top of page
Search

Live Court Hearing Support: Behind the Scenes as a Litigation Clerk

  • Writer: Kristy Mclaren
    Kristy Mclaren
  • Nov 15
  • 2 min read

Illustration of professional blonde woman in a blazer beside text reading “Supporting a Live Court Hearing: Behind the Scenes as a Litigation Clerk,” with bullet points referencing factum review, hyperlinking, CaseLines uploads, and document management during hearings.

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal.


Today, I want to share what clerking a live court hearing looks like from my chair, and how the right support can dramatically streamline counsel’s preparation and performance in court.


When your matter goes to a hearing, you do not just need strong legal arguments — you need flawless organization, clean records, and immediate access to every document, citation, and exhibit the moment the court requests it.


That’s where I come in.


Preparing for the live court hearing support in Ontario

When I am going to a live hearing, I begin with a full review of the factum, ensuring all caselaw and legislation hyperlinks are properly inserted and functioning. Where links are missing or inaccurate, I correct and complete them. I also prepare the factum in both Word and PDF formats to meet the court's and CaseLines (Case Centre's) requirements.


Ensuring CaseLines (Case Centre's) Perfection

CaseLines (Case Centre) can be powerful — or painful — depending on how it is handled. My preparation includes:

  • Hyperlinking the PDF index to each document in the brief

  • Verifying that every hyperlink worked

  • Uploading all required materials into CaseLines (Case Centre)

  • Double-checking that CaseLines (Case Centre) retained the links after upload

  • Mapping CaseLines (Case Centre) page numbers to assist counsel during submissions


This mapping ensures smooth navigation during oral argument - this minimizes the scrambling delays and the “one moment, Your Honour.”


In-Hearing Support

During the live hearings I have attended, I:

  • Navigate CaseLines (Case Centre) in real time

  • Pull documents instantly as referenced

  • Direct the court and counsel to the correct page numbers

  • Manage the case record behind the scenes so counsel stay focused on advocacy


Thanks to the behind-the-scenes prep, which is interactive with the lawyer, when hearing time comes and the lawyer needs to speak, I am right there with the document and page ready to share.


Why It Matters

Court time is precious and expensive. When your materials are perfectly organized and your digital workflow is seamless, you stay focused on strategy instead of scrambling for documents, and that is why I offer live court hearing support in Ontario.


Let’s Work Together

Whether you need support preparing for a hearing or hands-on assistance during it, I can help you:

  • Save time in preparation

  • Stay organized and confident in court

  • Reduce stress and improve efficiency

  • Focus fully on advocacy — not admin


If you want experienced hearing support that keeps everything running smoothly, contact me to discuss how I can assist your next matter and help you save time and money.


 
 
bottom of page