App Review: Store Documents with GoodReader

GoodReader ($2.99)  is a file management system for organizing case files during trial. Rather than shuffling papers at counsel table, which is especially distracting to a jury, GoodReader allows you to save and open multiple file formats (.doc, .pdf, .mp3) within each case file. A sample case file might include an list of witness questions, deposition transcripts, medical records, case law, audio recordings, and research memos on certain legal issues.

Here is a sample workflow for annotating a case document during trial.

Select the file you want to view (e.g., “Virginia Objections ’08-’09″):

Here is how the document appears on the Apple iPad:

Hold your stylus down on the screen and select “Highlight” to highlight text:

Select “Save to this file”:

Here is the document, now saved as highlighted:

Hold your stylus down on the screen and select “Draw” to write in the margin:

Select “Freehand” to write in the margin:

Write in the margin with your stylus and save in the upper right corner:

Throughout the day, I use GoodReader as my home base for saving and viewing documents in court. Annotations allow me to mark-up multiple documents and save them for future reference. As a prosecutor, it is especially useful to have each case ready and organized in front of me during docket. I can edit case files from my office computer, save to Dropbox, then off I go to court. As the judge calls each case, I open the corresponding file in GoodReader.

For questions, comments, or help using the Apple iPad at work, please contact me at redean@gmail.com.