TechnoLawyer: Litigation/Discovery/Trials

Originally published in the December 14, 2012 issue of TL NewsWire. Instead of reading TL NewsWire here, sign up now to receive future issues via email.

In 2012, we reported on 205 new products in TL NewsWire. In what has become an annual tradition, today in this year's last issue of TL NewsWire we present to you the TL NewsWire Top 25 Products of 2012. You'll find commentary on the Top 10 products, a list of the next 15 products, and links for all 25 products.

How do we determine the winners? We don't. You do. Each TL NewsWire article about a new product contains a link to that product's web page. We anonymously track everyone's clicks on these links to help us figure out which types of products most interest TL NewsWire subscribers, and also to create the annual TL NewsWire Top 25 Products.

THE 10 HOTTEST TL NEWSWIRE PRODUCTS OF 2012

Congratulations to the 10 hottest products in the TL NewsWire Top 25!

1. Total Attorneys App Store

After raising a significant round of capital, Total Attorneys came out swinging this year with two cleverly framed blockbuster announcements.

Several companies announced "application programming interfaces" or APIs this year, which enable other products to more easily integrate with theirs. To its credit, Total Attorneys chose not to use this term given that most lawyers are not programmers and therefore don't know what it means.

Instead, Total Attorneys announced an app store. Thanks to Apple, everyone knows what that means! Using this colloquial term vaulted Total Attorneys App Store to the top of the TL NewsWire Top 25. So congratulations to Total Attorneys not only for the add-ons it announced, but also for how the company framed this announcement.

2. Total Attorneys

Before launching its app store, Total Attorneys relaunched its cloud practice management system. This alone would have likely earned it a spot on the TL NewsWire Top 25. But Total Attorneys also announced an incredibly low price of just $1 per user per month, which explains its second place ranking.

Total Attorneys isn't crazy. Instead, like Amazon's strategy of selling its Kindle tablets at or below cost and later earning a profit on ebooks and other content, Total Attorneys essentially gives away its practice management system with the hope that you'll purchase apps such as credit card processing.

3. CitePin

When we reported on CitePin, we called it the "Evernote of the Legal Industry" as it's a cloud application designed to keep track of legal information such as legal research in a freeform manner but with legal-specific features.

CitePin clearly excited many of you. Just one caveat. This company reminds me of the Pink Floyd song, Is There Anybody Out There? We could not find an email address. We filled out the contact form requesting a screenshot to no avail (our thanks to LawSites for letting us use one of its screenshots).

4. TheFormTool PRO

According to the CEO of TheFormTool, the TechnoLawyer Network, including TL NewsWire, enabled the company to grow much faster than it originally anticipated.

TheFormTool PRO adds document assembly functionality to Microsoft Word without the need for programming skills. Because of the intense interest in TheFormTool PRO, we reviewed it twice from two perspectives in our BigLaw and SmallLaw newsletters.

5. MobileScan Pro 100

It would shock me if a scanner didn't make the TL NewsWire Top 25. In many law firms, scanners have become as essential a peripheral as printers. In fact, many law firms find that they need several types of scanners — high-volume, network, desktop, and mobile.

Ambir's new scanner garnered so much attention from TL NewsWire subscribers because it's the Batman of scanners — highly mobile with a dual personality. It functions as both a sheet-fed scanner and as a wand scanner. Also, it can scan without any cables to a Micro USB card.

6. Workshare PDF Professional Plus 2.0

Workshare PDF Professional 1.0 ranked second in last year's TL NewsWire Top 20. And here is version 2.0 ranked sixth in this year's TL NewsWire Top 25. Acrobat XI Pro also made the list this year but it's further down. That's because while PDF software is a hot topic, PDF software designed specifically for lawyers is an even hotter topic.

You probably found Workshare PDF Professional's support for PDF/A and its file size shrinking technology of interest given that many courts require this format and have file size limits. Version 2.0 also offers integrations with Autonomy Worksite and Microsoft SharePoint, two popular document management systems used by midsize and large law firms.

7. eBillity

eBillity has interesting origins. One of its co-founders used to work at Bill4Time, a cloud legal billing software pioneer. As a result, the two products share a number of features, chief among them an iPhone app as well as desktop widgets for Mac and Windows. Also, the pricing for Bill4Time and eBillity is identical.

Perhaps because of its late entry into the marketplace, eBillity has teamed up with larger companies. For example, it powers Thomson Reuters' new Time and Billing product. And when Intuit abandoned its cloud billing product, it recommended that its customers switch to eBillity.

8. Harvest

Harvest serves the billing needs of several industries, including legal. It offers both iPhone and Android apps, thus covering the majority of TechnoLawyer members (49% use an iPhone; 28% use an Android smartphone). For law firms with three or more timekeepers, Harvest costs less than rival products.

9. CaseFox

Clearly, TL NewsWire subscribers like cloud billing software as CaseFox also falls into this category. We cited CaseFox's ability to accommodate temporary contract lawyers as its Killer Feature. CaseFox also falls on the less expensive end of the pricing spectrum.

10. PDF Converter 8

We covered three new Nuance products this year. Not surprisingly, its PDF software received the most attention.

PDF Converter 8 is practically a word processor given its editing capabilities. That's why you'll find some of Nuance's Dragon speech recognition technology built into the software. Like Workshare PDF Professional, PDF Converter 8 integrates with a number of products popular among lawyers, including CaseMap and Worldox.

THE NEXT 15 HOTTEST TL NEWSWIRE PRODUCTS OF 2012

Congratulations to the 15 remaining products in the TL NewsWire Top 25 Products of 2012!

11. OmniOutliner for iPad

12. Leap

13. Amicus Attorney Premium Edition 2012

14. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

15. HoverBar

16. Acrobat XI Pro

17. Apollo

18. Standzfree

19. TranscriptPad

20. Disconnect

21. DocMoto

22. Amicus Cloud

23. Samsung ML-2165W Mono Laser Printer

24. iPad 3

25. SwingHolder

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Originally published in the January 16, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: When an ediscovery article references a Talking Heads song, you know you're in for a treat. In this issue of LitigationWorld, ediscovery consultant Tom O'Connor begins a series of Ediscovery 101 columns designed to teach you what you don't realize you don't know about ediscovery. There's no final exam, but you will be tested on these concepts with increasing frequency in your cases. In today's "class," Professor Tom discusses a seminal event that exposed the ediscovery knowledge gap among lawyers, and provides a syllabus of sorts with some excellent reference material. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for three trial presentation tips from the master of presentations — Steve Jobs.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the January 9, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: In sports, you play to win. In litigation, winning isn't always the goal (or possible). In today's issue of LitigationWorld, Seattle litigator Kim Gunning (with some help from Justice Scalia and legal writing expert Bryan Garner) takes a deep dive into the difference between winning the case versus the best outcome for your client. Specifically, Kim discusses a two-step strategy that will result in something far more important than a legal victory — client satisfaction. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for a review of voir dire software Jury Box 3.0.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the December 14, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: Litigators once used word processing software for all sorts of tasks for which it was less than ideal. This gave rise to litigation software, including CaseMap, which organizes your case's key information and documents. In this issue of LitigationWorld, Pennsylvania litigator and longtime CaseMap user Thomas Groshens reviews CaseMap 10, including new features such as DocManager, bulk importing, integrations with other software, custom spreadsheets, reports, and more. He also comments on CaseMap's technical support. For those new to CaseMap, Tom explains how it fits into your litigation workflow. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for tips on using humor in the courtroom to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the December 3, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: Do you enjoy dealing with obstreperous opposing counsel? Or clueless opposing counsel? If so, you can skip this issue of LitigationWorld. If you prefer the easy path, keep reading to learn how a Rule 53 special master can help you. Seattle litigator Kim Gunning explains when to consider using a special master, what the rule requires, and situations in which the court may order opposing counsel to cover all the costs. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for a recent court opinion about juror misconduct that ponders what being a Facebook friend really means.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the November 19, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: Litigation has fueled countless Hollywood movies so why not bring a little Hollywood to litigation? In this issue of LitigationWorld, ediscovery blogger Joshua Gilliland uses the classic film Inherit the Wind to analyze a recent court opinion involving a motion for sanctions. Using quotes from the movie as headings, Josh takes you scene by scene through a document discovery gone so wrong it brings to mind another movie with a courtroom scene — "Idiocracy." So sit back, relax, and enjoy learning how to handle document requests in the age of electronically stored information. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for The Grossman-Cormack Glossary of Technology Assisted Review, a new reference that you can download for free.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the November 15, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: The district attorney drops the theft charges. However, the "victims" file a civil lawsuit to recover damages for the "stolen" items. The case goes to trial. Luckily for you, the defendant was represented by Gadsden, Alabama lawyer Clark Stewart. In this issue of LitigationWorld, Clark explains how he used iPad trial presentation app TrialPad 3.0 at the trial, and how well features such as call-outs and the laser pointer performed. You'll also learn how he projected his iPad's screen to the judge and jury. For the verdict on TrialPad (not to mention the case), read Clark's page-turner of a review. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for an overview of litigant web sites along with tips if your client insists on creating one.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the November 12, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: Earlier this year, you learned how to use a Rule 30(b)(6) deposition. In this issue of LitigationWorld, ediscovery blogger and deposition expert Joshua Gilliland explains how not to use one. Josh analyzes an opinion issued last month in which the court let Google off the hook as a non-party deposition witness. You'll learn how the parties could have prevented this outcome through the judicious use of early case assessment software. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week to learn why the Washington State Supreme Court felt that the PowerPoint presentation given by a prosecutor during his closing argument warranted a mistrial.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the November 12, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: Litigators understand better than others the consequences of breaking rules. But some rules don't actually exist in which case you can break them only in your mind ("There is no spoon."). In this issue of LitigationWorld, lawyer and legal writing expert Ed Good continues his English usage myth-busting with an analysis of split infinitives. His conclusion may surprise you plus he provides three methods for when you choose not to split. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for three mobile apps designed to keep litigators and their teams on top of their case docket.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Originally published in the November 1, 2012 issue of LitigationWorld: You've just added the last period to the last sentence in your brief. Time for a fist pump? No but feel to grab a snack. You still have a lot of work tonight. Effective briefs share a common trait — extensive editing. In this issue of LitigationWorld, Seattle litigator Kim Gunning provides a concise but informative checklist for editing legal briefs to perfection. Kim's checklist starts with the "forest" and works its way to the "trees." By the time you finish editing, your brief will sparkle, impressing your client and the judge. Also, don't miss the LitigationWorld Pick of the Week for everything litigators need to know about body language.

How to Receive LitigationWorld
All practice areas evolve, but none faster than litigation. Written by successful litigators and other litigation experts, LitigationWorld provides you with practical tips related to electronic discovery, depositions, litigation strategy, litigation technology, and trial presentations. LitigationWorld also features in-depth litigation product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings, as well as links to the most noteworthy litigation articles in other publications so that you'll never miss anything. The LitigationWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.