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If it’s a jury trial, ask your attorney how they handle jury selection. Some attorneys like you to take notes in a certain manner. Call the court and ask how the jurors will be set up in the court room. Make a chart accordingly to keep track of them.
So exciting!!! It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected.
Typically, my firm has documents delivered to the courthouse.
If you have a rolling briefcase you’ll be ahead of the game. I organize my laptops and cords accessories, etc.
If you are using anything with batteries, replace all batteries and take extra an extra set;
Energies will be high - you will sweat more than usual. Make sure you have body wipes, deodorant and any personal hygiene items you would need; mints, water & lense whiles for your glasses.
Make sure you have electronic binders of any physical binder;
Do a dress rehearsal with your first and second chairs. You will get a feel for their style and anticipate what they will say, do ir need.
There’s so much more but it’ll never be enough! Lol try to relax and enjoy the experience. Good luck!
Prep with your technology, test it in advance relentlessly. If using a tech, prioritize working with them for a smooth presentation. PM if you want more tips on tech use at trial (or post here).
Also, I recommend trusting your tech with underlining and highlighting. They may only do what is directed and that is not necessarily a good thing.
And program your witness’s phone numbers into your phone now, so you can call them easily when needed
Bring snacks - so many snacks. And always bring your own bottle of water. Take every opportunity to eat and sleep that your attorneys give you. Bring extra of everything (printed copies of transcripts, pens, post-its, highlighters, binder clips, legal pads, batteries, mints, bandaids, ibuprofen/aspirin, tissues, cough drops, Tums). Get into the courtroom in advance if you can and scope out the outlet situation (how many, how far, etc) so you can judge how many/what types of extension cords and power strips you’ll need. Bring a tape measure and measure the counsel tables (sometimes they are SO SMALL) so that you can figure out what will fit/how much equipment you can have. Can you fit your trial tech stuff and two attorneys that both have laptops open? Many times you can’t. If you can’t fit all of you and need extra space, ask if they have a side table or if you can bring a folding table. Someone else mentioned this but call the deputy/JA and ask about the judge’s preferences (what’s the usual trial day schedule, when do they like to start/lunch/end/take breaks, how do they like to handle exhibits/moving in missed exhibits, etc.). In my experience in federal court, they’re usually happy to talk to you bc it makes both your lives easier. If you have questions as you prep, happy to PM. I’ve done both the hotseat and the “regular” paralegal stuff at trial so I’m familiar with both!
So exciting! Get ready for ✨sleep deprivation✨ also, caffeine may sound like a good idea but try to limit your intake - as you will likely experience a lot of nerves/anxiousness/stress and caffeine may only make you more jittery.
So much more I could say - but basically make sure you have a good list of items you will need - pens, paper, notebooks, highlighters, printer(s), chargers, etc. I’m sure you’ll be able to find good examples of “trial war room checklists” online.
And if able, ask Senior Paralegals at your firm for advice!
And make sure the tech gets what they need early - don’t wait until midnight to get them started.
I usually check with the JA or bailiff about when and how I can get the team trial materials in place and rehearse any tech stuff. Once I’ve prepped trial/exhibit notebooks and organized so I can grab whatever the boss calls for in a pinch, I assemble my own case of supplies (tablets, exh stickers, etc) and find comfortable shoes I can wear. Trials are exhausting, wear comfortable shoes!!
Make sure you keep track of the exhibits both sides use. I have a chart with all the exhibits listed and I check them off as offered/admitted/withdrawn and with which witnesses they were used. Makes it easier to reconstruct later.
Also, prepare a little first aid pouch with some bandaids, headache medication, stomach medication.
Do a little reach on the judge because they all have their own preferred ways of doing things. If you're in federal court, each one usually has a webpage with information. If you are using technology, whether you are using a tech or not, call the clerk and ask them about the set up. Better yet, if you are local try to schedule a time to go to the courtroom to test of the tech set up. The clerk will more than likely be happy to help. Trust me - when the tech doesn't work or there's a glitch, it's painful for EVERYONE and if you're familiar with how things are set up you'll be many steps ahead of the game.
Be proactive/don't wait for the attorneys to ask you to get the standard things you know you'll need - major pleadings, discovery responses, key decisions. That stuff you can pull and organize ahead of time so you can devote your attention to the craziness of last minute prep.
Also have extra copies of everything
All excellent advice above. Mine is a little earthy: always use the restroom during court breaks - you never know when your next opportunity will be. Good luck with your trial!
These are all so helpful! Keep them coming!! Thank you!
Caffeine and lots of snacks 👍🏻
Also, use your voice and share your observations. My attorneys often rely on my opinion regarding body language of the jurors and any other observations I make.
In addition to snacks, I often bring a small first aid kit that includes pain relief, tums, tampons, bandaids, etc. I have needed it every single time for myself, client, case team, witnesses.