Trial lawyers are finding out that litigation technology empowers them and their support staff, giving them capabilities they never had before, increasing their performance, and improving their ability to communicate better with their clients, opposing counsel, mediators, or judge and jury.

Rapid advances in computer technology, such as high speed processors, robust operating systems, and increasingly sophisticated litigation software have forged a more level playing field. Litigation technology allows small firms more affordable access to communications, research, computing and electronic filing resources once only enjoyed by large firms with the deepest of pockets.

For instance, computers are no longer an option for Trial Lawyers.

The fusion of computers and multi-media technology means the "electronic courtroom" starts during discovery. The way cases are prepared and tried will never be the same again.

Computers have had a 26-year record of successfully tracking, compiling and presenting data. But, there is a significant difference between data and useful information. By itself, the number 8917211 has no meaning. If used in a phrase like: our phone number is 891-7211, or your verdict is $8, 917, 211 that number takes on a new meaning. Data presented within this context is useful information.

Trial Lawyers now have many electronic tools for communicating information.

• The Internet: supplements your traditional research resources; it is a quick and inexpensive way to find recent federal and Michigan cases, government information, factual information on any subject, and to locate experts and their opinions. E-mail allows you to communicate easily with business clients and fellow attorneys through in-house Intranets. Increasingly, law firms are using the Internet and World Wide Web to supplement their marketing efforts, and attract new clients.
• Document Imaging:  capture text, audio and video by electronically scanning them into a data base on individual CD-ROM discs. A typical CD-ROM holds up to 20-thousand pages or hundreds of electronic images and exhibits for instant retrieval during discovery, depositions, mediation, settlement or at trial.
  
• Computer-Aided Visual Evidence: seek out case theme consultation, visual evidence evaluation, development and preparation of computer-designed exhibits to be used in preparing for discovery, depositions, ADR, mediation, settlement and at trial.