Using and acquiring technology in the practice of Family Law in California is a constantly moving target. Here is a link to a lawyer's article on the Blog of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. This is yet another big overhead expense, but one that almost appears to be indispensible in order to adequately represent our clients. Some lawyers view it as merely a toy, or a big iPhone that doesn't make calls.
The author recently bought the newest arsenal in a lawyer's office: The Apple iPad. She got her version the day they shipped. Unfortunately, I am waiting for the version that ships at the end of this month - it will provide me a direct connection to the Internet from the courthouse, without the need for a secondary device - she already has a MyFi modem, which [at higher monthly cost] allows her to link to the Internet from her iPad, laptop, cell phone, or other device, so she feels she doesn't need the upgraded version. But it is one more piece of equipment to carry, keep track of, and break.
I am looking forward to the iPad arriving, as are many of my peers. Lugging a laptop is always an issue [even at 3 pounds for a lightweight], and finding an electrical outlet when you need it is almost impossible [the iPad has more than 10 hours of battery life]. While the author of the article thinks the MyFi is a better solution for her, my goal is to have as few different pieces of equipment as possible.
The only things missing with an iPad are two important programs I need constantly: My research database and a support calculator - each requires a computer. The support calculator is available at the courthouse most of the time in San Diego County. The research program can be partially replaced by one of several iPad apps that will give me direct access to court rulings in appellate case and all California statutes [at substantial, additional cost, of course].
At present, I have a Kindle DX: In addition to using it as an e-book reader, I can load .pdf files containing correspondence, proposed agreements, and documents produced through discovery that I can review, although in black and white only. The iPad should replace all of that, further reducing the number of tools I must carry in my briefcase.
I can hardly wait for it to arrive.
