By Eileen Burkhalter Smith 

“Please contact an administrator to unlock the computer.”  This pop-up message gave me a major heart attack recently when it refused to allow me to unlock my lap top right before a closing argument in a jury trial.  The lap top had been working fine, and while I hated having to unlock it every time, I had been a little proud of myself for getting it done pretty smoothly.  I had set up the lap top, screen, and projector in the courtroom the Friday before a Monday trial, and I had actually practiced switching between the devices.  I had handwritten notes on which buttons to push, how to zoom in and out.  Then, inexplicably, the lap top would not unlock!  At the worst possible time!

Anyone experience this?  I think one of the most important things in a trial or deposition is to have a second option.  This applies to evidence and witness questioning, of course, but also to technology.  I was completely panicked because my closing argument involved a video, and I had no back-up for that.  It turns out that I had typed the username wrong, and after I took a second (which felt like 37 minutes) to assess what was going on, I realized my gaffe, and got the lap top going.  But what would I have done if it really was locked?

Not all of us can have the natural ability, like Mr. Venditte, to immediately adapt to what steps up to the plate.  But what we can do is try to anticipate these technology failures (or, um, butter fingers) and have a Plan B.  A dry erase board, writing pad, extension cord, and extra light bulb can be the best defense to these panic attacks--even a friendly opposing counsel might work in a pinch.  Next time, however, I am bringing an Administrator.  Or maybe just an extra lap top.