Most attorneys carry some form of smartphone with them to check email, calendars, and other tasks. Today’s smartphones, however, can help attorneys in many others ways like information gathering.
Admittedly, I am a big fan of my iPhone, but many other smartphones have comparable features.
Voice recorder. If you want to record client meetings in your office, or anywhere else, use your smartphone to do it. Once you are done, you can easily email yourself the digital file. If you use Google Voice, you can record your phone calls with your smart phone.
Digital Camera. If you are visiting the scene of an accident, or visiting an injured client at their home, you will want documentation. Granted, smartphones do not have the best cameras, but it is better than nothing.
Streaming Video. Maybe you are interviewing a client off site, or visiting a location relevant to your case. If someone at the office needs to see it in real time, use UStream or another program to send it live.
Notetaking. The notes app on the iPhone will sync up with your MobileMe account. You can also use Simplenote to jot notes and they will sync to your desktop. More difficult than writing on a legal pad, but you have a built-in backup.
(photo: midnightglory)
Randall Ryder practices consumer rights law in Minnesota and is a publisher of Elder Parent Help. Follow him @randallryder.
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For notetaking, you can’t beat Evernote, which is compatible with every phone out there, so long as you can send SMS and MMS messages. Apps are available for the iPhone and Android phones, which give even more functionality.