Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers an iPad app for outlining your oral arguments (see article below), a gadget that connects tablets and smartphones to the Apple Wireless Keyboard, an iPad database app, and a discovery document review program. Don't miss the next issue.
Eliminate the Paper Chase From Your Oral Arguments
Tablit Applications' Oral Argument is an iPad app for outlining your oral arguments.
The Killer Feature
People dislike jury duty because they know real trials don't measure up to those in movies. Of course, prospective jurors don't realize that screenwriters can bend the rules of civil procedure for dramatic effect whereas you cannot. But most courts don't impose many rules on oral arguments, especially opening and closing arguments at trial. So a poor oral argument is no one's fault but yours.
One key to effective oral arguments lies in rehearsing it repeatedly so that it seems effortless, and you don't run out of time if a limit exists or drone on for too long if no limit exists.
The upper right corner of your outline in Oral Argument contains a timer so that you need not glance away from your outline to stay on track. You can set the timer per outline. Thus, different outlines can have different lengths of time. You can also pause the timer with a tap if a judge asks a question that won't count against your allotted time.
Other Notable Features
You can organize your outline using headings and hierarchical parent-child bullets. For arguments covering many issues, you can further break up your outline by creating custom-named tabs that appear at the top of the app. Tap a tab to see only your outline pertaining to that issue.
For hearings, you need to prepare for possible questions by the judge about authorities and other issues. But because these issues may not arise, you don't want them cluttering your core outline. Oral Argument addressees this situation with Pop-Up Windows, which enable you to link text in your outline to a note that pops up when tapped. For example, you can link the name of a case that you plan to mention in your argument to a Pop-Up Window with details about the case if asked about it. Pop-Up Window links look just like the familiar underlined blue links on many web pages.
Often, you'll want to emphasize the most important points in your outline in the event you find yourself running short on time. Also, you may want to quickly jot down notes on the fly as you listen to your adversary's argument. Oral Argument's Margin Notes feature enables you to place such notes to the right of specific areas of your outline.
What Else Should You Know?
Tablit Applications provides you with an optional free web application with the same functionality in which you can create your outline using your computer. You can then download your outline into Oral Argument. Alternatively, you can just enter your outline directly into the app itself using your iPad's on-screen keyboard or a Bluetooth keyboard. Oral Argument costs $19.99. Learn more about Oral Argument.
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