Click on a question to read the answer:

What makes Clear Case Legal different?
Do you work with expert witnesses?
You like to be brought in at the beginning of a case,
     but what if we get you involved just before trial?
Are graphics too expensive for smaller cases?
How much should I budget for your services?
Will we look too slick if we use graphics?
Have you produced "day in the life" videos?
Have you produced medical images and illustrations?
Do you recommend that all graphics be animated?
Do you create demonstratives for Plaintiffs or Defense?
Do you have a minimum charge?
What's the difference in video depos?
Can you coach our video deponents?
Why should I use Clear Case Legal when I already have PowerPoint™?
Why should I use Clear Case Legal when we have TrialDirector™?



What makes Clear Case Legal different?

Just as jury consultants use social science to support a case, Clear Case Legal applies cognitive media science® methodologies and research to advance your case objectives.

We're the pioneers in visual litigation strategy, which is the product of our cognitive methodologies, our judicial experience and our decades of national media production. No other firm has this depth of experience. No other firm approaches your objectives this way. We're also unlike graphic designers, expert witness firms, and trial equipment companies, that provide legal graphics as an afterthought. Clear Case Legal is the difference between simply pretty courtroom visuals and litigation visuals that produce impact, persuasion, retention and success.

Do you work with expert witnesses?

Yes. As we draw closer to trial, most attorneys ask that we spend time with their experts. This is especially helpful as expert witnesses often have crucial, but sometimes complex or arcane, information that a jury might find difficult to otherwise comprehend. Based on direction of the attorney, and working closely with the expert to determine the key points to their testimony and how they are most comfortable presenting that information, we develop graphics that make clear the expert's data. Then we rehearse the use of the visuals with the expert. Finally, we provide and wire the equipment that's optimum for presenting the expert's demonstratives, allowing the witness to run his/her own visuals from the witness stand, if so desired.

You like to be brought in at the beginning of a case, but what if we get you involved just before trial?

The most cost efficient and successful graphics are developed over time, allowing you to reflect and make strategic changes. But it is not unusual for us to be brought onto the trial team with less than 3 months to trial. In one case, we were brought in 3 days before trial! The more last minute, the more expensive each graphic is likely to be - considering overtime - and there are always strategic and production issues, but we will give you a realistic estimate of what can be accomplished and we will work tirelessly to meet your deadlines whenever you bring us on board.

Are graphics too expensive for smaller cases?

It is not a question of expense. Clear Case Legal can create strategic graphics for any budget. Rather, it is a question of how you present the graphics. We can design for hardboards or for electronic presentation or even for an Elmo, if that is what's most expedient. What drives these decisions are case strategies based on, but not limited to, the jurisdiction, the physical venue, the judge or panel, the plaintiff/defendant profiles, and so on. We are happy to share our past presentation experiences with you so that you can make an informed decision.

How much should I budget for your services?

There is no one correct answer because every case is unique. If success in court or settlement is paramount, then you will need strategic graphics. We have no minimum fee. However, it is likely unwise to spend $350K on demonstratives and their presentation if your damages evaluation tops out at $2M. But quite efficient if your damages evaluation is $300M. Based on our litigation experience, demonstratives and their courtroom presentation often fall between .009 - 2% of risk evaluation or recovery.

Will we look too slick if we use graphics?

The answer depends upon many particulars of your case, including the litigants, the trial length and the venue. Clear Case Legal is about effectively communicating your story, not about looking good. In some scenarios there are legitimate reasons not to look state of the art, and we will be the first to recommend visual approaches that take into account your specific circumstances.

Have you produced "day in the life" videos?

Yes, quite a few. Our background in national television production means that you have experienced multimedia storytellers on your trial team. And our judicial experience can help save you from producing a video that is denied by the bench.

Have you produced medical images and illustrations?

Yes.

Do you recommend that all graphics be animated?

Absolutely not. Using our extensive trial and audience experience, we work with you to visualize your presentation, which means your story and your needs (focus group, arbitration panel, laying foundation, trial, etc.) dictate the medium — whether it's an electronic animation, a physical model, a magnetic board, a hardboard or simply a newsprint pad and marker.

Do you create demonstratives for Plaintiffs or Defense?

When we were first asked this question in 2000 by a Sacramento law firm, we had to take a close look at our records. To this day, we have equally supported plaintiffs and defendants.

Do you have a minimum charge?

No.

What's the difference in video depos?

The difference is in the staging, the lighting, the framing, the sound - any one of which if improperly handled can undermine your deponent's clarity and credibility. A professional video deposition shouldn't cost more than a sloppy one, but the results on a jury will be dramatically different.

Can you coach our video deponents?

Yes. We can help your deponents be more comfortable, competent and well received as the camera rolls. Our Producers have many years of experience training and directing people who have never been in front of a camera. Just as you and your jury consultants coach your deponents on their content delivery, we coach them on their visual presentation. Remember, this may be the testimony that's seen in court.

Why should I use Clear Case Legal when I already have PowerPoint™?

PowerPoint™ is a slide format technology from which graphics can be displayed - in fact, we use it for that purpose from time to time. But as a tool for creating graphics, it offers none of the cognitive experience nor disciplines we apply at Clear Case Legal. At Clear Case Legal we analyze your arguments and objectives through our media science® methodologies and our judicial experience before we design a single graphic frame. Then we apply state-of-the-art storytelling and production techniques. This successfully creates context, comparisons, narration and helps to recast evidence. On the other hand, PowerPoint™ technology cannot provide any of these important filters or design elements and, therefore, cannot produce strategically focused, persuasive graphics. As highly-respected information design authority Edward R. Tufte points out, PowerPoint™ significantly "reduces the analytical quality of presentations" and "weaken(s) verbal and spatial reasoning." "PowerPoint will not do for serious presentations. . . Indeed, presenters may instantly damage their credibility by using PP. . ."

Why should I use Clear Case Legal when we already have TrialDirector™?

TrialDirector™ is court presentation software; one of the stable ones. We use it as one of our presentation technologies. But — like any technology — it is merely a conduit for your story, a way to get your story up on the screen. At Clear Case Legal we strategize and visually design your story — your key arguments and objectives — so your story is clear and accessible to your audience. We do this based on proven learning and storytelling methodologies, and on our decades of national media production. The images that you and Clear Case Legal create can then be presented using TrialDirector™ or any other presentation software.