Don't Worry Be “Appy” Valuable Legal and Productivity Apps for

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Don’t Worry Be “Appy” Valuable Legal and Productivity Apps for Don’t Worry Be “Appy” Valuable Legal and Productivity Apps for

Attorneys Attorneys

Thomas J. Striepe

University of Georgia School of Law Library

, [email protected]

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Don’t Worry Be “Appy”

Valuable Legal and Productivity Apps for Attorneys

Thomas “TJ” Striepe

Alexander Campbell King Law Library

University of Georgia School of Law

Athens, GA

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TableofContents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1

What is an “app?” ............................................................................................................. 1

Okay, why do I need to have these “apps?” ..................................................................... 2

Lawyers and apps ............................................................................................................. 2

General Productivity Apps .................................................................................................. 3

Note Taking Apps ............................................................................................................. 4

Penultimate [Free – iOS ] ............................................................................................. 4

NoteShelf [Free – iOS] ................................................................................................. 4

OneNote [Free – iOS, Android, Windows Phone] ....................................................... 4

Notability [$6.99 – iOS] ............................................................................................... 4

Evernote [Free – iOS, Android, Windows Phone] ....................................................... 5

Pdf Annotation Apps ........................................................................................................ 5

GoodReader [$4.99 – iOS] ........................................................................................... 5

Xodo [Free – Android] ................................................................................................. 5

Document Storage ........................................................................................................... 5

DropBox and Box [Free – iOS, Android, Windows Phone] ......................................... 5

Document Signing Apps .................................................................................................. 5

PDF Expert [$9.99 - iOS] ............................................................................................. 5

Other Essential Productivity Apps .................................................................................. 6

Documents to Go [Free – iOS, Android, Blackberry] .................................................. 6

LogMeIn [Free – iOS, Android] ................................................................................... 6

Feedly [Free – iOS, Android] ....................................................................................... 6

1Password [iOS, Android] ............................................................................................ 6

Trello [Free – iOS, Android] ........................................................................................ 7

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IFTTT [Free – iOS, Android] ....................................................................................... 7

ScannerPro [$3.99, iOS] .............................................................................................. 7

Dictate + Connect [Free Version, $16.99 iOS; $9.99 Android] .................................. 7

Legal Productivity Apps ...................................................................................................... 7

Courtroom Apps ............................................................................................................... 8

TrialPad [$129.99 - iOS] .............................................................................................. 8

Jury Selection Apps ......................................................................................................... 8

iJuror [$14.99 - iOS, Android] ..................................................................................... 8

Time Tracking Apps ......................................................................................................... 9

iTimekeep [iOS, Android, Windows] ........................................................................... 9

Time Master+Billing [$9.99 – iOS, Android] .............................................................. 9

Other Legal Productivity Apps ........................................................................................ 9

Case Manager [$34.99, iOS, Android] ......................................................................... 9

AgileLaw [Free (requires account) – iOS] ................................................................... 9

TranscriptPad [$89.99, iOS] ........................................................................................ 9

DocReviewPad [$89.99, iOS] ..................................................................................... 10

ABA Journal Daily News App [Free – iOS, Android] ................................................ 10

Cite-Checker [$2.99 – iOS, Android] ......................................................................... 10

Legal Research Apps ......................................................................................................... 10

FastCase [Free – iOS, Android] ................................................................................. 10

WestlawNext [Free (for subscribers) - iOS, Android] ............................................... 10

LexisAdvance [Free (for subscribers) - iOS] ............................................................... 11

Bloomberg Law [Free (for subscribers) - iOS, Android] ............................................ 11

HeinOnline [Free (for subscribers), iOS] .................................................................... 11

Law Stack [Free – iOS] ................................................................................................ 11

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Courtroom Objections [$2.99 - iOS] ........................................................................... 11

Miscellaneous Apps ............................................................................................................ 11

FindmyiPhone [Free – iOS]; Android Device Manager [Free – Android] .................... 11

Crackle [Free – iOS, Android] ....................................................................................... 12

Tunity [Free – iOS, Android] ......................................................................................... 12

NPR One [Free – iOS, Android] .................................................................................... 12

Streaks [$3.99 – iOS] ..................................................................................................... 12

Whitenoise [Free – iOS, Android] ................................................................................. 12

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Introduction

Whatisan“app?”

Everyone has heard of an “app,” but what exactly is it? Everyone has installed a

software program on your computer, whether it was Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader or an

internet browser. These software programs permit your computer to use its hardware to

assist you in word processing, reading documents, surfing the internet, etc.

Essentially apps are just software programs that are designed to run on your

smartphone or tablet. Apps allow individuals to leverage the software and hardware

inside their mobile devices so that they can use them to play games, watch videos, do some

work away from the office, or listen to their favorite radio station. These apps are either

designed specifically for your Android or Apple devices and thus there are Android Apps

and Apple Apps. Android apps are available for purchase through Google Play or Amazon

and as you as you probably guessed; Apple apps are available through the Apple App Store

(the “App Store”).

There are two different types of app platforms. There are mobile based apps and

internet based apps. The mobile based apps are downloaded to your mobile device

whether it is a smartphone or tablet and can be used anywhere by individuals whether

they are able to connect to the internet or not. These are also called “native” apps and are

directly operated by your mobile device. The downside of these native apps is that they

only will work on either an Apple device or an Android device; an app designed for an

iPhone will not work on your Samsung Android phone.

This is because each device runs different operating software. Apple uses iOS as

its operating system to compete with the Android operating system. Throughout this

paper I will refer to Apple apps as iOS based. Just like your Microsoft Windows computer

could not run a program designed for an Apple computer the Android and Apple mobile

devices are not compatible. Another downside of native apps is that they need to be

continuously updated as new versions of an app are created by developers.

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Okay,whydoIneedtohaveapps?

You need apps to make the best use out of your smartphone or tablet. Apps

increase the functionality of your mobile devices. Instead of just using your tablet to

browse the web or read books you can use it to work away from your desk. Instead of

using your phone to make calls, text, and surf the net you can use it to locate a procedural

rule.

Developers are continuously creating apps to meet customer needs however

unique they may be. Therefore, developers have created a multitude of apps to help

attorneys in their professional responsibilities. This paper will describe various apps that

will be beneficial to you in your daily life. It will first review some general productivity

apps that will assist you in general day to day tasks, the paper will then provide some

productivity apps that have been created specifically for legal practitioners. Finally, the

paper will discuss some legal research apps and let you know about some miscellaneous

apps that will assist you in your personal life.

Lawyersandapps

Lawyers’ use of smartphones and tablets continues to increase. According to the

ABA’s 2016 Legal Technology Survey, 93.5% of lawyers use a smartphone. Of those

lawyers who are using smartphones 73% preferred the iPhone, 23% used an Android

based phone and the rest of smartphone users owned a Blackberry or Windows based

phone.

Lawyer’s use of tablets only increased slightly during 2016 by 1% (from 49.6% in

2015). There was a large increase between 2012 (33%) and 2013 (48%), however, it now

seems that the increase in use of tablets is flattening out. Most attorneys (84%) are using

an iPad. For attorneys not using an iPad 10.1% use an Android device and 1.4% are using

the Windows surface.

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GeneralProductivityApps

Even though these apps are not designed specifically with attorneys in mind, they

will provide you with tools to allow your smartphone or tablet to be more effective. The

apps below will let you take notes, annotate documents, and improve your ability to

perform work on your mobile device.

While lawyers continued to download legal-specific apps like WestlawNext, Lexis,

TrialPad and TranscriptPad, they also frequently downloaded general productivity apps.

Here are the most popular general productivity apps downloaded by attorneys during

2016, I will discuss most of these in more detail below:

App

Percenta

e of Law

ers

That Have on Mobile

Device

LinkedIn 70%

Dro

box 70%

Evernote 41%

GoodReader 14%

Quickoffice 13% (no lon

er available)

Docs to Go 13%

Box 12%

LogMeIn 10%

Notabilit

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

NoteTakingApps

There are some note taking apps that are simply like notebooks and there are others that

provide a number of features. I will describe a few of the more popular ones below, but I

suggest first downloading the free versions of these apps to determine which ones work

best for your needs.

Penultimate[Free–iOS]

This app allows you to transform your smartphone or tablet into a notebook. This app

was developed by the makers of Evernote so they have a very good reputation. This app

was designed to work with a stylus. After you have taken your notes you can then organize

them within notebooks. After your notes are organized they are fully searchable and can

be shared with your colleagues. Squid is a similar alternative for Android users.

NoteShelf[Free–iOS]

This app allows users to take notes, take audio-recordings, draw perfect shapes and

annotate pdf’s. This app also allows individuals to sign documents. This app allows you

to use your finger but works better with a stylus.

OneNote[Free–iOS,Android,WindowsPhone]

This note-taking app allows you to take notes, clip web pages, and capture photos. The

biggest advantage of this app over other note taking apps is that it has full integration with

Microsoft Office.

Notability[$6.99–iOS]

Even though this app is not free its features make it worthwhile. It has all of the features

of the free note-taking apps (type or write notes, clip videos and photos, and organize

them), but it also lets you annotate pdf’s. One of the great features of this app is the ability

to sync your written notes with an audio recording. If you are recording a presentation

or other matter you can tap a word or picture to see what the individual said at that

moment. LectureNotes is a similar alternative for Android users ($3.59).

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Evernote[Free–iOS,Android,WindowsPhone]

Evernote is one of the most popular note-taking apps for good reason. Not only does it

allow you to take notes, it allows you to collect articles, photos, and other documents; then

organize them. The app features text identification that can recognize handwritten and

printed text.

PdfAnnotationApps

GoodReader[$4.99–iOS]

This app not only lets you annotate on pdf pages, it also supports Microsoft Office

documents, HTML pages, audio and video. The new features allow you to add, delete and

rearrange pdf pages. This app will sync up with DropBox and OneDrive and has an

outstanding interface.

Xodo[Free–Android]

This app is a solid pdf reader and editor for Android devices. This app allows you to read,

annotate, sign and share pdf’s while syncing with Google Drive and Dropbox. This app

has consistently been rated as one of the top pdf annotators for Android devices.

DocumentStorage

DropBoxandBox[Free–iOS,Android,WindowsPhone]

These apps allow you to upload documents to the cloud and retrieve them from anywhere.

They both have similar functions and have free versions for a certain amount of storage.

Using these apps allow you to upload a document on your tablet and then retrieve it from

your home computer or phone or share it with others.

DocumentSigningApps

PDFExpert[$9.99‐iOS]

This app lets users, edit, annotate and sign pdf documents. Instead of printing, signing,

scanning and sending a document back, you can simply sign it on your mobile device.

Adobe Fill & Sign is an inexpensive alternative and is available for Android users as

well.

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If you are looking for more advanced electronic signature apps/software Adobe

EchoSign, Docusign, Cudasign and RightSignature all provide good solutions.

OtherEssentialProductivityApps

DocumentstoGo[Free–iOS,Android,Blackberry]

This app lets users view, edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint files on both

Apple and Android devices. This app also includes a desktop application, for both

Windows and Apple computers, so that you can synchronize between your office

computer and your mobile device. There is also a version that supports Google Docs, Box,

Dropbox, iDisk and SugarSync.

LogMeIn[Free–iOS,Android]

This app allows you to remotely access your PC’s and Mac’s from your smartphone or

tablet. This way you can control your home/office computer from anywhere. This app

also has premium versions that allow you to sync files with your desktop computer,

include printing features and provide for multiple users.

Feedly[Free–iOS,Android]

Everyone has their favorite blogs they follow. Whether it is for legal, business or world

news; entertainment; or updates on your favorite sports team, this app does an excellent

job of keeping you current. Feedly allows you to organize all of you favorite blogs into one

place. Simply download this app and then subscribe to the RSS feed from your preferred

blogs. Feedly also integrates with Facebook, Twitter, Evernote, Buffer, OneNote,

Pinterest, LinkedIn and others.

1Password[iOS,Android]

It is dangerous to use one password for all of your secure accounts, but it is difficult, if not

impossible, to remember all of the passwords you have. 1Password will create randomly

generated passwords and store them for you. It can also enter all of your passwords for

you automatically whether using your work PC, your iPhone, or your Mac at home. Also

take a look at LastPass and Dashlane.

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Trello[Free–iOS,Android]

This app allows you to have project management on the go. Track all of your current

assignments and projects simply by putting them in different columns on the easy to use

interface. This also can by synced with software on your desktop computer.

IFTTT[Free–iOS,Android]

‘If this then that.” This app connects all of your apps you like to make them more

productive. For example, you can use this app to automatically file receipts into a Google

Spreadsheet, automatically put your phone on vibrate when you get to work, or get a

notification when it is going to rain tomorrow. The IFTTT website has all sorts of

examples you can use with this app.

ScannerPro[$3.99,iOS]

This app can be used to scan in documents, receipts and images. Once documents have

been downloaded they can be sent via e-mail or to Google Docs or Dropbox. If you are

looking for an Android document scanner, GeniusScan (Free – iOS, Android) is a good

alternative.

Dictate+Connect[FreeVersion,$16.99iOS;$9.99Android]

Using your iPhone, iPad or Android device, you can turn your mobile device into a high-

quality dictaphone. This app allows you to rewind, overwrite and insert and has an easy-

to-use interface. There are also many options to share your recordings.

LegalProductivityApps

 Developers have seen a market in lawyers and some outstanding apps specifically

tailored towards attorneys have been created. At this point many of the apps listed below

are only available on Apple devices. However, this most likely will change in the future

as more developers begin to create apps for Android products.

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Most Popular Legal Apps from 2016 ABA Tech Survey

App

Percenta

e of Law

ers usin

estlawNext 3

Fastcase 34%

LexisAdvance 16%

al Dictionar

(

eneric term) 15%

TrialPad 14%

Transcri

tPad 6%

Courtlink 4%

LexisNexis Le

al News 3%

LexisNexis Get Cases & She

ardize 3%

HeinOnline 3%

Clio 3%

estlaw News 2%

CourtroomApps

TrialPad[$129.99‐iOS]

This app was specifically designed for attorneys to use their iPad in the courtroom.

TrialPad allows attorneys to organize, manage, annotate, and store their documents and

videos in their iPad. Attorneys can then display the documents in “presentation view”

which will show the content on the entire screen and transition between the documents

like a PowerPoint presentation. This app is consistently the leader in trial preparation

acts.

JurySelectionApps

iJuror[$14.99‐iOS,Android]

This iPad app was created for attorneys during jury selection and is currently the most

popular jury app available. This app lets the attorney add juror information based upon

where a juror is sitting, add notes as the trial proceeds, and has drag and drop features to

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select and drop jurors. It also allows you to keep statistics on the various juries that an

attorney encounters.

TimeTrackingApps

iTimekeep[iOS,Android,Windows]

This time tracking app has been designed to integrate with most billing and matter-

management software used by law firms. If your firm uses any popular billing software

packages this app will most likely connect seamlessly with it. This has received raving

reviews by lawyers but has some costs associated with it.

TimeMaster+Billing[$9.99–iOS,Android]

While this app is not designed specifically for lawyers, it has been reviewed favorably by

lawyers to be an inexpensive, easy-to-use app for tracking billable time while away from

the office.

OtherLegalProductivityApps

CaseManager[$34.99,iOS,Android]

This app was designed for sole practitioner and small firms who want to use their mobile

devices to organize their law practice. This app allows you to store all of the key

information about your case: pleadings, documents, notes, contact information, etc. This

app is not designed to compete with the expensive case management software but it is a

good, simple alternative for small firms.

AgileLaw[Free(requiresaccount)–iOS]

Allows you to upload, annotate and organize exhibits to be used at trial or a deposition.

This app permits multiple attorneys to access the exhibits from anywhere.

TranscriptPad[$89.99,iOS]

As the name suggests, this iPad app assists attorneys in reviewing transcripts.

TranscriptPad lets attorneys code issues, search text, prepare reports and organize

transcripts. Once the transcripts are uploaded into this app it automatically will fill in

information about the deponents, dates, case number and other identifying information.

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DocReviewPad[$89.99,iOS]

This app transforms your iPad into to a document review machine. It allows you to assign

bates numbering and assign built-in tags for confidential, privileged, responsive or

relevant. You can also create your own tags or issue codes and annotate the documents.

ABAJournalDailyNewsApp[Free–iOS,Android]

This app allows attorneys to read free summaries of the latest legal news. It also provides

access to the ABA Journal if you are a subscriber.

Cite‐Checker[$2.99–iOS,Android]

While this app was probably designed with law students in mind, this app provides the

Bluebook rules in an easy to understand manner. It has explanations and examples for

statutes and cases at the federal and state level.

LegalResearchApps

These apps are designed to let you research legal issues while away from the office.

Some of these are through fee based subscriptions like Westlaw and Lexis. However,

there are a lot of free apps available that provide access to primary laws. The good news

is that most of these apps are available for both Android and Apple devices.

FastCase[Free–iOS,Android]

As members of the Georgia Bar you are familiar with FastCase. This legal research

database, which is free to Georgia Bar members, has developed an app so that you can use

this database on your mobile device. This app has won many awards for its intuitive

design and interface. This app will allow lawyers to locate statutes and cases from

anywhere.

WestlawNext[Free(forsubscribers)‐iOS,Android]

For those of you that subscribe to WestlawNext, there is a free app that allows you to use

this legal database wherever you go. The research you perform on your mobile device is

fully synchronized with your account, so when you get back to your office the research will

be up to date on your office computer. This allows researchers to search cases, statutes,

regulations and even treatises that are within their subscription.

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LexisAdvance[Free(forsubscribers)‐iOS]

Just like WestlawNext, LexisNexis has developed a free app for its next generation

database, LexisAdvance. For subscribers of LexisAdvance, this app allows researchers to

search for applicable cases, statues, regulations and treatises that are within their

subscription. 

BloombergLaw[Free(forsubscribers)‐iOS,Android]

Bloomberg Law has quickly become a competitor to Lexis and Westlaw. It has also issued

a new app that allows you to research all of Bloomberg Law including its BNA materials.

HeinOnline[Free(forsubscribers),iOS,Android]

HeinOnline gives users access to a wide variety of legal materials including journals,

statutes, and treatises. University of Georgia Law Alumni now have free access to the Law

Journal Library through the Law School’s Alumni Portal at:

https://www.law.uga.edu/cgi-bin/alumni/portal/home.pl

LawStack[Free–iOS]

Law Stack describes its app as “a legal library in your pocket.” It contains the

Constitution, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure,

Federal Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and Federal Rules of

Criminal Procedure. DroidLaw is a great alternative for Android users.

CourtroomObjections[$2.99‐iOS]

This app provides lists of common objections and responses. The app organizes the

potential objections into various categories and has a easy-to-use interface.

MiscellaneousApps

FindmyiPhone [Free – iOS]; AndroidDeviceManager[Free–Android]

These are essential apps for any mobile device user. These apps allow owners of

smartphones and tablets to logon to a computer and locate the specific location of their

devices if they are ever misplaced or stolen. These apps also allow owners to remotely

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lock the device or remove data from it in the event that it is lost. You never know how

valuable these apps are until you cannot find your phone or tablet.

Crackle[Free–iOS,Android]

This is one of the few apps that lets individuals watch movies and television shows for

free. There are over 2o0 movies to choose from and it also includes popular old television

shows and original series like, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” Please note that this

app requires an internet connection.

Tunity [Free – iOS, Android]

If you are at an airport or a restaurant and want to hear a television show when it is

muted, then Tunity is your answer. Just point your camera at the TV and the app will

locate the audio for the TV program.

NPR One [Free–iOS,Android]

This recently updated app is a great way to listen to NPR anywhere. It can also be

configured to your local station so you can continue to hear local news while you are

away from home.

Streaks[$3.99–iOS]

Have a New Year’s resolution? This app will keep you on task. This app tracks your

habits and records when you achieve (or miss) a goal.

Whitenoise[Free–iOS,Android]

Having trouble falling asleep? This app plays rain, airplane engines, waves, fans, and

other noises to help you fall asleep.