A timeline is intended to demonstrate a series of entries across a range or specified duration. It doesn’t have to be fancy, the goal is for it to be effective.

Ideally, the overall message of the information should be drawn, either directly or implicitly, from the content presented within the boundaries of the timeline. Every area of the law can benefit in one way or another from the presentation of case related events in a visual form, and a timeline can be an excellent choice for condensing time-related information. Fortunately, accomplishing this task doesn’t require a Master’s in Fine Art or software that costs a small fortune. Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 can empower any user, regardless of their comfort level with design or the facts they seek to express, and can assist in creating a visually appealing “infographic.”

In this article, we will explore the resources you need to develop a basic timeline within PowerPoint, as well as a step-by-step guide which demonstrates how to create a simple and effective product. While this timeline might not have all of the “bells and whistles” that we might normally use during a trial, it is geared toward showcasing the extensibility of PowerPoint in creating a timeline that could be used for any occasion, from a trial or mediation to a Markman hearing. Read the rest of this entry »