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Collaboration

JuryBinder supports multi-attorney collaboration on the same case without a shared server. You and co-counsel each work independently on your own copy of the .jbinder file, then merge your contributions when you're ready.

Because no data passes through a server, sharing and merging happen directly between devices — by email, AirDrop, a shared network drive, or any other file transfer method your firm uses.

For real-time collaboration during voir dire, see Real-Time Sync.

How collaboration works

  1. Lead counsel creates the case and works in the .jbinder file as usual.
  2. Lead counsel shares the file with co-counsel (email attachment, AirDrop, USB drive, etc.).
  3. Co-counsel opens the file on their device. JuryBinder prompts them to set up their identity (name, email, and attribution color) if they haven't already.
  4. Each attorney works independently — adding notes, flags, favorability ratings, and oral voir dire observations. Each contribution is recorded under their identity.
  5. Co-counsel sends their copy back to lead counsel using the same transfer method.
  6. Lead counsel merges the files by selecting Merge Partner File from the overflow menu and choosing co-counsel's .jbinder file.

After the merge, both attorneys' contributions appear in the case file, color-coded by contributor.

Merging a partner file

To merge a co-counsel's work into your case file:

  1. Open your copy of the case in JuryBinder.
  2. Select Merge Partner File from the overflow menu (⋮).
  3. Choose the .jbinder file your co-counsel sent you.
  4. Review the merge summary, which shows:
    • The incoming contributor's name, email, and device
    • A summary of incoming changes (for example, "23 notes added, 4 jurors flagged, 2 strikes recorded")
    • Any conflicts detected between your work and theirs
  5. Select Accept Merge to apply the incoming changes, or Cancel to abort.

After the merge completes, the combined case file contains both attorneys' full contribution history. If any conflicts were detected (for example, contradictory strike decisions), the most recent change wins automatically. You can correct any status in the main view after accepting the merge.

What merges automatically

Most data in JuryBinder is additive — your notes don't overwrite co-counsel's notes; they stack alongside each other. The following types of data merge without conflict:

  • Notes (general and per-question)
  • Flags (manual and auto-flagged)
  • Favorability ratings
  • Oral voir dire flags and comments
  • Flag rules

Each contribution retains its author attribution and timestamp.

Conflict resolution

A conflict occurs when two attorneys make contradictory changes to the same binary state — for example, one attorney strikes a juror while the other seats them.

When JuryBinder detects a conflict during merge, it resolves it automatically using the most recent timestamp. The merge summary shows which changes won so you can verify the result. If the automatic resolution isn't what you want, you can correct any juror's status directly in the Selection view after accepting the merge.

Stale file detection

If you open a .jbinder file and JuryBinder detects that your working copy (in the browser's local storage) is newer than the file you're opening, it displays a prompt showing the dates of both versions and asks which you want to use.

This prevents you from accidentally overwriting recent work with an older file — for example, if co-counsel emailed you a copy from yesterday while you continued working today.

Identity and attribution

Each attorney's contributions are tagged with their identity:

  • Display name — shown next to every note, flag, and rating they create
  • Color — a distinct color from an eight-color palette, used to visually separate contributions in stacked notes and flags
  • Email — used to match identities during merge

To update your identity, select the colored dot and your name in the header to open Settings.

Choose distinct colors when collaborating

If you're working with co-counsel, coordinate your attribution colors so each person's contributions are easy to distinguish at a glance. JuryBinder's eight-color palette is designed for this purpose.

Changes to your display name apply everywhere

If you update your display name in Settings, the change applies to all existing and future attributions in the case file. Past contributions display your updated name immediately.

Tips for a smooth collaboration workflow

  • Create the case on one device first. Share the .jbinder file after the case is set up and the questionnaire is imported.
  • Merge frequently. The more often you merge, the fewer conflicts you'll encounter.
  • Use real-time sync in the courtroom. If your team is in the same room, Real-Time Sync is faster and easier than exchanging files.
  • Use the Clean Export for opposing counsel. When you need to share juror data externally, use Clean Export (for court) from the overflow menu to produce a clean file with no work product. Never share the .jbinder file outside your team.
  • Back up before merging. Save a copy of your current .jbinder file before importing a partner file, so you can revert if needed.