Trial Notebook: A Step-by-Step Guide for Paralegals and Associates

Lisa M. Szyc | Backus Burden

I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I attended law school at North Carolina Central University School of Law. I was admitted to the Nevada bar in 2009. Over the years I have practiced in the areas of criminal defense, family law and general civil liability. I have extensive bench and jury trial experience and think being a litigator is one of the best parts of being a lawyer. When I am not advocating for my clients I am actively involved in giving back to my community in various philanthropic endeavors.

I. Early Preparation Strategies | 2:00pm – 2:20pm

• Importance of early preparation in trial success
• Establishing timelines for gathering materials
• Identifying key documents and evidence
• Strategies for effective communication with the legal team
• What is the purpose of your trial notebook (there can be more than one)

II. Checklists and Organization Techniques | 2:20pm – 2:40pm

• Creating comprehensive checklists for trial preparation
• Organizing materials logically (e.g., by witness, exhibit, or theme)
• Techniques for minimizing clutter and ensuring vital information is included
• Tips for maintaining version control of documents
• Have you looked at the Pre-trial Orders?

III. Mastering Electronic Trial Notebooks | 2:40pm – 3:00pm

• Popular electronic trial notebook software and tools
• Features to look for in electronic trial notebooks
• Integrating electronic documents with physical materials
• Strategies for using technology effectively in the courtroom
• Have you properly trained your attorney?

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

IV. Maximizing Trial Notebook Utility in the Courtroom | 3:10pm – 3:40pm

• Techniques for quick access to information during trial
• Strategies for presenting evidence effectively using the notebook
• Adapting to the dynamic nature of courtroom proceedings
• Maintaining organization under pressure
• What you leave out can be as important as what you include- do not put everything and the kitchen sink in your trial notebook
• Be mindful of privileged information- in the notebook in the courtroom

V. Case Studies and Real-World Applications | 3:40pm – 4:10pm

• Analyzing successful trial notebooks from various cases
• Lessons learned from trial experiences
• Discussion of common pitfalls and how to avoid them