Update: Top iPhone and iPad Apps for Lawyers

In January, we unveiled National Purchasing Partners and Verizon’s list of the top iPhone and iPad apps being used by lawyers at the start of 2012—the “first annual.” Since things move swiftly in the apps world, we asked for an update—who can wait a year?—and here it is: NPP has compiled a bonus download with updated descriptions and links to more than 40 of the most popular iPhone and iPad apps for lawyers—organized by trial and pretrial apps, legal reference apps and apps to aid your productivity.

Just a Taste: The 10 Most Popular Apps

While more apps have come online this year specifically for lawyers, the top 10 list still leans toward ones for getting organized, capturing ideas and information and, yes, remembering important things like where you parked the car. In no particular order, here’s the rundown on NPP’s top 10 iPhone and iPad apps for lawyers.

1. TrialPad. Lit Software’s trial presentation and legal file management app can be used to present and annotate evidence in trial, hearing or ADR settings. Connect your iPad to a projector and use the app to zoom in, highlight and point to the information you want viewers to see. Includes Dropbox integration. (Lit Software also produces TranscriptPad for reviewing deposition transcripts.) $89.99.
2. G-Park. G-Park is a simple and fast parking application. Just park your car and press the Park Me button, get lost, and then press “Where Did I Park?” to locate your car. Add notes or photos to help you remember, too. $.99.
3. Patents. Cliff Maier’s app for patent attorneys is aimed at helping litigators retrieve U.S. utility patent information. If you know the patent number you can get claims, title, inventors and priority information. You can also launch Safari to view the full text of the specifications on the USPTO’s website, or email the claims via your device’s mail application. $2.99.
4. GoodReader. GoodReader is a super-robust PDF reader (and pretty much the first app you’ll want to get when you buy an iPad). You can view virtually anything, anywhere—books, movies, maps, pictures—and mark up PDFs with typewriter text boxes, sticky notes, lines, arrows and freehand drawings. It syncs with Dropbox, making managing your documents a snap. $4.99.
5. LinkedIn. The iPad app wasn’t even out when we published this list last year, and the LinkedIn app still made the top 10. With your LinkedIn account on your idevice, your professional network is just a touch away—you can walk into any interview or meeting with the ability to look up details on just about anyone. Plus, get the latest updates and messages from your network and update your own status in real time. Free.
6. Notability. This note-taking app has quickly become a favorite because it integrates handwriting, typing, PDF annotation, recording and organizing. You can pick the method you’re most comfortable with, and take notes your way—type, talk or write. (Read more about Notability here.) $.99.
7. Word Lens. New to the list, this translation app instantly translates printed words using your built-in video camera, in real time. Built-in examples include translations in English, Spanish, French and Italian. No network required—results appear immediately on your screen. $4.99 per dictionary.
8. SignNow. With SignNow you can sign documents or get anyone’s signature anywhere. Simply upload a PDF or Word doc from your email, Dropbox account or camera, then sign with your finger and email the signed document or save it to a free SignNow account. You can fill in PDF forms, turn a picture into a PDF, and get signatures from clients online or on their mobile device, too. Free.
9. iJuror. This juror selection app allows you to organize and manage information during voir dire and at trial. Simply tap the seats to add juror information, drag-and-drop to choose jurors and alternates, or to dismiss jurors, and add notes as the trial goes along. Configurable for seating arrangements of up to 60 jurors. (There’s more on iJuror here.) $19.99.
10. Dragon Dictation. Another iPad essential, Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition app powered by Dragon NaturallySpeaking that allows you to easily speak and then instantly see your text or email messages. Open the app and a blank screen appears with a big red “record” button at the top. Tap the button, start speaking and your words appear on screen. Terrific for drafting quick email messages, short notes-to-self and to-do lists. Free.

Be sure to click on the graphic up top to get the download with information on over 30 more iPhone and iPad apps used by lawyers in 2012.