How to Select a Mobile Device for an Attorney

The mobile phone today is a full-fledged communication device. Mobile phones can help the attorney keep in touch with clients and colleagues and ensure that they are accessible at all times.

Go Smart

According to ABA’s 2011 Legal Technology Survey about 88% of attorneys use a smart phone for job related tasks when they are out of office. Smart phones offer numerous features such as ease of internet access, ease of email usage and possible integration with the firm’s Legal case management software. So first level of decision in selecting a mobile device for attorneys is clear – it has to be a smart phone.

How to Select a Smart Phone for Attorneys

Selecting the right smart phone for attorneys would depend on the needs of the individual attorney. Does he need the phone solely for surfing the net and reading quick updates or will he use the phone for accessing emails and responding to them. Some may use the smart phone for opening and reading documents in the email.

Currently the market is dominated by a handful of smart phone providers and each mobile phone platform has unique features. Selecting a mobile device for an attorney is essentially choosing the smart phone platform that has features supporting his specific needs.

An Overview of the Various Smart Phone Platforms

Blackberry RIM Platform

The Blackberry has a tradional business image and features to match. This is the best platform for superior email accessibility and is compatible with Microsoft Outlook, the familiar system in your law firm

iOS platform

This platform is represented by the ipad and the iphone. Though basic email features are available in both devices, they are more suitable for surfing the internet as they offer high speed navigation. Such a device may be ideal for paralegals as their work involves considerable online research. iOS devices do not support Word and other Office apps and cannot be integrated with Outlook. The iOS platform has some really good apps for lawyers, that you can consider.

Microsoft 7

A feature rich platform, it has a number of features useful for business users including quick email access. It supports all Office apps (naturally) and it can be completely integrated with Outlook.

The Basic Mobile Phone Features Necessary for Attorneys

Connectivity

Ensures that attorneys are accessible at all times.

Email Access

Enables attorneys to check emails instantly even when out of office and respond at once. Communication by email is a great time saver (as compared to telephone calls) and increases efficiency, which is of the essence in law firms.

Calendar Integration

Enables attorneys to keep track of schedules and makes changes as required even when they are not in office.

Case Management Software Integration

A smart phone that supports such integration is clearly the best mobile device for attorneys. It ensures that attorneys can view and update client fields on the go. The Legal case management software integration also ensures easier across the board collaboration increasing overall efficiency and thus business for your law firm.