At IMS, we believe our people are our greatest asset. In honor of our incredible team, we are thrilled to go “beyond the bio” and share the personal stories of employees across our organization.
As members of the trial presentation team, Jody Blair and Julia Hofman provide crucial support to clients and flawless presentation delivery in the courtroom. The two “Honor the Relationship” with clients and “Operate as One” within their department to ensure that our clients’ needs are exceeded, and duties are executed with precision. Read on to learn how Jody and Julia became experienced technicians, their favorite memories, and the value of IMS.
Jody Blair, Senior Technology Consultant II
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I was a former paralegal and wanted to further progress in my career. I worked on a lot of trials but never had the opportunity to attend one until my last couple of years as a paralegal. In those years, members of the Precise team saw me in court and offered me a job. It was a great decision.
Q: How did you find/why did you choose IMS?
A: The Trial Division of Precise, Inc. was acquired by IMS in January 2023. While the transition was a little intimidating, I am beginning to really enjoy IMS. I enjoy the complexity of cases that I have been given this year as a newer IMS team member. I have worked up many large cases in my time, and it is nice to be able to see them through trial.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: I love having a new team every couple of weeks. It keeps my job and life interesting. I would get bored being in a sedentary position doing the same thing every day. I appreciate that my teams value my opinions and trial experience.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am proud to see my teams winning in trial and using my input. It makes me proud to be able to provide that type of support in addition to just the technical abilities that all trial technicians must have.
Q: Are there any stories/memories you would like to share?
A: I worked on a corporate sexual harassment case where a female was an auto mechanic and was harassed by employees and managers at a national autobody shop. We were able to impeach the owners at every turn during the trial. It was a very rewarding experience for me to help a young female, who was being taken advantage of, win her case, help gain her confidence back, and, not to mention, win a monetary award that will help further her career.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: The broadness of IMS’ services and ability to provide so much support to its teams is something that sets us apart. Every department offers a variety of services that are helpful to our clients.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: Once I am a part of a team, I think I am dependable, and a good communicator. I know my job well, and I love the collaboration with the clients. In this way, I offer “Ownership Thinking” to projects I work on with departments and “Honor the Relationship” with clients.
Q: If you were an attorney-client (or an expert witness), what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: I think having communication between jury services, graphics, and trial services is very valuable. The more we remain a one-unit team and share information between each department, the more the trial presentation team grows and gains more knowledge. The interconnection of service lines at IMS really helps the trial tech team members become more capable in their positions.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: My favorite case to work on at IMS was the work I conducted with the 3M group on the McCabe v. 3M case. The group involved were some of the top attorneys in the United States. They are a very smart and positive group of individuals. It was an absolute pleasure working with them and I would love to work with them again.
Julia Hofman, Associate Technology Consultant
Q: How/why did you get into this industry?
A: After graduating from the Art Academy in the Netherlands, specializing in graphic design and filmmaking, I relocated to the United States. It was there that I discovered the opportunity to become a video specialist at Precise, Inc. Though unfamiliar with this specific role initially, I was captivated by how well it matched my skill set. Scott Johnson, current IMS Trial Presentation Manager, introduced me to trial graphics created by the Precise, Inc. team, shifting my focus from graphics for fiction to assisting clients in visualizing their narratives within litigation. This marked my entry into the industry, starting with deposition videography and gradually evolving into a trial consultant crafting trial graphics. The acquisition of the trial division of Precise, Inc. by IMS further broadened my horizons in a supportive work environment.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: The Trial Presentation department does so much more than presentation duties only. I find value in the diverse array of behind-the-scenes tasks and the travel opportunities it entails. These tasks exist of technological knowledge and physical work when setting up courtroom equipment, creative brainstorming for optimal graphics, animations, and audiovisual elements, as well as the high-pressure moments of trial presentation, demanding constant vigilance and presence in the hot seat.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Our team consistently excels in crafting opening graphics—a task that involves condensing the entire case into visuals for a jury to quickly comprehend. It is often a challenge, especially when clients want to include a substantial amount of information. However, we continuously rise to the occasion, adeptly creating comprehensive visuals that convey more than words alone. Creating these graphics and presenting them during trial is immensely fulfilling. When I first joined Precise, Inc., my colleagues showcased their interactive timelines, illustrating a vast array of information. I was thoroughly impressed by their depth and detail. Today, I find myself doing the same. It is amazing how what once astonished me has become part of my regular contributions to our trial presentations.
Q: Are there any stories/memories you would like to share?
A: Upon joining the team, my colleagues displayed considerable trust in me despite the challenges I faced. Having recently relocated from the Netherlands, a place where biking and public transportation are widely used instead of cars, I arrived in the US without a driver's license or a comprehensive understanding of the American legal system. Despite these initial obstacles, I assured my team that I would swiftly resolve these matters to become self-sufficient in travel and work responsibilities–a commitment I fulfilled. Throughout this transitional period, my colleagues generously supported me by offering rides and accommodating my needs. I deeply appreciate their focus on my capabilities rather than dwelling on temporary practical issues. Their trust enabled me to further evolve in my role and eventually acquire my first car. This experience allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: At IMS, we offer a wide range of services, and our greatest strength is how well different teams work together. It is not just about meeting a client's needs for a specific case. We keep a record of client preferences for future cases and share that information with our team. This way, everyone stays informed and is ready to help our clients in the best possible way as their needs change.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: The values of “Operate as One” and “Humble Confidence” mean a great deal to me. These values emphasize the importance of working together seamlessly and staying grounded. My growth in this role has been shaped by the incredible support and guidance from my team. Their mentorship has given me confidence in my work to interact directly with our clients, armed with the knowledge and skills I have gained. However, whenever I encounter a challenging situation or need advice, I am not hesitant to turn to more experienced colleagues for help. I am always eager to lend my expertise and support to others as well. It is all about supporting one another to achieve our collective goals.
Q: If you were an attorney-client (or an expert witness), what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: I believe our clients find immense value in the wide-ranging services that we provide. Our team has diverse skills and rich experience, allowing us to go above and beyond to meet our clients' needs. If a client has a specific request, we strive to accommodate it seamlessly. Whether it involves trial consultants creating graphics or animations on the fly or when a request falls outside my expertise, we have exceptional team members ready to step in and precisely deliver what the client requires.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: Since we work with all kinds of technology, I think we will see plenty of innovations in the future with certain types of software or hardware replacing current processes. Especially with the uprising of AI in the creative industry, particularly its potential to expedite on-demand graphics. However, I am more intrigued by the legal implications, particularly in trials involving AI and copyright matters.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: I have primarily worked on regional medical malpractice cases in most of my trials, and I truly enjoy handling these types of cases. They offer incredibly rewarding experiences and a deep dive into the medical field. Aside from my role as a trial technician, I particularly enjoy being involved in cases that require my expertise in 2D animation work.
Learn More
Thank you to Jody and Julia for their dedication to our team and the clients and experts we support. Together, we win.
Visit the links below to meet the IMS team and read more about our culture and career opportunities.
