How Litigators are Using the iPad to Better Serve their Clients

by Tony Rushin

As reported in the ABA Journal [July 8, 2011 Litigators Provide iPads to 20 Clients, to Help Them Stay Connected to Cases],  last year two litigators at the Phoenix, Arizona law firm, Fennemore Craig, provided iPads to 20 clients in their biggest cases. Corporate clients generally have smart phones and other cutting-edge technology, but working class individuals often don’t.

The iPads help clients keep track of what’s happening and keep the 180-attorney firm informed of developments. One client found it useful to take photos of the scene of her accident and Skype with her lawyers. The iPads also make it easy for clients to reach their legal team. Using Google voice, a single toll-free number rings the desk and cell phone of every member of the team until someone answers.

 

“They are always able to reach us. That’s a big criticism of lawyers that sometimes we’re just not accessible. When [our clients] have an issue and need help, we are available for them 24/7. It makes a profound difference in their life,” says partner Marc Lamber.

As reported on LegalNews.com [April 12, 2012 Finding New Ways to Use the iPad to Help Try Cases], Dan Friedlander, a business and real estate litigator, used the iPad to do some legal research while in court recently. During arguments on a motion in limine in an unlawful detainer case, the opposing counsel argued Friedlander’s client couldn’t evict its commercial tenant, which was in bankruptcy, and cited a case Friedlander was not familiar with.

Equipped with his iPad and WestlawNext app, Friedlander asked the judge if he could review the case on the spot. “I read the case — it was not a long case — and within five minutes I was able to address opposing counsel’s arguments,” said Friedlander of Klein Friedlander in Westlake Village, California.

Friedlander won the motion for his client.

There’s a reason 67 million iPads (up 17 million since January) have been sold. Have you purchased yours?

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Tony Rushin: In his role as VP of sales & marketing, he is responsible for hiring, managing and coaching the sales team and always staying on top of (and meeting) the needs of clients. Under his leadership, the company has steadily grown each year.

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