Trial Prep · May 2025
The Modern Attorney's
Trial Prep Checklist
with AI tools for every step
Most trial prep checklists tell you what to do. This one tells you what to do, why it matters, and which tools handle it in minutes instead of hours. From two weeks out to the morning of — here's a complete, actionable pre-trial workflow for the modern attorney.
🛠️ Tools referenced in this checklist:
🛡️ ShieldDrop
Metadata removal
Metadata removal
📑 CaseBrief
Case analysis + cheat sheet
Case analysis + cheat sheet
⚖️ TrialMind
AI trial preparation
AI trial preparation
🎙️ VaultDictate
Deposition transcription
Deposition transcription
🔗 ChainKeep
Chain of custody
Chain of custody
⏱️ DeadlineCalc
Filing deadlines
Filing deadlines
2 Weeks Before Trial
☐ Strip metadata from all exhibits and documentary evidence
Prevent opposing counsel from extracting author names, GPS, or draft history from your exhibits
ShieldDrop
☐ Run document inspection on all Word files before converting to PDF
Document Inspector in Word reveals tracked changes that survive PDF conversion
ShieldDrop
☐ Verify expert reports for embedded metadata
Expert reports often come from outside the firm with uncontrolled metadata
ShieldDrop
☐ Complete AI case analysis and print trial brief
Identify case strengths, contradictions, and evidence gaps before it's too late to address them
CaseBrief
☐ Run cross-examination scenarios for all key witnesses
Generate exhaustive cross-exam questions you may not have considered
TrialMind
1 Week Before Trial
☐ Generate opposing counsel's likely opening statement
Knowing what they'll say lets you counter it in your own opening and closing
TrialMind
☐ Run full weakness analysis on your case
Identify and prepare for the strongest arguments against you
TrialMind
☐ Research controlling case law for anticipated objections
Objections with FRE citations ready instantly — don't be caught off guard at the bench
TrialMind
☐ Prepare state-specific filing checklist
Every jurisdiction has specific procedural requirements — verify yours
TrialMind
☐ Transcribe all key deposition recordings
Searchable transcripts let you pull exact quotes instantly during trial
VaultDictate
☐ Document all physical evidence with chain of custody entries
Gaps in chain of custody are a standard defense attack — be airtight
ChainKeep
Day Before Trial
☐ Print the day-of counsel cheat sheet
4-panel quick reference: strengths, watch-outs, key witnesses, attack points — all at a glance
CaseBrief
☐ Final metadata sweep on any documents exchanged in the last 48 hours
Last-minute document exchanges are the most common source of inadvertent metadata disclosure
ShieldDrop
☐ Run redirect rebuilding on cross-exam predictions
Prepare redirect questions that rehabilitate witnesses after anticipated cross attacks
TrialMind
☐ Calculate all remaining deadlines and file any pre-trial motions
Missed pre-trial deadlines can result in sanctions or exclusion of evidence
DeadlineCalc
Day Of Trial
☐ Verify all exhibits are metadata-clean before handing to clerk
Clerks scan and digitize exhibits — metadata travels with them into the court record
ShieldDrop
☐ Keep cheat sheet at counsel table for quick reference
Strengths, weaknesses, witnesses, and attack points — at a glance during testimony
CaseBrief
☐ Record any witness statements or proceedings (with permission)
Instant transcription for immediate review — never scramble to find a quote again
VaultDictate
All 6 tools. One suite. Free to try.
Every tool in this checklist is available in ShieldDrop Legal Suite. Zero data retention. Files never stored on our servers.
Launch ShieldDrop Free →