Barbara brings four decades of experience in presentation and information consulting to Magna Legal Services, offering unparalleled expertise for corporate and litigation communications. Her unique background, starting from the nascent days of computer graphics, positions her as a crucial asset in preparing litigants for trial.
In 1977, Barbara began her pioneering journey as the first woman on the West Coast to become a computer graphics artist at General Electric’s Genigraphics. This GE division revolutionized the presentation graphics industry, laying the groundwork for software giants like PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. Barbara was at the forefront of this technological shift, mastering computer-generated art and even developing training programs for fellow graphic artists within GE. Her foundation in Fine Arts and Theatre from Indiana University Bloomington, complemented by a minor in Music, provided a rich and diverse skillset that would later define her approach to visual communication in the legal field.
Early in her career in Los Angeles, Barbara collaborated with C-level executives across diverse sectors, creating countless visuals for industries ranging from banking and aerospace to entertainment and technology. Her client portfolio spanned utilities, food, data processing, marketing, M&A, scientific, military, CAD, legal, medical, manufacturing, and public agencies. In 1985, she established her own company, continuing to serve top-tier clients, including nascent networks like Fox Broadcasting, where in 1993, she crafted the presentation instrumental in Fox securing NFL broadcasting rights from CBS, marking the birth of Fox Sports.
Since 2003, Barbara has dedicated her career to litigation, contributing to over 500 trials for both plaintiffs and defendants. As a strategic litigation communications consultant, she specializes in high-stakes, complex litigation across civil, federal, and occasionally criminal cases, including SEC hearings, arbitrations, and mediations. Her role within trial teams involves in-depth evidence analysis and strategic development of compelling presentations. She is also adept at managing the “hot seat” in court, providing real-time support and adjustments to visual strategies.
Barbara’s extensive litigation experience encompasses a wide array of legal domains. She has been involved in landmark eminent domain cases, large-scale public construction projects, public agency litigation, particularly concerning California water law, intellectual property disputes, class actions, MDLs, and general corporate litigation. Her expertise extends to cases involving banking, technology, bioscience, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, securities, entertainment, aviation accidents, product defects, insurance, employment disputes, negligence, toxic tort, wrongful death, civil rights, and construction defects.
Her broad industry exposure during periods of rapid technological advancement has equipped her with a unique ability to quickly grasp and create effective presentations for diverse and complex subjects. This is particularly invaluable in litigation, where simplifying intricate information into targeted and easily understandable visuals is crucial. Barbara frequently assists expert witnesses in refining their presentation materials and has authored graphics for numerous opening statements and closing arguments. She is also a published writer on the impactful use of graphics in trial settings.
As a sought-after panelist for organizations like CAOC, ABOTA, and CAALA, Barbara regularly presents on trial presentation strategy and visual communication, offering CLE sessions on demonstrative evidence and effective trial storytelling. Her coaching and guidance empower corporate executives and attorneys to enhance their presentation skills for maximum impact. Through Magna Legal Services, Barbara’s profound expertise is readily available to legal teams seeking to enhance their litigation strategy through clear, compelling, and strategically designed visual communication.
