Shout Outs - Previous Podcast Guest Jeff Richardson for His Appearance on the iPad Pros Podcast!

an ipad can be a very productive tool in a lawyer’s tool belt! - But imho its still not a laptop replacement.

Recently, previous podcast guest, blogger at iPhone J.D. and co-host (with previous podcast guest Jeff Richardson) of In The News! was a guest on Tim Chaten's podcast iPad Pros! Jeff shares his love of Apple's mobile products as he and Tim discuss his insights on the transformative role of iPads in the legal field. As technology continues to evolve, attorneys are finding innovative ways to leverage these advancements to enhance their practice. Here’s some of Jeff's insights from the interview about how iPads are reshaping the landscape for tech-savvy lawyers.

The iPad Pro: A Game-Changer for Legal Professionals

Jeff's discussion highlights the iPad Pro as a pivotal tool for modern attorneys. Its versatility and power make it an ideal device for various legal tasks, from document review to courtroom presentations. The iPad Pro's portability allows lawyers to work efficiently from anywhere, whether they are in the office, at home, or on the go. This flexibility is crucial in today’s fast-paced legal environment, where the ability to access and manage information quickly can make a significant difference.

Key Features That Stand Out

1. Enhanced Productivity with Multitasking Capabilities

iPaid Pros Podcast's Embedded Youtube Link of the interview with Jeff Richardson!

The iPad Pro's multitasking features enable attorneys to work on multiple documents simultaneously, which is particularly useful during research or when preparing for a case. The split-screen functionality allows lawyers to compare documents side-by-side, making it easier to spot discrepancies or gather information efficiently.

2. Seamless Integration with Legal Apps

The iPad Pro supports a wide range of legal-specific applications that streamline various tasks. Apps like PDF Expert and Goodnotes allow for easy annotation and organization of legal documents, while cloud-based services like Dropbox and iCloud ensure that files are accessible anytime, anywhere. This integration enhances collaboration among legal teams, allowing for real-time updates and seamless communication.

3. Superior Display and Presentation Tools

With its high-resolution display and powerful graphics, the iPad Pro is an excellent tool for presentations. Attorneys can use it to deliver compelling visual arguments in court, utilizing apps like Keynote or PowerPoint. The Apple Pencil further enhances this capability, allowing for precise annotations and drawings directly on the screen, which can be especially useful during trials or client meetings.

4. Robust Security Features

Security is a top priority for legal professionals, and the iPad Pro does not disappoint. With features like Face ID and encrypted storage, attorneys can ensure that sensitive client information remains protected. Additionally, the ability to remotely wipe data in case of loss or theft adds an extra layer of security, giving lawyers peace of mind.

5. Continuous Updates and Support

Will pen & Paper go the way of the dodo birds! 🦤

Apple’s commitment to providing regular software updates ensures that the iPad Pro remains a cutting-edge tool. These updates often include enhancements to security, productivity, and compatibility, ensuring that attorneys can rely on their devices to meet the demands of their practice.

Jeff shares that the iPad Pro is more than just a tablet; it’s a comprehensive tool that can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of legal practice. As Jeff Richardson emphasizes, embracing technology like the iPad Pro is not just about keeping up with trends but about leveraging these tools to provide better service to clients and improve overall practice management. 

Enjoy and Happy Lawyering!

iPads still not the Laptop Killer ... yet ...

In recent years, I think many attorneys have been hoping to have the iPad replace their laptops. Laptops can be heavy and burden to lug around. iPads tend to be a bit lighter and bring more joy (at least to me and many who I speak with). The overall ease of use is great; but there is still one major issue - files!

Apple held its World Wide Developers Conference last Monday. It came out with its annual update to its various operating systems - MacOS and ideviceOSes (Now the iPhone/iTouch have a slightly different iOS than the iPad). Part of the announcement included an update to how files are managed on the iPads. Problem remains, searching through your folders for that one special file.

Sure, if you know where your file is then it’s not too troubling to move through your file tree. But if you have misfiled or not sure the exact name of the document, you will likely have a problem. On the computer, you can search folders, files and the contents within the files easily. But when you want to use the find function to look for just not the name but perhaps the details within the file (this is where OCRing your documents comes in handy - see my April 30, 2019, post), it’s not a simple effort. And I usually give up and get on the computer either remotely or onsite.

I’m not convinced the new update is going to adequately address the legal professionals’ concern about file management on the iPad. I can’t in good faith tell anyone that an iPad is (or will be in the near future with the release of iOS13) a laptop replacement for work.

You are better off with a laptop, either Windows or Macs. My iPad is primarily media consumption. But, I do experiment from time-to-time to see how or even if I can use it as a laptop replacement. So, for right now, the answer is “no”. As for the future, only time will tell.

iPads and Tablets in the Courtroom.

Jeff Richardson over at iponejd.com posted an interesting article the other day: The use of iPads by U.S. Fifth Circuit judges and law clerks.  I think it can be universally applied to both iPads and Tablets. While Jeff noted that only half of the judges on the CLE panel preferred iPads when reading their briefs, it appears that most if not all of their clerks prefer an iPad. And as that generation of clerks move up in their careers and leave behind a legacy of how work can be done while at the court, it seems to show that we lawyers need to make sure we are keeping up with technology. ABA Model Rules. 

Remember, we want to make the judges’ (and their clerks’) life easier: When the document contains links to legal citations or to the record and they don’t have to carry extra paper around the office or home, its makes their life a little less stressful. I would think this would allow them to read our briefs under better conditions and hopefully be more open to our persuasive arguments.