As an active TrialDirector Certified Trainer and in-court specialist, there are several techniques that I continually employ which save time, assist in quality control and offer a significant advantage. Among the dozens of steps and pieces of advice one could impart, these five top tips can assist professionals who regularly use the software. These tips are focused on strengthening case preparation, verifying database and image path integrity and customizing the interface to the specific needs of the case.
Use ImageSleuth. Regularly.
I have personally worked with TrialDirector databases as small as 250 images and as large as 500,000. The location of these images, typically referred to as the “path,” is of paramount concern when presenting evidence in court. Are all of the images that have been loaded into the database referencing the appropriate locations? Are the image file formats valid and standardized? ImageSleuth, a built-in utility within TrialDirector, enables the user to verify the location and presence of images that exist within the database. The user can select a specific folder for verification or the entire project folder, and TrialDirector will sequence through and present a report upon completion. I typically perform an ImageSleuth verification after loading new data, or to verify the maintained location of the information each night.
Shorten all file paths – use C:\CASE
There is a temptation to place a case folder on the Desktop, however this results in a lengthy file path (i.e. C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\CASE). This complicates the file pathing of the images and requires one to remember the precise placement of lengthy file paths. Never a good idea. Instead, an easier approach is to name a folder on the root of the C:\ drive with the client:matter number, such as C:\ABC-L4. TrialDirector will create its own folder within this location, and it will include all of the necessary database files (.mdb, .key, .cms, etc.) that enable the database to operate. A .dat file will be created in the folder just above, thus containing all the database information one would need within the C:\ABC-L4 location.
Customize the toolbar to address the needs of the case
When in Presentation Mode, each case has unique demands. I have personally consulted on cases where the redaction tool is completely unnecessary. However, the most common tools, such as the highlighter, call-out, fit-to-page, zones, and page:line transcript search, should always remain. Prior to the start of each case, discuss with the trial team exactly which aspects of TrialDirector will be utilized. Although the thought may be geared toward the elimination of icons, you may find that features that are inactive by default will need to be included within the standard layout. Once the toolbar has been customized, save the .tlb file in the case folder.
Email an .oll load file to yourself nightly
At the conclusion of each trial night, I typically export the most recent version of the loaded data in an .oll (Object Load List) and email the small file to myself as an attachment. In the event of an issue with the database, or the need to transfer the images to another computer without a copy of the case file, the most recent .oll can be used with a complete copy of the images to create a new database. As an added bonus, since I also copy it within the body of the email itself, I have the opportunity to review the .oll in my email when in transit or in an instance where using my laptop would be cumbersome. This enables me to spot potential problems within the database, incorrect volume names, page breaks or missing file parameters that could otherwise go unnoticed until it becomes a significant problem.
Utilize individual workbooks
TrialDirector includes a dedicated workbook feature, so as you prepare for trial presentation, specific resources and assets can be assigned to a group. In Presentation Mode, the workbooks appear on the left side of the toolbar, and are divided by the name(s) of the workbooks. Including items in a workbook is easy – simply drag case related content from the library and release when hovering over a workbook. Experienced consultants stray away from the workbook feature primarily because they are aware of the fluid nature of presenting digital evidence. However, there are several items that could be included in specific workbooks to streamline the process. For example, an individual workbook could contain all of the transcripts from the case, or include a specific exhibit that will frequently be relied upon. I typically create a workbook of opposing counsel’s demonstratives – this enables me to instantly recall a graphic that could have been used without needing to remember the DDX/PDX number.
Related posts:
