Artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a transformative revolution in the legal profession and how attorneys approach their tasks. The emergence of devices like the iPad has facilitated this paradigm shift, acting as a catalyst for incorporating AI into various legal processes. This harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and legal expertise presents a dynamic opportunity to streamline tasks, enhance research capabilities, and reshape the legal practice landscape.1 In this article, the authors will explore some of the more useful iPad applications for litigators, delve into crafting and employing a Virtual Trial Notebook, and provide strategies for efficiently organizing evidence for analysis and presentation.
At its core, AI encompasses hardware and software applications that empower computers “to determine relationships between datasets and apply the learned relationships in a predictive fashion.”2 The software collects background information about a problem “through sensors or human input,” compares that to the accumulated data, and decodes that information using the previously collected materials.3 The approach evaluates multiple scenarios to anticipate the most effective action, drawing from the information collected.4 However, the effectiveness of this methodology is limited by the scope of the available data.5
Interested in learning more about artificial intelligence? Check out ALI CLE’s webcast, Generative AI and Access to Justice: Progress or Problem?, on-demand now!
THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF AI ON LAW PRACTICES OF AI ON LAW PRACTICES
AI has swept across various sectors, and the legal profession is no exception. A recent Goldman Sachs analysis estimated that 44 percent of legal tasks can be effortlessly automated by AI, enhancing attorneys’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness.6 This technology doesn’t replace lawyers; it amplifies their specialized knowledge, creating opportunities for heightened productivity.7
The benefits of AI extend to refining legal research through natural language processing, streamlining document review and drafting, predicting case outcomes using data analysis, and improving access to justice.8
Among the notable tools in the AI arsenal, Chat-GPT stands out as a breakthrough that signifies the fusion of AI and legal practice.9 Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT generates human-like responses to natural language questions, boasting the capacity to comprehend and promptly address various inquiries.10 Its prowess extends to document generation, solidifying its status as a pivotal AI innovation.11 While ChatGPT has garnered well-deserved acclaim, the iPad is another technological marvel that has remained somewhat in the shadows within legal circles.12 However, the arrival of this tablet computer has generated awareness among attorneys seeking to be more efficient and tech-savvy.13
The iPad has emerged as the preferred tablet among legal professionals, offering a versatile blend of computational power, portability, and user-friendly features.14 Its intuitive touchscreen interface empowers users to navigate and interact with the device through simple finger movements. It comprises a central processing unit with accompanying memory, display, and camera.15 Apple’s iPadOS mobile operating system powers it and has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth abilities.16 With models that range from the basic iPad to the more advanced iPad Air and iPad Pro, it caters to diverse needs and boasts a plethora of applications that effectively serve the needs of lawyers.17
EVOLUTION OF COURTROOM PRESENTATIONS
The approach to presenting evidence has recently shifted from analog methods to digital solutions.18 The courtroom landscape now embraces computer devices, and seasoned attorneys are transitioning from blackboard to digital presentations. This evolution has given birth to various tools for producing impactful digital representations. Contemporary trial lawyers have a large array of data supporting the convincing power of demonstrative evidence. At the same time, they have access to a wide variety of cutting-edge tools for producing notable digital presentations that, a short time ago, were limited to use by digital and video specialists.19
Interested in learning about simplifying complex evidence? Check out ALI CLE’s upcoming webcast, Simplifying Complex Evidence for Litigators: If You Confuse, You Lose, on August 12, 2024!
The Use of the iPad in the Courtroom
The iPad possesses the potential to revolutionize trial presentations, empowering lawyers to meticulously organize, annotate, and exhibit evidence during trial proceedings.20 Additionally, it enables attorneys to carry their entire case portfolio via cloud-based platforms like Dropbox.21 Surprisingly, statistics show that while attorneys frequently bring tablets into courtrooms, their usage often mimics large smartphones. Attorneys utilize tablets to check their email (23.7 percent), view their calendar (16.5 percent), conduct legal research (15.5 percent), and communicate in real-time (12.4 percent).22 Only 13.4 percent of the time was the device used to access important documents, and just 12.4 percent was used to deliver presentations.23 However, the iPad’s full potential for evidence management and presentation remains largely untapped, possibly due to traditional reluctance towards adopting new technology or misconceptions about its applications being limited to entertainment.24
It is worth noting that about 87 percent of law firms use a Microsoft Windows operating system, while only 13 percent use an iOS or Apple platform.25 Many law firms may be hesitant to adopt an Apple-based ecosystem for litigation as they have a misconception that Windows and Apple IOS cannot be used in tandem. Perhaps some legal professionals don’t know how to use both platforms together effectively and are unaware of the benefits of using an iPad to its full potential. As a result, they might not see the value in considering a new way of preparing and trying cases.
Lawyers have historically been cautious about investing in new software. They prefer user-friendly operating systems that can be implemented without additional training. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, significantly changed the legal landscape, and many lawyers are investigating how technology can improve their advocacy. In particular, the iPad and its apps offer features and a touchscreen interface that can replace a laptop for courtroom use.26 The touchscreen enables litigators to quickly access important information such as case law, documents, photos, and videos, essential in a fast-paced courtroom setting.27
The iPad’s smooth and stylish design, like an electronic legal pad, easy-to-use operating system, and a vast selection of productive apps make it an excellent choice for lawyers. Attorneys analyze, organize, strategize, and present evidence to support their cases. If these fundamental tasks can be aided by technology and accomplished quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, it offers a significant advantage for lawyers. It not only levels the playing field for small firms competing against larger ones, but if used correctly, it can provide an essential competitive edge.28
CLICK HERE to read the full article, which was originally published in ALI CLE’s The Practical Lawyer.
To find our more about ALI CLE’s in-person courses or webcasts, or to check out on-demand CLE, click here.