We are Now Exhibit One

From Cogent Legal to Exhibit One — a natural evolution that reflects our expanded vision, deeper capabilities, and sharper focus on transforming case strategy through powerful visual storytelling.

Cogent Legal evolves and expands into two separate and specialized companies

Cogent Legal expands into two specialized firms—Cogent Legal and Exhibit One Creative—to provide expert jury research, trial strategy, and visual storytelling services.

Visual Strategy for High-Stakes Litigation

At Exhibit One, we transform complexity into understanding. Our visual strategists uncover the core narrative behind every case and translate it into persuasive visuals that connect logic with emotion — revealing the defining story that moves decision-makers.

our services

3D Animation

Recon, Surveying, Site Inspections, Product Inspections

2D Illustrations, 3D Animation, Treatment Chronology, Film/Record Review, Film Colorizing, Procedure Animation, Surgical Animation

Timelines, Charts/Graphs, Corporate Disputes, Patent/IP/Trademark, Business Tort, Employment, Opening/Closing PowerPoints, Liability & Damages Presentations, Exhibits/Demonstratives, Expert Witness Support

Evidence Preservation, Recon, Surveying, Site Inspections, Laser Scanning/LIDAR, Drone Photogrammetry

Equipment Rentals, Hotseat, Trial Presentation, Mediation/Arbitration/Trial Support

Day in the Life, Settlement Videos, Video Editing, Deposition Editing, Audio Mixing, Color Grading, Narrative Construction

Theme/Theory Analysis, Opening and Closing Arguments, Witness Evaluation

Highlighted LITIGATION EXPERIENCE

TRUSTED BY BOTH SIDES

Our team brings balance and perspective to every case, providing clear, compelling visuals that communicate complex information effectively—no matter which side of the courtroom you’re on.

01

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

From accident reconstructions to injury mechanisms and causation visuals, we bring clarity to complex events and their human impact.

02

Medical & Healthcare Litigation

We simplify medical evidence with precise anatomical and procedural graphics. These illustrate standards of care, alleged deviations, and outcomes.

03

Construction & Product Liability

Whether illustrating construction defects or product failures, we clarify design, process, and safety issues.

04

Business, Corporate & Contract Disputes

We distill complex transactions, agreements, and financial data into clear visuals that reveal relationships, responsibilities, and decision points.

05

Employment & Insurance Litigation

From workplace disputes to coverage claims, we visualize timelines, communications, and policies to highlight patterns, obligations, and credibility.

06

Intellectual Property & Securities Litigation

We translate technical concepts, creative works, and financial data into understandable visuals that expose infringement, intent, and accountability.

07

Transportation Litigation

We bring clarity to complex accident data, vehicle dynamics, and event timelines, helping factfinders understand how incidents unfolded.

08

Criminal & Law Enforcement Litigation

Our team brings objectivity and clarity to high-stakes cases, illustrating timelines, evidence, and actions in criminal and law enforcement disputes.

Portfolio

Every case tells a story.

Our portfolio is where strategy meets design — a showcase of how clarity, precision, and persuasion come together to change the outcome.

From medical malpractice to intellectual property, from financial disputes to product liability, each project reveals a single story:  when complexity meets clarity, credibility follows.

From Complexity to UNDERSTANDING

Every case has a defining story at its core — the moment, the fact, or the turning point that shifts perspective and shapes the outcome. At Exhibit One, our process is designed to uncover that story and make it visually undeniable.

Investigate

We dive deep into your case materials to find the story beneath the evidence.

Structure

We clarify testimony and turn data into meaning so jurors follow the story without losing focus.

Simplify

We craft narratives that do more than explain. Every visual we produce shapes the verdict.

Persuade

We work side-by-side with your experts to ensure every visual aligns with your story.

When the Stakes Are Highest, They Trust Exhibit One

We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. Here are a few accolades we’ve received over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started with Exhibit One graphics

My case isn’t visual. So why do I need litigation graphics?

This is a common misconception that we hear with some regularity. While many attorneys may not consider themselves to be visual learners, they are clearly the exception, not the rule. In fact, it is human nature for a judge or jury to lose focus and grow weary over the course of hours of testimony. Our brains are hardwired and very adept at filtering out unnecessary information or “noise.” Studies have consistently shown, however, that people are highly stimulated by visual aids—making the use of a quality visual imperative if you are to maintain the judge’s or jury’s attention throughout your presentation and cause them to remember it long afterward. Ultimately, what drives the need for graphics in a case is not necessarily the underlying subject matter, but rather your audience’s need to see the facts and argument as well as hear them. In effect, every case today is a visual case.

Every kind! From the highly complicated to the most basic, we can do it all. We craft graphics for any type of case, from construction defect to criminal law. Our work products include 3D animations, architectural renderings, e-briefs, graphs, timelines, photography, videography, maps, and more.

This is a perfect scenario for a well-developed timeline of events. We can create an interactive timeline with photographs, documents, video, and other images embedded in the timeline. We can create this demonstrative in a digital form for presentation purposes, as well as creating a blow-up posterboard demonstrative for use in the courtroom.

Whether you need help crafting an opening or closing argument, creating demonstratives from scratch, or enhancing something that has previously been created, look no further than Exhibit One. Our team of legal professionals has a wide array of litigation experience. With our team of in-house graphic designers and medical illustration artists, we provide a hands-on approach to working with both you and your experts. We strive to be conscientious about your budget and alert to the timing of your case. We’ve been in your shoes, and we’re here to help you present your case with confidence.

Absolutely not! You always want to augment what is spoken with a visual aid or two. Even a simple graphic will afford jurors something to look at and focus on while they are listening to what you are saying—a significant aid to retention and understanding. In a modern trial, it would actually be unusual not to introduce visual aids. Whether you yourself are a visual learner or not, you can communicate visually to your jurors with the help of our creative team, who specialize in crafting graphics for any audience.

From the first phone call or meeting, our attention is on you and your needs. We will come up with a strategy, a budget, and a timeline for getting your project completed. Sometimes, completing your project means working with your client, your experts, and other witnesses. We’re constantly collaborating with your team in developing a strategy for presenting your demonstratives and using them at trial to maximum effect. We’re always available for updates and will also provide updates to you as our work progresses.

Our company’s founder is a former trial lawyer and someone who thinks about issues of admissibility constantly. We want to be able to make sure your investment is protected from admissibility challenges so you get what you paid for.
There are two big issues with getting a jury to see your demonstrative graphics: (1) foundation and (2) notice to the other side.  As to foundation of any diagram or animation, when you start with a laser scan, a judge can easily determine that the model is properly to scale.  Secondly, the earlier you create the demonstratives and provide them to opposing counsel, the less likely you will get an objection for being “sandbagged” at the last moment with new evidence. 

Our graphics tell a story from opening to closing. We’re constantly looking for ways to connect the jury with your case and its facts. We think about everything from color and font to the big picture, from the simple to the complex, to keep your jury constantly focused on what matters most to your case. Good graphic presentation is an ideal way to enhance the impact of your verbal arguments.

Our graphics speak for themselves in terms of their courtroom reach. Exhibit One’s work product has been featured in some of the most high-stakes litigation across the country. We have been aiding prominent litigators to persuade effectively for more than a decade, and our results-driven business proves it. No case is too big, and no case is too small. We know some clients don’t necessarily need as much assistance, and we are able to work with any budget to deliver the graphics warranted for your particular case. Our professional references attest to the value and quality of our work product. Please contact us for more information.

Absolutely not. Even if working with a creative team is outside your comfort zone, our graphic designers are very familiar with working with lawyers and determining what their needs are. We pride ourselves on providing fast turnaround and accuracy of information—two qualities every attorney appreciates. Furthermore, we are able to take as much time with you as you need to help guide you through our creative process.

latest News

A BOLD STEP FORWARD: Cogent Legal evolves and expands into two separate and specialized companies

Cogent Legal expands into two specialized firms—Cogent Legal and Exhibit One Creative—to provide expert jury research, trial strategy, and visual storytelling services.

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See the story unfold on LinkedIn.

Get a closer look at how we turn complexity into clarity – case stories, behind-the-scenes strategy, and insights from the Exhibit One Team.

Morgan Smith

Founder

Morgan is the founder of Exhibit One Creative, LLC, specializing in litigation graphics, and of Cogent Legal, LLC, the mock trial division. Both companies help trial teams turn complex facts into compelling visual stories that win cases. A former trial attorney with nearly twenty years in the courtroom, Morgan knows what persuades juries and judges alike. Since 2011, Morgan has grown the two firms into a trusted partner for top law firms across the country. His team combines design, strategy, and storytelling to make every case clear, credible, and unforgettable.

Audrey Murray

Chief Executive Officer

Audrey Murray has been a dedicated member of the Exhibit One (formerly Cogent Legal) team since 2014. She assumed the role of CEO in January 2025 and has over 25 years of experience in the legal field as both a paralegal and consultant. Audrey focuses on consulting and building client relationships, often crafting case strategy and developing themes with trial teams. She prides herself on her creativity, resourcefulness, and leadership skills. Audrey holds a B.S. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from the University of San Francisco. She is an avid equestrian, enjoys riding Dressage and jumpers, spending time at her family’s ranch in Northern California, and traveling for both business and pleasure.

Matthew Ritter

Chief Creative Officer: Visual Reconstruction & Design

Matthew has over 15 years of experience in 3D production and design, specializing in animation. He creates highly accurate, detailed designs using the latest technology, supporting high-value litigation cases. His precise visualizations play a crucial role in achieving favorable outcomes, and his dedication to detail ensures the highest quality in every project.

Jessica Weisman

Chief Creative Officer: Medical Visualization and Design

Jessica brings 19 years of experience in medical illustration, including public health publishing, instructional illustration, editorial illustration in major scientific publications, and pharmaceutical advertising. She has been with Exhibit One (formerly Cogent Legal) team for over 7 years, focusing mainly on personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Recently, she has expanded her portfolio into infographics for financial and institutional litigation cases. Jessica helps experts and attorneys create clear narratives that help explain complex issues for a lay audience.

Ryan Nichols-Roy

Project Manager / Senior Litigation Consultant

Ryan brings over two decades of experience in digital media and visual communication to the Exhibit One team. His diverse background in photography, videography, graphic design, and web development gives him a distinctive ability to transform complex legal concepts into clear, compelling visual narratives.

Before joining Exhibit One Creative, Ryan served as a Litigation Consultant for Cogent Legal’s Mock Trial division, where he conducted hundreds of mock trials and focus groups. This experience honed his understanding of juror behavior and decision-making, allowing him to anticipate how modern juries perceive and respond to visual information in the courtroom.

At Exhibit One, Ryan combines creative expertise with strategic insight to craft persuasive demonstratives, videos, and multimedia presentations that enhance clarity and impact. Whatever the medium, his goal is to simplify the message, strengthen the story, and help attorneys present their cases with confidence and precision.

Chris Conlin

Visual Designer / Director of Video Production

Chris is a talented visual artist with over two decades of experience across multiple disciplines, including traditional illustration, graphic design, motion graphics, 3D modeling, and video production. His experience allows him to solve problems, communicate, and motivate through multimedia. Chris creates compelling settlement and day-in-the-life videos for clients.

Jenna Lateano

Senior Designer

With multiple years of experience designing for human advocacy, Jenna applies her creative problem-solving skills and analytical eye for design to create compelling visual stories. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design, giving her an acute understanding of typography, design thinking, and brand language. Outside of her design career, Jenna has been recognized for her digital and traditional art.

Samantha D’Agostino

Executive Assistant

Samantha is a multifaceted Executive Assistant, providing high-level administrative support and ensuring seamless daily operations. With expertise in project management, operations, marketing, and communications, she coordinates complex projects, streamlines team workflows, and oversees communication flows. Her innovative mindset and exceptional organizational skills enable her to adapt quickly and make meaningful contributions toward achieving shared goals.

Liz Kelleher

Senior Trial Tech

Liz supports trial teams with in-court evidence presentation and technical services. With strong organizational skills, a calm demeanor, and quick reaction times, she makes courtroom visuals appear seamless and maximally effective. Whether attorneys need exhibits shown on the fly or a late-night witness outline prepared, she is ready to handle all of the challenges of “hot seat” from the war room to the courtroom.

Richie DeMarco

Senior Trial Tech

With over a decade of hands-on experience in trial presentation and legal technology, Richie partners with law firms to transform complex legal evidence into powerful, easy-to-understand visual presentations. Drawing from his background in paralegal studies and multimedia litigation support, Richie has a proven track record of increasing courtroom efficiency and case success through dynamic exhibit creation and streamlined trial workflows.

Thomas Almeida

Senior Trial Tech

Thomas Almeida has over 15 years of experience as a trial technician and litigation consultant. He has supported over 1,000 cases and hot seated well over 100 trials running the gamut of size, complexity and subject matter. Thomas’s deep experience with trial and court room technology allows him to jump into any situation and present evidence in a smooth, clear and compelling manner. His early career experience as a court reporter and litigation support technician provides him with an added wealth of expertise on a wide range of trial preparation logistics.

Julie Almeida

Senior Trial Tech

Julie is a Senior Trial Technician at Exhibit One with over 17 years of experience in the field. She has been educated in court reporting since 1989 and was previously in the court reporting industry between 1990-2001. Since her first trial in 2001, Julie has worked on well over 100 trials, arbitrations, mediations, and mock trials. Some of Julie’s case experiences include complex, construction defect, business, family law, and contract. She has been dedicated to doing anything that will make a positive impact within the trial which includes, but is not limited to, assisting paralegals and attorneys.

Felicia Almeida

Trial Tech

Julie is a Senior Trial Technician at Exhibit One with over 17 years of experience in the field. She has been educated in court reporting since 1989 and was previously in the court reporting industry between 1990-2001. Since her first trial in 2001, Julie has worked on well over 100 trials, arbitrations, mediations, and mock trials. Some of Julie’s case experiences include complex, construction defect, business, family law, and contract. She has been dedicated to doing anything that will make a positive impact within the trial which includes, but is not limited to, assisting paralegals and attorneys.

Tracy Scruggs

Senior Trial Tech

Tracy Scruggs began her legal assistance career in 2018 as the in-house Media and Audio Visual Director at Scruggs, Spini & Fulton in Santa Cruz, CA. She has served as a “hot seater” on cases resulting in over $38M in jury verdicts and has produced compelling settlement videos that bring client stories to life. Tracy manages all aspects of video production from client interviews to editing and integrating visuals and oversees AV operations for lengthy trials, including a $19.25M verdict against Caltrans, the largest wrongful death verdict in Santa Cruz County. She has also written press releases securing local media coverage and understands how to create visuals that resonate with juries. Tracy earned her B.S. from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2007.

Joe Cerda

Senior Trial Consultant

Joe is a Senior Trial Consultant with over 25 years of experience. His education and experience in his field are extensive. Joe currently supports “Hot Seat” trial presentation support, graphic creation, network support and various multimedia solutions. He regularly covers cases all over the country in Federal and State Court jurisdictions.

Tracy Scruggs

Senior Trial Tech

Tracy Scruggs began her legal assistance career in 2018 as the in-house Media and Audio Visual Director at Scruggs, Spini & Fulton in Santa Cruz, CA. She has served as a “hot seater” on cases resulting in over $38M in jury verdicts and has produced compelling settlement videos that bring client stories to life. Tracy manages all aspects of video production from client interviews to editing and integrating visuals and oversees AV operations for lengthy trials, including a $19.25M verdict against Caltrans, the largest wrongful death verdict in Santa Cruz County. She has also written press releases securing local media coverage and understands how to create visuals that resonate with juries. Tracy earned her B.S. from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2007.