Anatomy of a Trial Binder

1.0 CLE (+ 3.0 Free Bonus CLE)

Experienced trial paralegal Linda McGrath-Cruz provides a comprehensive lesson on trial binders and paralegal toolkits. In this course, we’ll discuss the following:

  • The purpose and importance of the trial binder.
  • The various formats you may want to consider and the pros and cons of each.
  • We will provide a step by step explanation of exactly what should be included and the critical information needed to transform a so-so trial binder into a case changing gold mine of information.
  • We will go into detail about witness information necessary, whether its contained within the trial binder or in separate witness binders.
  • To make sure you are ready for every scenario, we will go over juror notebooks as well.
  • Finally, we’ll discuss what you should and should NOT include in your paralegal toolbox.

You will walk away with the confidence and skills needed to prepare a trial binder that your trial team will be impressed with, even if you’ve NEVER made one before!

As part of this program, you will also receive copies of my personal trial preparation tools including: trial binder index - simple and expanded versions, general and master trial preparation checklists, trial toolkit contents list, exhibit log, over forty potential jury questions, jury summary forms and seating charts, witnesses binder index, witness checklist, information sheet and subpoena letter and lots more. You will receive all of these valuable materials in Word format so you can get a jump-start and wow your trial team!

BONUS - You'll receive a list of trial related sample time/billing entries to make sure you are capturing all of your billable hours during the chaos of trial prep!

BONUS - You'll also receive two special bonus programs - ExhibitView for Paralegals and TranscriptPro for Paralegals - approved for 1.5 CLE each!

About your Speaker

Linda McGrath-Cruz is a premises liability paralegal in the Risk Management department of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Inc. Linda has worked as a paralegal in the area of products liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice and premises liability defense since 1997 and specializes in discovery and trial practice. She is a NALA Certified Paralegal holding ACPs in five practice areas, is a Florida Registered Paralegal and in 2017, she obtained her Masters in Paralegal Studies. You can learn more about Linda on her website: http://miamifrp.com/about-linda/

Please visit this link for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our CLE: http://miamifrp.com/cle-faq/


ExhibitView for Paralegals

This comprehensive seminar will walk paralegals through ExhibitView, a presentation software designed for use at hearings, mediation and trial. Working knowledge of this system will allow paralegals to play a stronger and more integral role in these proceedings, rather than forcing them to rely on outside vendors. Some of the topics in this instructional seminar include:

  • How to navigate ExhibitView’s user interface
  • How to organize documents in “hot docs” and witness folders
  • How to use “drag & drop” technology for quick presentation of exhibits
  • How to annotate and mark up exhibits and videos using tools such as higlighting, pen tools and call-out zoom in advance or during live presentations
  • How to work with transcripts and synchronized video depositions

TranscriptPro for Paralegals

This comprehensive seminar will walk paralegals through TranscriptPro, a transcript management software which allows paralegals to manage, review and work with deposition transcripts.

Some of the topics in this instructional seminar include:

  • How to navigate TranscriptPro’s user interface
  • How to create a case and load deposition transcripts and videos
  • How to used advanced search functionality to find words or phases globally or in a single transcript
  • How to edit video depositions to create and export video segments or clips
  • How to identify key testimony using colors and shortcut keys
  • How to create and export reports and other data

Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE)

NALA: This seminar is approved by the Certifying Board of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) for 1.0 CLE substantive continuing legal education credit required to maintain the CP or CLA credential.

FRP: As approved by NALA, this seminar meets the requirements under Rule 20-6.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for 1.0 hour of continuing legal education credit required to maintain the FRP credential.

NFPA accepts substantive CLE hours bearing NALA accreditation.

Please note: Topics such as law office management, computer training, and other law-related topics are considered by NALA to be under the non-substantive category, which is limited to 10 hours per five-year certification period.

CLE Credits from this program are pre-approved by NALA and can be used for your CLE requirements with any other associations which accept credits that hold NALA's approval. A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of this program. It is the students responsibility to ensure NALA approved credits will be accepted before signing up.

If you aren't sure, please e-mail [email protected] for assistance.

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