LEGAL VIDEO! WHAT YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW     Most attorneys have heard of legal video. Some have even used it; most often for depositions. But using video only for depositions is like using a computer only as a calculator: it can do the job very well, but it has the potential to do so much more. Legal video is the same in that the uses are limited only by the imagination. A videographer, properly trained and certified by a legal video organization such as the American Guild of Court Videographers, can be an invaluable ally in building and presenting your case. Let's explain some of the more common uses for legal video.   Settlement Documentary: commonly called a Settlement Brochure, the American Guild of Court Videographers prefers the term "Settlement Documentary" because it's a more accurate description of the video production. Usually presented by the plaintiffs in a civil case, the settlement documentary is a video summation of one side of a case. It is very biased presentation that can use music, mood lighting, narration, accusations, explicit images, sobbing relatives, etc. There are no restrictions what so-ever on what can be presented or how it can be presented. Let's make this clear from the start; The settlement documentary is not meant to be presented in a court of law as evidence. It is to be used in pre-trial hearings or mediation as a video presentation of the strength to compel a quick settlement. Your certified videographer is a part of your team and should pull all the stops to produce a powerful production. The attorney has the final word as to content, style and presentation and the finished production. Nothing is seen by the other side until the hiring attorney says so. Often, the settlement documentary carries so much emotional "firepower" that the opposing attorney is quite enthusiastic about a quick settlement. Day-in-the-Life: also referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADL), are almost always used in personal injury cases, and are a truthful and unimpeachable video production documenting the actual daily activities and how the incident in the plaintiff's life has affected their ability to function. The ADL is effective as a tool to provide judges and juries a true reflection of the daily struggle (therapy, treatment, handicaps) the client must face as a result of the alleged injury or incident. Video Wills: often overlooked by estate planning attorneys, the video will can help eliminate some of the problems that sometimes affect the smooth resolution of a contested will. When performed properly by a certified videographer, the video will can: Show the mental and physical condition of the testator: The testator can explain their decisions in the will to the camera:    Eliminate the question of authorship. The process is pretty simple. The videographer shoots the reading of the will by the testator and records the execution of the document. The original tape (or DVD) is left with the attorney to use in the event the will is later contested.   Expert Inspection: Some products fail or have a design flaw. And for the purposes of our discussion, we'll call this product a "widget." It's often not difficult to bring an expert into the courtroom with the widget in question and, while -­holding it in one hand, demonstrate to the jury its flaws or point out certain features. But what if the item is a train, office building or hydro­electric dam? How do you bring this evidence into the courtroom to show to the jury? Especially if it moves or makes a sound, a video may be the perfect answer. The expert can crawl on, poke, examine and explain everything about the evidence on videotape to be presented later to the jury. The different uses of legal video are limited only by the imagination and cunning of the savvy attorney. Legal videographers often are embraced by attorneys because they can help present a more compelling case, and can save law firms thousands of dollars and days worth of time in taking depositions. Judges typically like legal videography because it "speeds up litigation and the courtroom process." What earns ongoing business and professional respect, is flawless performance and a wide range of services. One mistake can get an expensive case tossed out of court. By blending skills in videography, production and editing, computers and a solid understanding of court and trial requirements, legal videographers provide precise services popular throughout the justice system for producing effective unimpeachable results. Call us, ADVOCATE CERTIFIED VIDEO for ideas or advice about your video needs and the best way to showcase your client's case.  Remember, in legal video, "seeing is believing".