The Role of a Trial Consultant

Hot-Seat Operator

  • Trial consultants–also known as hot-seat operators and trial technicians–are a valuable resource to any trial team. Freeing the trial teams to focus on all other aspects of the trial, the hot seat operator is laser focused on everything to do with the trial’s visual presentations.

  • Most non-millennials will remember the 1939 musical fantasy “The Wizard of Oz” in which Dorothy and friends are in search of the great and mighty Oz. In one key scene – having found Oz – Toto pulls back the green silk curtain to unveil that the wizard is not great nor mighty, but a diminutive old man pulling levers and pushing buttons. ‘Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!’ he shouts. While this phrase has likely never been uttered in a courtroom, a successful trial lawyer will have a wizard or two hidden behind a figurative curtain.
  • Your hot seat operator is your Oz behind the curtain: pushing buttons and pressing levers to make your story come to life, all while being invisible to judge and jury.

  • Operate all presentation hardware and software.
  • Synchronize videos/transcripts on-the-fly.
  • Create and organize the exhibit database to maximize impact at trial.
  • Work with trial counsel and witnesses to perfect their trial presentation.
  • Plan and set up the electronics in the war room and courtroom.
  • Run a flawless in-court presentation and provide instant access to any piece of evidence.
  • Pull key evidence on-the-fly during opening statements, closing arguments, and during witness examinations.
  • Create and present impeachment video deposition excerpts on-the-fly.

Let’s take a deeper look at the skills hot seat operators bring to the table. Keep in mind that as the experience level increases, so will the price point. However, this is an area where paying for experience will pay off in the long run.

As technological advances become more mainstream, an increasing number of trial judges (and jurors) are not only encouraging, but expecting, courtroom technology. The old-school way of doing things is out and smartboards, flat screen monitors, wireless and multi-screen displays, document cameras (Elmos), digital microscopes, you name it, are in.

In fact, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) recently held its annual Court Technology Conference 2023, touted as the most advanced court technology exhibit show in the world.

At their most recent conference, several industry experts discussed the future of technology in the courtroom.

When the stakes are high and the pressure intense, you need someone you can trust who can keep calm and perform.

Here are some of the expected skills of a seasoned trial tech:

Trial Presentation Applications

  • Knowledge of PowerPoint and other trial presentation software (i.e. OnCue, Trial Director, etc.)

Court and War Room A/V Equipment

  • Ability to set up and tear down A/V equipment.
  • Experienced operators can troubleshoot most A/V issues and communicate solutions concisely and quickly.

Video Depositions

  • Perform video edits on the fly.

Openings and Closings

  • Create and edit PowerPoint slides for Openings, Closings, Witness examinations, Other oral arguments.

Trial Exhibits

  • Group relevant exhibits and testimony clips on the spot.

Deposition Synching

  • Perform a video/transcript synch on the spot and load it.

Don't get caught with your pants down!

  • Anticipate your attorney’s needs at all times!
  • Be ready to pivot at any given time.

Outlines and Testimony

  • Follow witness outlines and testimony when available but always ready pull anything on the screen on the fly! Trials are never static!

Give your 2 cents

  • Advice your team on the effectiveness of the presentation (is the jury bored and falling asleep or are they taking notes and nodding in agreement).

War Rooms

Technology needs for war rooms depend on many factors.

Trial Preparation

Attorneys need to be organized and prepared.

Trial Tech

Best practices for working with a Trial Tech Specialist.

Let’s Make Things Happen

Seamless setup of the trial team’s war rooms and coordination of audiovisual equipment within courtrooms.

Contact me for more details.

Gerard Buitrago
Trial Consultant
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