Apple’s latest update fixes security vulnerabilities in Safari and elsewhere, giving users enhanced protection from spyware and malicious WiFi networks.
For a complete list of all iOS 15 security features, watch the video or read this article available on Forbes.
It’s officially a wrap. Did you miss ABA TECHSHOW 2020? Get all the apps, gadgets, tech, and tips fit to print right here on Wakelet! Topics include:
While you’re at it, be sure to check out the TECHSHOW blog.
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis
It’s been a while since we talked apps. From the first iPhone/iPad educational tracks at the ABA TECHSHOW, iOS apps for lawyers have only grown. We’re an attractive market with money to spend, even if our profession tends to be slow in adopting new technology.
This begs the question: which new (or newer) apps are among the best? Which of the tried and true are still worth using? Check out my curated list of the top 20 most-mentioned apps for lawyers:
SmartDockets, DocketLaw, and CourtDaysPro promise to help users quickly and easily calculate deadlines using federal and state automated court rules. Choose the court, the trigger, the date and time, hit “Calculate” to get the result, and post to your calendar.
Looking for courtroom presentation software? TrialPad is the most popular kid on the block. The developer, LitSoftware, boasts “Whether you need to display a document in an evidentiary hearing, annotate a photo during a deposition, or compare, highlight, and call out two documents for a jury, TrialPad makes it easy. And while you can plug and play in the courtroom or the boardroom, you can also present wirelessly with AppleTV.” TrialDirector is free, and a good alternative if you have limited exhibits and no need to display video.
SquareRegister lands high on the popularity list, but isn’t the best when it comes to trust accounting compliance. Honestly, you’d be better off with LawPay or Headnote.
Jeff Richardson of iPhoneJD favors SignMyPad Pro for digital signature capture. I’m a fan of DocuSign and HelloSign, which integrate with some of the more popular cloud-based practice management programs.
If you care about secure client communications (and you should), eielegal is for you. It offers “encrypted information exchange,” thus the name, and also creates an archive of conversations. As you’ll recall from a post two years ago, texts are part of the client file and should be preserved. The eielegal app solves that problem, as does Zipwhip.
Dropbox remains the most popular app for file sharing and storage. While the standard version will get you far, the advanced version at $20/month is a great price point for unlimited file storage. Advanced data protection is available for both.
Want to read, markup, sign, and share docs? Consider iAnnotate.
Readdle Docs and GoodReader are the kings of file management – superior to iOS’ “Files” app. Both allow users to open, access, and work with files regardless of where they are stored.
Everyone loves the Fastcase app but if you’re looking for an alternative, consider Westlaw or LexisAdvance.
Sometimes free is best. The built-in iOS Reminders app does a stellar job of creating time- and location-based reminders. Tell your iPhone: “Remind me to call John Doe when I get to my office.” When you return, your iPhone will notice you’re in the office and remind you to make the call. Doesn’t get better than that!
All Rights Reserved 2019 Beverly Michaelis
I am certainly not the originator of this tip, but I am a fan.
If you need to find a serial number, read small text, or find other hard-to-see details use your iPhone!
The Magnifier setting is an accessibility accommodation that applies built-in filters to read and capture text and details. It uses your camera and its flash capability, but has greater zoom capacity.
To enable your Magnifier, go to:
Settings > General > Accessibility > Magnifier. Toggle to “On.”
Access the Magnifier by:
Triple-clicking the Home button for iPhone 8/8 Plus and earlier or
Triple-clicking the side button on iPhone X
Consider other Accessibility Settings
While enabling the Magnifier, consider other accessibility settings that may be useful. As Apple says, “The world’s most personal device was designed for every person. So a person who’s blind can take group selfies. A person who’s deaf can call Mom from overseas. And a person who can’t move from the neck down can send text messages to friends.” You can add closed captioning to media (where available), turn on an LED flash for alerts, modify the keyboard, or pair your iPhone with your hearing device.
All Rights Reserved 2018 Beverly Michaelis
In a recent post, eDiscovery expert Craig Ball makes the case for routine preservation of data contained on mobile devices. I concur.
The tendency is to dismiss or ignore the degree to which we lean on our smartphones and tablets. We either assume the data is preserved elsewhere or we convince ourselves that mobile devices couldn’t possibly contain anything relevant or unique. Both beliefs are false. Craig’s post is a wakeup call for both law firms and their clients. Consider his key points:
There is much more to this topic, and I encourage you to read the full post.
There is a takeaway for lawyers too. In Oregon, the “client file” includes text messages if they bear on the merits of a client’s position in the matter. This begs the question: are you preserving client texts? If not, look into Zipwhip, which I’ve discussed before. It has many advantages, not the least of which is the ability to save texts as PDFs to the client file.
All Rights Reserved 2017 Beverly Michaelis
Oregon Law Practice Management 