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BUSINESS SKETCHING FOR LEGAL CONFERENCES, STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETINGS AND TRAINING.

Legal Sketchpad promotes the use of basic visual tools in legal communication. As direct as possible, as low tech as possible.

Hand drawn sketches are like magnets: they attract people’s attention and energize the moment. They easily become the focal point of a conversation, discussion or presentation. From this place, people naturally engage in a conversation about a legal topic and start asking questions. Now they are willing to invest their time and energy to develop more understanding of the legal information, that matters to them.

Hand drawn explanations raise the energy level of both the presenter and the audience. Somehow, the shared human experience of making sense of complex concepts and information is literally visualized on the spot.

The size of the paper will define the role and the power of the sketches. It depends on what you need. Just a reminder on the side, or a central screen of information and interaction for the meeting. Or something in between. Sketching on a notepad with pen, during a meeting, is the most basic approach. Using a flipchart or whiteboard in a conference room is another way. For online meetings this could be done with an online whiteboard tool. In courtrooms, a flip chart easel will make a big difference. It’s a natural and highly persuasive visual aid. Or you could go even bigger: to a mural size paper, 4 by 8 feet or larger. This size works supportive for strategic planning, brainstorming, case mapping and the facilitation of mediation sessions. A shared – simplified – image of a specific topic contributes to effective problem solving and decision-making.

Ideally, drawings are made on the spot, to create a real-time experience. You could do this yourself, or work with a graphic facilitator. But there are many other approaches on the road to mastery. It works best to plan ahead. The lay-out of flipcharts can be prepared in a thumbnail sketch, the content can be mapped out during preparations. Details will find their place during the meeting. Take the time to answer questions like this: What is the essence and how can this be explained in a visually logic manner? For high-stake presentations, inside or outside the courtroom, flipcharts could be pre-charted and copied during the presentation.

Lawyers don’t need to have great drawing skills, but they may need to stretch their comfort level in a different form of art: the art of connecting with others via a very humble communication medium, while still standing strong in legal expertise and professional skills. When it goes smooth, people are impressed by the relaxed and confident presentation. If not, people still will be impressed since they are part of the process of creating meaning and feel engaged on different levels.
Low tech, high touch.

On the flipchart page I am building a collection of examples, columns and hands-on tips.
Examples and stories from the legal community are very welcome.