Can Jurors See and Hear Your Most Important Evidence?

Charles Perez — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:26:27 +0000

I subscribe to several newsletters and feeds in an attempt to keep myself on the “cutting edge” of presentation technology. As such, from time to time I receive a familiar sounding tome that reinforces my thought process as well as my attempt to bring law firms into the 21st Century with affordable presentation solutions.

Such was the case when I received an emailed newsletter from Elliot Wilcox, a practicing attorney who has carved out his own niche in the “Trial Presentation Arena” with a website and support service entitled “Trial Presentation Theatre”.

I’ve purchased most of Elliot’s material (Nope-no discount! and this blog entry was MY idea) and have enjoyed his approach immensely and would strongly suggest that, if nothing else, any lawyer faced with today’s challenges of prepping for a court presentation should subscribe to Elliot’s newsletter. Of course Elliot would prefer you buy his top-notch information package – but – I think he can make the sale on his own – it’s that good. (Check out this “about” link for more info).

Anyway -After I received his newsletter I asked Elliot if I could reproduce it here since I felt his message hit the mark and… since I’ve been too busy to formulate my own musings it bails me out as well!

So – Read, Learn and Enjoy!

via Can Jurors See and Hear Your Most Important Evidence? : Trial Presentation Blog.

“PaperShow” : Write It – Show It (it’s really that easy!)

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:36:10 +0000

Recently had the pleasure of putting a new product called “PaperShow” through its paces to see if it would be a good fit in the trial presentation/court room environment. Papershow is similar in concept to the SMART Airliner wireless slate and eInstruction tablets, but is much less expensive at just $199 for the starter kit.

After trying a variety of configurations I’m more than happy to give it an A+ as far as a presentation tool and I would strongly suggest that anyone seriously involved in court room presentations add this valuable tool to their inventory.

The product is so simple to set up that anyone remotely familiar with presentations should be able to get it up and running withing 5 minutes; those who haven’t a clue about presentations will take about 6 minutes – yes, it’s that easy!

The “device” itself consists of a USB drive and a special pen and (special) paper that is unique to the system. When you plug in the Bluetooth USB dongle the setup software launches and downloads the latest version of the Papershow software application to the Bluetooth USB dongle which also serves as a Flash drive. The pen is a matching Bluetooth transmitter and the paper has a pattern that allows everything written,drawn, or outlined to be replicated on the computer screen.

Using just the pen a you can draw in different colors, make shapes, erase, and undo by writing on Canson’s (the PaperShow maker) specially made “invisible dot” paper (if this sounds familiar, it’s the same Anoto technology incorporated into products such as the Logitech io Personal Digital Pen and the newer LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen).

On the right side panel of the A4 interactive paper you have controls to change the width of the pen stroke, change the colors and draw basic lines, arrows, circles and squares. You can also fill the circles and squares with a color and highlight text with the highlighting tool.

You can even erase your writing and objects on the computer with the eraser tool.

You can easily bring up presentations and use the Papershow to make real-time modifications or draw pictures like that UPS Whiteboard commercial guy. To change color and brush size, and to access other functions, you just tap icons in the right margin of the paper.

All the programming is contained in the USB drive so you can carry the program and even saved images with you from computer to computer.

(The current solution only runs on Windows at this time.)

With Papershow, you are physically writing with ink on paper, rather than an electronic tablet, and this is then projected on the screen which creates more of a “magic” effect.

But Wait! There’s More……

With the PaperShow program you can also import images or PowerPoint slides and then annotate the slides or diagrams or photos “on the fly” and save them once you’ve made your notes.

This is accomplished by printing out the images/slides onto special 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper that has a corresponding grid printed on it; your image is printed onto the grid and you now have a guide to work with as make diagrams on it which is replicated on the computer screen (or Plasma screen in the court room).

After annotating a presentation or conducting a whiteboard session, Papershow allows you to save all of the notes as a PDF, and then print or e-mail them to anyone you would like.

Again, the cost is an affordable $199.00 (USD) and the “special paper” needed to make the process work is equally affordable at$19.98 for 200 sheets of printer paper, $19.98 for large, conference-room sized brainstorming pad (size A3) and $12.98 for small brainstorming pad (size A4) .

This is a “Must Have” in your presentation arsenal!

NATIONAL DENTAL COMPANY TAPS VRI TO SUPPORT REGIONAL MEETING AT THE IRVINE DOUBLETREE HOTEL

brad — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:29:02 +0000

The requirements of producing a successful event are not only incorporating video and audio from multiple sources (everything from YouTube clips to in-house produced videos), but also making them look and sound as good as possible. “Like many quality production companies, we have all of the traditional tools to enhance your typical video and audio clips. However, the quality demands of this client’s requested clips were way beyond typical,” says Ecar Oden, Vice President of Operations for Video Resources. “We even pulled in our forensic team to bring some of their clarification tools into play.” The entire event was flawless, and everyone enjoyed the content. No one noticed any variation in quality between the clips, and that’s the point! Seamless. Update: The client was so pleased that they took the show on the road! For the road show, we supported the executive team with a road worthy version of the presentation – optimized for smaller venues and less production support.