Hot seat operator, trial technician, trial presentation specialist,  courtroom presentation specialist—a rose by any other name is just as critical to helping you gain a winning edge. Today’s trials, whether bench or jury trials, rely on complex technology with audio, video, slideshow, and other presentation files woven throughout arguments and testimony. 

Technical emergencies, delays, or fumbling with electronics can interrupt your flow and damage the appearance of your team’s competence. That’s where a hot seat operator comes in, handling all the technological trial equipment to allow you to focus on presenting your case effectively. 

Pre-Trial and Trial Duties of Hot Seat Operators

The “hot seat” in the job title refers to the more common definition of someone responsible for important or difficult things.¹

A trial presentation specialist, or hot seat operator, manages all the trial equipment and showcases graphics, documents, and other presentation components that support and illustrate your trial arguments and themes. Just as a stage play requires technicians to run the lights, soundboard, curtains, and backdrop, your trial technician manages the sound, lights, images, and other elements that help you tell a story. 

Hot seat operators’ responsibilities begin, however, well before the first day of trial.

Pre-Trial Support

Although the job title refers to someone who’s on task during the trial, there are many preparatory functions that hot seat operators fulfill. These include: 

• Presentation database – Establish and manage a trial presentation database with annotations and synched files that can be accessed as needed. Add, organize, and update data and files under trial team direction.

• File preparation – Scan and load documents and graphics, label and organize digital files, annotate and highlight files, edit deposition video and audio clips, convert files to consistent and preferred formats, and synchronize deposition transcripts to video.

• Technology preparation – Research jurisdiction and venue technology, plan for specific courtroom logistics, provide equipment and presentation software recommendations, and consult on trial graphic presentation formats and options.

• Practice and mock trial support – Facilitate practice run-throughs and mock trials, and troubleshoot any issues or strategic changes. Learn more about the benefits of mock trials in our guide. 

Trial Functions

During a court trial or other legal proceeding, trial technicians aren’t there to simply press “play” and “pause” buttons. They’re tasked with: 

• Technology setup – Inspect, test, connect, and adjust all hardware and software needed during trial, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Ensure sound levels and on-screen visuals are clear and appropriate. Bring backup equipment. 

• On-site operation – Provide a seamless presentation of exhibits and evidence during trial through the operation of software and audio/visual equipment to share documents, graphics, videos, and other evidence timed to the legal team’s arguments and witness evidence. 

• Fast-change response – Stay alert and attentive in order to perform file annotations, quick changes, and on-the-fly adjustments to presentation content or order.

• Troubleshooting – Have help desk support on speed-dial, know who to call for hardware failures, connectivity issues, or software glitches. Be prepared to facilitate alternative evidentiary presentation if technology troubleshooting fails. 

• Impeachment support – Search, edit, clip, and annotate multimedia files quickly to act as evidence related to impeachment actions that arise during trial. 

• Database and file management – Take direction from trial teams to provide annotations, adjustments, or additions to the files and data as the trial proceeds or to wrap up the case.

Hot Seat Operation Skills and Background

Realtime, expert management of a wide range of file types, database and presentation software, connections across varied hardware, platforms, and operating systems, and A/V equipment spanning decades are all part of what ensures your trial runs smoothly.

While they may have certification in specific software, there are no particular credentials related to hot seat operation. What you’re looking for is a combination of: 

• Technology skills across a range of A/V and computer equipment
• Presentation, database, and specialty software expertise
• Multimedia graphics skills
• Experience creating and managing prior presentations and databases

Plus court-specific experience: 

• Familiarity with courtroom protocol and scheduling across multiple jurisdictions
• Understanding of courthouse logistics and judicial preferences around the country
• Experience in a range of venues and technological presentation setups

Additionally, you’ll want someone in the hot seat who has the ability to improvise and act quickly in a high-pressure environment.

Sources: 

1. Cambridge University Dictionary. in the hot seat. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/in-the-hot-seat