Preparation, courtroom support or both
Hire a hot-seat operator for the courtroom, add preparation support, or engage one specialist for both. The scope can cover:
- A new or reviewed exhibit database, with checked exhibit IDs and page references.
- Saved highlights, callouts and side-by-side displays for counsel’s review.
- Deposition clips prepared from current designations, with checked playback.
- Rehearsal of counsel’s cues and live retrieval during examination.
- Equipment planning, setup and agreed backup arrangements.
Our workflow uses OnCue, TrialDirector and Sanction. Jolie Zajac leads the firm and takes assignments as her calendar permits; confirm the assigned specialist when you discuss the dates.
Send the trial date, location and expected length. Check hot-seat availability or see how preparation, court days and travel shape the cost.
Prepare the materials before the first witness.
The work begins with the exhibit set and list, witness information, deposition materials and any existing presentation database. The assigned specialist reviews how those materials are organized and checks the references needed to retrieve them during examination. An inherited database is a starting point, not a substitute for review.
Before rehearsal, identify the current exhibit version, planned callouts, video excerpts and material still awaiting a decision. Use the trial presentation preparation checklist to organize that handoff.
Ready for the next cue
In the hot seat, the specialist retrieves exhibits, enlarges passages, highlights selected language and cues deposition clips. Counsel directs the examination and identifies what should be shown. The operator manages the presentation, following the court’s instructions and the trial team’s decisions about cleared material.
A useful rehearsal covers the unexpected as well as the planned sequence: a different exhibit number, an earlier passage, a paused clip or a request to remove the display. Agreeing on short, recognizable cues gives counsel and the operator a shared working method.
See exhibits and testimony move from operator preview to the jury screen in our interactive trial presentation demonstration. It uses fictional materials. For the division of work with counsel, read what a hot-seat operator does.
Who handles what
- Counsel supplies the presentation priorities and decisions about objections, admissibility and permitted use.
- The assigned specialist prepares the agreed presentation materials and checks references and playback before courtroom use.
- The trial team identifies who can approve revised exhibits, new clips and changes to the presentation sequence.
- The engagement defines equipment arrangements, preparation time, courtroom attendance and any additional support.
For testimony that still needs editing, deposition video preparation can be included in the scope. Agree on that work early enough to allow review before playback.
Plan the courtroom connection and backup.
A presentation database is only one part of the setup. The planning conversation also covers the assigned courtroom, available displays and audio, connection requirements and time for a playback check. Court-provided equipment and privately supplied equipment may have different access arrangements.
Equipment and operator coverage are addressed when the engagement is scoped, including how files would transfer if another operator were needed. Discuss those arrangements before trial. The courtroom technology page explains the questions to resolve around the presentation system.
Work with your presentation platform.
Our trial presentation workflow uses OnCue, TrialDirector and Sanction. If your team needs an OnCue operator or TrialDirector technician, identify the platform and existing database when discussing the assignment. Confirm the software version, working files and required output with the assigned specialist before handing off materials.
An existing database still needs a review of exhibit references, media links and courtroom playback. If your team uses another presentation tool, discuss compatibility before assuming that files or features will transfer. We provide presentation services; software licensing and product support remain separate from the trial assignment.
Southern California and nationwide
Zajac Trial Group serves Southern California, with local planning notes for Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego trials, and travels nationwide. For an out-of-town matter, the schedule needs to account for preparation, travel, setup and expected court days. Travel costs and equipment arrangements are addressed with the engagement rather than assumed from the trial date alone.
Start with the date, court, expected length and type of assistance. No case files are needed for the initial inquiry. Check availability or meet Jolie Zajac, who leads the firm and takes trial assignments as her calendar permits.
Before we begin
Questions from trial teams.
Will Jolie personally operate the hot seat?
Jolie takes assignments as her calendar permits. Your assigned specialist is identified before preparation begins, so confirm that person and the agreed coverage when the engagement is scoped.
Can you work from our existing presentation database?
Yes. An existing database can be the starting point. The assigned specialist reviews the materials, exhibit references and playback and addresses needed corrections before using them in court.
Does sending an inquiry reserve our trial dates?
No. Availability and preparation needs must be reviewed first. The engagement terms set out the assigned specialist, scope and dates and govern the reservation.
