Trial Preparation and Courtroom Checklist

What a good one includes

• A master countdown timeline broken down by weeks and days leading up to the trial date to keep all preparation milestones on track.
• A dedicated section for motion in limine deadlines, jury instructions, trial briefs, and required local court administrative filings.
• A witness management tracker that includes subpoena status, preparation session schedules, and specific logistical details for their arrival at court.
• Detailed checklist items for organizing, numbering, and copying joint exhibit binders according to local judicial preferences and judge's rules.
• A courtroom technology inventory list to ensure compatible formats for digital presentations, adapters, and backup physical media are accounted for.
• A physical packing list containing extra office supplies, legal pads, chargers, and hard copies of key authorities.
• Daily wrap-up protocols to organize trial transcripts, refine the next day's witness outlines, and prepare daily bench briefs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Neglecting to cross-reference the specific judge's standing orders, which frequently override general state or federal civil procedure rules.
• Waiting until the week of trial to prep witnesses, resulting in rushed testimony practice and heightened anxiety for key observers.
• Failing to physically test courtroom technology and AV compatibility before the morning of the trial.
• Overlooking administrative tasks like printing sufficient exhibit copies for the judge, clerk, opposing counsel, and the witness stand.

Frequently asked questions