Quick Tip: Sign a Pleading with GoodReader

There are 700,000 (and counting) apps in the App Store.

You can find hundreds of apps that perform similar functions, and after a few downloads, your screen becomes cluttered. Most law firms, however, would prefer a simple setup. It’s always exciting when one of the traditional apps, such as GoodReader, adds a function that formerly required opening the document into a different app – such as signing a pleading.

Here’s how you can store documents and sign pleadings within the GoodReader app.

You might be familiar with GoodReader ($4.99). It’s the iPad’s file cabinet.

Many law firms use GoodReader to open case files, sync documents with the office computer, annotate documents, and build a mobile law library. You can store any type of file: .doc, .pdf, .jpeg, .mp3, and .txt files. Best of all, GoodReader files are stored locally, meaning you do not have to be connected to the Internet when you transfer your documents to the app.

But until recently, you had to “open-in” a pleading to another app, such as PDF Expert or SignMyPad, to add your signature.

Now, you can open a pleading directly within the case file and sign it. This saves tons of time when you need to endorse an agreed proposed order or discovery pleading without returning to your office.

Here’s how you can sign a pleading within the GoodReader app.

First, open the pleading:

Tap the middle of the screen to access the annotation tools:

Select the draw button, which is the bottom icon on the tool bar, and click “Save to this file”:

Sign the pleading with using an iPad stylus pen:

Note, you can change the pen color and thickness of your signature with the toolbar at the top of the page. Unfortunately, writing on the iPad is sort of like coloring with a large Crayon in Kindergarten class. You will need to resize your signature and place it on the signature line.

Click “Save” and tap on your signature to move it:

Select “Move” to resize your signature with the boxes around the annotation:

Click and drag the middle of the signature to move it onto the signature line:

Select “done” and tap the middle of the screen to email the pleading to opposing counsel. Click on the action (box-and-arrow) button to email the document:

Be sure to select “flatten annotations” to affix your signature to the .pdf file before sending:

You can email the document to opposing counsel, send it by e-fax to the court, or return the pleading to your office for filing:

Signing documents has never been easier.

Attorneys already store pleadings in GoodReader case files, and now, you can sign pleadings from directly within the app. The old process of printing pleadings, stamping envelopes, or scanning signed copies at the office, is replaced by a few taps and the click of a button.