Mind Mapping for Litigation

Magnus Boyd, a UK litigator specialising in defamation, privacy, and reputation protection, demonstrates how mind mapping supports litigation strategy, client communication, and case management. Drawing from nearly two decades of legal practice and a personal history with dyslexia, Magnus shows how mind maps can simplify complexity, improve client understanding, and enhance collaboration across legal and technical teams. His examples range from high-level process overviews to detailed case analysis and negotiation tools. Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:04:31] Background & Approach to Mind Mapping – How dyslexia shaped a top-down thinking style and preference for visual structuring in legal work. [00:08:10] Abstract Business Skills – Time management, organisation, negotiation, presentation, project management, and business development applications. [00:14:13] Litigation Overview Map – Explaining the stages, timelines, costs, and critical “hotspots” in litigation to clients. [00:23:41] Case Analysis & Gap Identification – Using mind maps for claim analysis, comparing pleadings, and identifying evidential gaps early. [00:34:52] Letter Before Action Map – Employing mind maps as structured thinking tools for drafting high-impact initial correspondence under time pressure. [00:40:57] Data Breach Response Map – Coordinating legal, cybersecurity, and intelligence teams in time-critical GDPR breach scenarios. [00:44:20] Settlement Negotiation Map – Structuring negotiations, identifying common ground, and visualising trade-offs in defamation dispute settlements. [00:52:10] Live Client Personalisation – Annotating maps in real time to reflect case-specific details and client input. [00:56:18] Strategy & Perspective Shifts – Reversing or reorganising maps to visualise the opposing party’s position. [00:57:18] Tools & Security Considerations – Preference for MindManager in professional settings due to security concerns over cloud-based mapping tools. Featuring: MindManager