The iPod, iPhone and iPad changed how people communicate and do business, and this is true in the legal profession, as well. Lawyers are always on the go and need tools to stay in touch with the office, as well as the courts.
The five apps outlined below can be of help. All can be found and purchased in the app store. You might want your iPod Touch white to keep the defense looking innocent or perhaps a black iPhone if you’re the prosecution. Let us see what Apps we have for your device.
Fastcase
The free Fastcase app offers primary law access for federal law and every state. This includes statutes, cases, constitutions, court rules and regulations. Nothing is downloaded to the device, so the app reduces data usage, saving the user money.
Black’s Law Dictionary
Good for lawyers and law students alike, this app provides 45,000 legal terms, 7,000 of which come with audible pronunciation. It also bookmarks, allows for linking between definitions and uses West’s key numbering system. The Blacks Law app costs $54.99 but is invaluable.
iPleading
Created by a lawyer to reduce frustration, iPleading creates a formatted PDF document that is ready for filing in federal or state court. The details can be filled out on the fly and the document sent immediately as an email attachment. At the low cost of $3.99, this app is a must have.
Audiotorium Notes
Audiotorium Notes was not designed for lawyers but can still be very helpful. Aside from recording audio and taking notes, it syncs with Dropbox for easy cloud storage. All notes are sorted by subject and category, and the app will record even if other apps are being used. Audiotorium Notes costs $4.99.
Trial Pad
This $89.99 app is very pricey but delivers in a big way. It allows a lawyer to present trial exhibits in court through the use of a projector. One handy feature is the ability to make copies of a file in order to show different points of view. All files are organized in case folders for easy access, organization and annotation. Trial Pad is best for litigators but anyone in the legal profession might find it handy.
The iPhone revolutionized how professionals work and the iPad is expected to take it to the next level. The five apps listed above can help law students and lawyers do their best work.
About the Author: Daniel Fenu is a graphic designer, and writer based in the UK. Loves all things Apple. Come and say hello to him on Twitter @danfenudesign.
