I was happy to see an update for the new app TrialPad (iTunes link) on my iPad the other day. This new app from Lit Software LLC (website) promises an easy way for trial lawyers to collect, organize and present PDF based exhibits and demonstrative evidence in the courtroom.
At it’s core, TrialPad is a PDF organizer with annotation and VGA out capabilities. When I first looked at this app, I thought it was duplicating features in other apps. On further inspection, I think the developers have put a lot of time into thinking about small details that would be important to an attorney presenting at trial.
On entering the app, the user is prompted to set up case files into which PDF files can be imported. TrialPad added Dropbox support in its most recent update, which is a welcome addition to being able to import files from Mail. Imports from Dropbox retain whatever folder structure they had ensuring that organization is preserved. Once PDFs have been added to a case folder, they can be organized into subfolders or reordered. The ability to reorder files in any way you want is nice most apps simply organize by name or date. I’d like to see a little better file management in the app in the way of being able to synchronize a case with a particular Dropbox folder or perhaps with a desktop app. Currently, once a set of files is added to a case and organized, there does not appear to be a way to incorporate changed or new PDF files other than by adding one file at a time manually or by starting from scratch.
TrialPad File and Presentation view with Annotations
The presentation tools have some nice features tailored for the courtroom including the ability present one exhibit on screen while you find, queue up and annotate another exhibit on the iPad. This took some getting used to for me, as typically VGA out in apps is either off or on. But once I started thinking about how I would want to present in a hearing, this was a welcome feature.
One of the key features of the app is the ability to save multiple annotated versions of the same document (a “Hot Doc”) and access those views different questions or witnesses. I can see a plaintiff’s lawyer in an auto accident case asking a the driver, passenger, witness, and cop to each annotate a map of the intersection where the accident occurred – saving each as a separate annotated file for presentation in closing. One problem I encountered was that all Hot Docs made of the same file have the same name. While a file can be renamed, this seems like an extra step that might get missed in the heat of trial. I might like to see each Hot Doc of the same file separately and automatically labeled with letters or numbers as they are created (e.g., Map – A, Map – B) or labeled with a time stamp. This would make referring to them later more useful.
I’m not a trial lawyer, but I can see this app as a useful tool. It seems like it would be best for small to medium trials. Even more common will be the short trial or hearing where you have just a few exhibits to present. It simply takes no time to add those documents to TrialPad and be ready to go. Use in more complex trials with dozens of exhibits seems possible, but I think some other navigational aids like thumbnails, tagging, quick naming and the like may be necessary – especially once multiple Hot Docs start to be added. Also, as the cases get larger, the power of the more fully featured trial management programs are probably more appropriate.
I have had a couple email exchanges with the developer and I know they are listening to customers, which is always good. One thing we exchanged emails about was the price of the app. The app retails for $89.99 which is high for many apps. But, in terms of typical legal software, it is nothing. The app is about the same cost as preparing a large foam core board with an exhibit. I also think there is a difference in pricing apps for personal use and professional use and in the latter case, TrialPad is not inappropriately priced. Perhaps the TrialPad folks should consider launching a free version of the app with limited functionality (e.g., 3 documents max, 3 minutes continuous VGA out max) so people can try before they buy (or ask a firm to buy). There are a number of videos on TrialPad’s website introducing the app and highlighting some of its features (an example below).
I’m particularly glad to see app development specifically for lawyers. I think the fact that there are some PDF and VGA Out apps that can do some of the things that TrialPad does will ensure that the folks at TrialPad keep developing. From my e-mail exchanges with the developer, I can tell you that they are all ears for input and suggestions. So, if there is something you want to see, drop them a line!
The app is not worth $90. Labeling the app as legal software so they can charge $90 is absurd. There are $5 apps & $10 apps that provide the same functionality. The only attorneys praising it as great are those who received free versions to post reviews.
Doug
Two things.
1. I looked around quite a bit for apps with the same functionality and didn’t find any. My initial reaction was the same as yours (regarding feature set). If you know of some, let me know. I’d like to share those with my readers.
2. I can tell you that receiving a free version of TrialPad (or any app for that matter) did not affect my comments. In the case of TrialPad, I’m not a trial lawyer and don’t have need for the app. So, a free version of that app is pretty irrelevant to me. I’d also hardly call my review praising. My highest praise goes to app developers working specifically in the legal space. I don’t get all apps I talk about for free.
As to the business model, I disagree with you. You are right that they will have a tough go selling a $90 app in the App Store simply because there aren’t many “Pro” apps being sold there. The market in the App Store is much more consumer oriented and priced as such. By analogy, this is why you will never see Photoshop or similar pro level products in the Mac App Store (I predict). But on the iPad, there is no choice as to how to distribute the product so, like it or not, it gets set alongside $5 and $10 apps which does have an affect. I know from my experience representing traditional software vendors, I’ve seen sales of software increase when the price was raised simply because the price puts the software into the market where the most buyers are. I also know that the “pain” price point for an individual purchasing for his or herself is different than the “pain” price point when a business is making a purchase. Rational? No. But very real. The market will sort it out.
The price is ridiculous. Maybe large law firms will be foolish (or indifferent) enough to pay that price for the sake of letting their lawyers play with ipads while millions of dollars of their clients’ money are at stake. It seems more likely to me that those millions of dollars are better protected through far more expensive and extensive trial presentation technology, coordinated with expensive trial technology coordinators. But maybe I’m wrong.
As for small firms and solos, a quick glance at other presentation apps that this blog alone has reviewed reveals the absurdity of the price point here. KeyNote is $9.99. PictureLink is 99 cents. GoodReader, which I use heavily, has far superior annotation tools and I can’t remember the price but it’s in the 10 dollar range. I just don’t see the added value that TrialPad brings to the table that merits a 1000% increase in the most expensive of those apps.
I’m fascinated by the strength of reaction to this product. After Doug’s comment yesterday I went and looked at some other reviews and comments and saw similar thoughts about price. Makes me wonder two things:
- what if the TrialPad folks aren’t marketing to solos with narrow margins? I’m not saying this is a good idea and I don’t know if this is the case, I’m just wondering. Makes me think of Apple. Their desired customer isn’t the person that wants the cheapest computer. They simply do not compete on price. If you wanted to market an iPad app this way, where would you price it?
- what features would you want or expect to see for an app with this price tag?
The market needs a cheap and quick way to annotate and present documents and photos. This isn’t a complicated issue technology wise.
Josh,
Thanks for your review of TrialPad, and all the other reviews and postings you do through Tablet Legal. As the developer of TrialPad I wanted to take a moment to respond to some of the other comments.
TrialPad was not just developed and then labeled as legal software, in fact it was developed with the legal market in mind. As it was developed, we were less concerned about the selling price and more about developing a tool that could be used by litigators, to present their case at mediation, arbitration, or a short trial, easily and effectively. The price point was later determined by our market size, and our commitment to fund continued development.
While a power user of the iPad may be able to learn and utilize a patchwork of apps to accomplish a similar presentation, we feel that TrialPad is well worth the money in time savings and simplicity. Saying you could use Keynote and GoodReader (two great apps) instead of TrialPad is true, in the same way you could use PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat instead of TrialDirector on a desktop computer. A kludge is not always the best solution even if you can save a few dollars. In fact, while Keynote and GoodReader may cost less, learning both will take hours of your time, and your actual presentation still won’t be as seamless.
TrialPad was designed for litigators, and as a plug-and-play solution. Every attorney, paralegal, and lit support professional we have shown it to has been amazed at the ease of use and effectiveness. We have received many emails from our current users, from prosecutors and small personal injury firms, to large firms that bring it to deposition and hearings. They have all shared how $90 up front for an all-in-one presentation app with virtually no learning curve, has saved them time and dollars, and this has reinforced our decision regarding price point. The only negative reactions we’ve had yet have been in quasi-anonymous blog postings.
I have personally received and responded to every single inquiry received through our web site and in the in-app help. I even went to the trouble of researching and finding an attorney who accidentally misspelled his email address in order to respond to his need. We pride ourselves on our communication and responsiveness, and we are proud of the overwhelmingly positive reaction we’ve received from our users.
Kind regards,
Ian O’Flaherty
ian@litsoftware.com
http://www.TrialPad.com
$90! Forgetta bout it! Let me know when it hits $10.
FYI, there is now another trial presentation app for iPad, bringing the total to three. Review was just posted on Law Technology News:
http://www.law.com/jsp/lawtechnologynews/PubArticleLTN.jsp?id=1202481445986&Exhibit_A_Another_iPad_App_for_Trial_Presentation
Josh-
I was not implying you getting the app for free in any way influenced your review of the app. I am simply pointing out that someone familiar enough with an iPad will know that the price of the app is ridiculous.
iAnnotate will allow you to do almost all of what TrialPad offers. Since TrialPad works only with PDFs, you would think it would perform better with larger PDF files. iAnnotate, also designed to handle PDF files, works great with larger PDF files.
And let me also state that I am so excited seeing apps hit the iPad that are designed for presenting materials at trial. This is what I do for a living so apps like this will only help. As Ted has pointed out in his reviews, this obviously will not replace something like Trial Director but for simple hearings, trials, etc., these apps are fantastic.
I have used iAnnotate to present materials at mediations, hearings and trial and it works great. The price tag… $10. It displays the PDF and allows you to mark it up with highlights, circles, etc. & when you’re ready to present it, you just hit a button. Sound familiar?
Check out the price tag on the other two apps that have been released for presenting at trial (both $10). Both of these other two apps also allow display of other formats (not just PDF).
Sorry… as far as business model goes… I agree with what you’re saying. However, it does not apply in this case. If they marketed it as just another PDF viewer/annotation capable app, the higher price may work as lots of people use PDF documents in their daily routines. However, in this case, its an app clearly designated as an app geared towards attorneys/law which is a much smaller market when you take into consideration the number of attorneys using iPads, how many litigate and of those who do litigate, how many actually use technology in the courtroom. And even then, those you truly use technology in the courtroom know this app would not meet their needs as it is too limited (see Ted’s review of all 3 apps).
First, thanks to Josh for posting this hot topic, and also for allowing this debate! And for the record, here are the links to the reviews referenced above:
TrialPad and Evidence:
http://trial-technology.blogspot.com/2011/01/apples-to-apples-two-ipad-apps-for.html
Exhibit A (an enhanced version will be posted on my blog early Monday morning)
http://www.law.com/jsp/lawtechnologynews/PubArticleLTN.jsp?id=1202481445986&Exhibit_A_Another_iPad_App_for_Trial_Presentation
Doug,
In all the posts I have been reading about trial pad there seems to be two consistencies, discussions about price, and posts from people who seemingly want to criticize trial pad for no reason other than to further their own interests. I don’t know whether they’re trial technology people, or trial pad competitors, but the strength of the arguments ring very suspicious.
I own trial pad, evidence and exhibit a. All three have obviously put a lot of time and effort to create apps for the legal community and they each have their advantages. All I can say is, you get what you pay for. Trial pad is by far the most professional, workable, stable, and Apple-esq (no pun intended) with features that the others don’t have (not even i-annotate) that make a big difference to us. Until a better app comes along, or the others come up with big updates, I can only trust trial pad to perform as advertised.
The amount of typing you’ve done to make a point that a $10 app can do the same things as a $90 app makes your time worthless and me suspicious. Are you a lawyer, a trial technology person, or someone with a personal interest that you haven’t disclosed?
Dana M.
Dana,
As I pointed out above, I’m a trial technology guy. I’ve been assisting attorneys in trials for 15 years (I’ve tried many cases with the majority lasting two weeks or more). I’m not quite sure how my arguments ring suspicious. I have absolutely no interest in any of the apps I’ve mentioned. I have personally used all of the above apps in actual trials and I am simply pointing out that what Trial Pad is charging for its limited features, you can pay less for apps that provide more features. I’m not knocking the Trial Pad app itself. It is easy to use and I can see how users who have limited technology experience would like it because of its simplicity. I’m a huge power user. Again, all I’m trying to do is point out the app is way over priced for its very limited features.
And you do get what you pay for… exactly the point I’m getting at. I have no problem with you paying $90 for a PDF viewer.
If anything, your comment is suspicious. To say Trial Pad offers features that even iAnnotate does not offer is just untrue.
I never thought that developing a legal app that could help anyone easily present exhibits at trial could cause so much controversy! I have to echo Ted’s comment and thank Josh for allowing the debate. It seems that the feelings towards TrialPad (disguised as the “$89.99 price issue”) come almost exclusively from trial consultants. The same trial consultants who charge $150 – $225+ per HOUR?
I was shocked when Ted Brooks placed an ad in the middle of his latest review of another iPad app. Was I the only one who thought it was a bit strange to read “I think you will find that I do not attempt to write a sales pitch for anything I review –…” and then read a sales pitch for his own services: “If you present a copy of this smiley-face graphic prior to retaining us on a new matter, for which we begin work on or before June 30, 2011, we will offer you a 10% discount on our hourly rates – referrals are not eligible, exceptions may apply, subject to availability.”?
I’m a trial consultant too and don’t feel threatened by any iPad app that can assist a lawyer or his staff to present a case for their clients’ benefit. TrialPad can be used for a mediation, arbitration, or trial. The exhibits can then be exported to use in TrialDirector or another application later. These are the same smaller matters they wouldn’t hire a professional trial consultant for anyway. If anything, a presentation app for the iPad will encourage the use of electronic presentation, no matter the budget .
Doug – In all your posts I never figured out you were a trial consultant, but now it all makes sense! In one post you say that “iAnnotate will allow you to do ALMOST ALL of what TrialPad offers” [emphasis added], then when you respond to Dana saying that “TrialPad…[has]…features that the others don’t have (not even i-annotate)…” you respond with “To say Trial Pad offers features that even iAnnotate does not offer is just untrue.” Well which is it?
If a typical trial lawyer is convinced to use iAnnotate as a solution for trial presentation, they may never go back to the iPad again. Maybe that’s what you want.
In the words of a once famous man, “can we all get along?”.
Ian
The iPad is an exciting new tool for lawyers. It is not the only piece or technology you will ever use or need. But it provides several unique advantages over existing offerings, including lower price point, easy of use and portability.
Whether a trial presentation app is worth $90 or not remains to be seen. We think Exhibit A is a superior product in several respects (support for images and video, visual connection to exhibits, superior annotation and display tools). We have chosen to price the app in line with the offerings by Apple for it’s own powerful apps, including Keynote, as well as other developers who are offering compelling apps at or near $10.
The market will determine the right price point. Other trial presentation apps offer some nice features, and no doubt will continue to improve over time, as will Exhibit A. Check us out, and make your own decision.
I criticized TrialPad for its price, and I am an attorney in private practice. I am not a trial technology professional. Among the arguments I’ve seen so far, I still see none that explain why the TrialPad is 1000% more valuable than iAnnotate or other apps, to justify its 1000% price mark-up. If trial technologists on this board are among those making comments criticizing the price point, that does not mean they cannot or do not have the winning argument.
@ Ian –
I did indeed mention in my review that “I do not attempt to write a sales pitch for anything I review,” but I never said anything about never pitching my own services. I certainly have no big incentive to be known only as “the guy who writes nice iPad legal app reviews.” Nobody is paying me for that. The review you reference is found at: http://trial-technology.blogspot.com/2011/02/exhibit-ipad-app-for-trial-presentation.html
Yes, I am one of those “same trial consultants who charge $150 – $225+ per HOUR”, and I do indeed depend on attorneys to hire me to provide professional trial support services – which is a little different in scope from an iPad app.
I enjoyed using and reviewing all 3 of the currently available apps – TrialPad $89.99, Evidence $9.99 and Exhibit A $4.99 (and I have chosen to avoid the pricing comparison argument, leaving that up to the individual reader), but regardless of which you prefer, they all come with the limitations of the iPad. The same goes for any “cobbled together” solutions.
Can the iPad work in a smaller matter? Sure. Will it work in a larger, complex case? I wouldn’t recommend it. Call me instead.
I’ve actually used Trialpad and Evidence (not Exhibit A). There is no comparison. Trialpad is much more refned and smooth. I’m not discrediting Evidence, but it is $10. I spend that at Starbucks every morning. And why even mention iAnnotate or Keynote? They’re completely different apps. Makes no sense – that’s like needing a flashlight, but using a candle.
Anyone, trial consultant or attorney, that is complaining about $90 obviously has no idea what it costs to run a practice or any business. If it works and it costs $90 consider yourself lucky for getting such a cheap tool. I’ve worked with trial consultants numerous times and that works great, but it is costly. I have no problem with that, it is needed and worth it’s gold. I wouldn’t dream of hiring a trial consultant for $20 an hour.
Nelson, go ahead and give Exhibit A a try!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/exhibit-a/id392621180?mt=8
If you are a dedicated fanboy of TrailPad, I don’t suppose there is any persuading that can be done. But to say that something is better just because it costs more lacks a certain amount logic.
TrailPad is the second most expensive iPad app in iTunes! That is right. The only more expensive app is “Fine Luxury Wallpapers” by Gatsby, which costs $94.99, and is nothing but a collection of random wallpaper backgrounds for your iPad.
Why pay so much for wallpaper? Because, according to Gatsby, “You lead a life of privilege and luxury. It’s your way. You are one of the elite. One of the chosen. The few.” Interested Nelson? It costs so much it’s got to be the best!
Check out Exhibit A. It’s not just a PDF reader. It supports PDFs, videos, and photos. It has a beautiful interface that let’s you actually see your exhibits. It has a full screen exhibit display and a very nice selection of tools. It is extremely easy to use. We are releasing Version 1.1 shortly with Dropbox integration, a very nice rotation function, and loads of other improvements and fixes. Price? $9.99.
Michael,
I welcome the discussion, and appreciate a candid and pleasant exchange of ideas. However to say we’re the second most expensive app is just untrue (where we are in those ranking is irrelevant as far as we’re concerned), and trying to affiliate us with a wallpaper app is misleading.
That would be like me pointing out that you’ve recently doubled the price of your app because you added Dropbox (that we already had), and fixed some bugs. In reality I think it would be more fair to say you’ve ended your introductory offer but continue to add new features.
When people have seen and used our app, they are thrilled by its ease of use and the logic behind its user interface. The consistent question we’re asked is why is it so cheap!
There’s a saying in business: “Service, quality, price. Pick any two of the three.” We strive to provide the best service and quality, and if $80 is causing someone to reconsider purchasing our app to help them present their case, they are probably better off going with a cheaper alternative.
None of us app developers are resting on our laurels. The true beneficiaries of our hard work will be our users.
Kind regards,
Ian
ian@litsoftware.com
http://www.TrialPad.com
Exhibit A is currently the only app that allows you to easily and effectively display all your exhibits, not just PDFs.
With Exhibit A, you can mark and display all your legal documents, photos, images and videos. The user display is full screen with intuitive and easy access tools, making it simple to select, mark and show your exhibits. Tools include pinch zoom, multiple color pens, highlighter and laser pointer, making it simple to focus your auidence attention and to emphasize your points.
We continue to innovate and improve. Dropbox integration is days away, which will allow you to present your documents directly from the cloud. All updates are free.
We offer excellent customer service. You will receive help within minutes of your request at http://getsatisfaction.com/lecturaapps.
Take advantage of the last days of our introductory price of $4.99. We offer quality, excellent customer support, and a reasonable price!
You can find us in the iTunes app store at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/exhibit-a/id392621180?mt=8
Use iAnnotate instead of TrialPad. It has many more features that TrialPad.
If you want something much, much more…use TrialSmart from Clarity. I have used it in trial since it came out in 2006 and it is a wonderful app. It has synched video, dual monitor support, dual document display, about 20 different callout and annotation features as well depo designation playback, etc.
AND it is priced in the mid-200s. Well below the pc guys.
I like the iPad but it is severely limited in many ways.
Red Murchinson
Trial Lawyer
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Gents,
First off, love the exchange going on between Michael Henderson and Ian O’Flaherty. Would pay good money to see you guys square off in a UFC steel cage match. I venture to say the developer with the higher priced app would win. I own all three trial presentation apps (Exhibit A, Evidence, and TrialPad), but have only used one in trial – TrialPad. Let’s be honest guys, this is the only serious app of the three. Evidence crashed again and again on me, and though it offers a multitude of file types, I couldn’t even import a pdf into the app. Exhibit A is a real “cute” app and has some nice features, like the red laser tool, but it’s something my son would use in a mock trial with his pet rock and all his stuffed animal friends. It’s not a serious, professional app. And it crashed on me more often than not. Can you imagine being in the midst of a trial and your app goes cold turkey on you?!?! Exactly. That’s why you dish out the extra $70 or $80 on TrialPad- for peace of mind.
That said, TrialPad does not come without its drawbacks. For one, I’d like to see additional file types added to the mix. If Exhibit and Evidence have them, why can’t you? Would also love to see search functionality added to the home screen so I can search through my case files easier (rather than swiping thru all of them).
Keep it going.
-James W.
James,
I can respect your choice. This reminds me a bit of the PC vs Mac debates. Some people just feel more comfortable with stern shades of gray. Some how that seems more “business” like and “serious” to them. If that is the case, Exhibit A is not for you.
Exhibit A takes full advantage of the new medium that is the Apple iPad. We believe you should be able to see your exhibits whenever possible before you select them. We believe in offering the flexibility to group and order your exhibits in the way that makes the most sense to you. We believe the user experience should be so simple and intuitive that a 5 year old could use it without needing complex instructions and tutorials.
If your son can put on a mock trial with his pet rock and stuffed animals, then we feel we have hit the mark! When you are on your feet, all eyes on you, presenting your exhibits should be that simple.
For those wanting something more than a $90 PDF viewer, we invite you to visit Exhibit A in the iTunes App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/exhibit-a/id392621180?mt=8
Ian-
Just to clarify… the comment “To say Trial Pad offers features that even iAnnotate does not offer is just untrue.” was referring to what Dana said in her post above mine. She stated that Trial Pad offers more features than iAnnotate… not me. And I actually said iAnnotate has more features than TrialPad.
I’m not the only one who agrees that iAnnotate offers more features than Trial Pad…
http://www.maclitigator.com/2011/01/03/trialpad-dedicated-presentation-app-for-the-ipad/
Hey Doug,
From another lawyer who’s used it in trial:
http://lawyertechreview.com/2011/ipad-apps-lawyer-reviews-iannotate-trialpad
To summarize: “The TrialPad app, on the other hand, performed flawlessly from the display end. Document organization is logical from a lawyer perspective. In fairness, TrialPad was designed by lawyers for lawyers. Though it costs nine times more, it is worth it. Eighty bucks simply isn’t enough of a savings to justify bumbling in front of a jury. Or a judge. Or, most important, my client.”
There are several apps for under $10 that do the same thing, mainly iAnnotate.
For $80, this app is way overpriced. I think that is where the apps pricing is causing the most burps. The developers came in too high.
With TrialSmart at least I know I can “grow” my case instead of being worried that with TrialPad, I am limited to just a few pdfs. TrialSmart can handle just about anything you throw at it and is a perfect substitute if you are switching from Sanction or TrialDirector, which I did about a year ago.
I see a lot of statements to the effect that statements by others are untrue, but little in the way of specifics as to what exactly is or isn’t true. For example, if I understand correctly, iAnnotate does not have a feature in TrialPad wherein the user can display one exhibit while queueing up a second, different exhibit. is this true? If so, then iAnnotate does not do everything that TrialPad does. Whether that is important (or not) is subjective. In my case, that particular feature happens to be essential.
Whether or not TrialPad is worth $90 is also subjective. I see people comparing it to other iPad apps that run $10 or less. If one previously had to use Sanction or TrialDirector to perform tasks that can be performed with TrialPad then maybe it would be fairer to compare the cost to a TrialDirector or Sanction license. One could buy an iPad with TrialPad for less than the cost of a single TrialDirector license, even if the notebook on which you were to run TrialDirector were free.
I could use more specifics.
Thx
In his comments above, Mr. Henderson refers to TrialPad as “TrailPad’. “Mr. Mortensen’s” video on youtube has the same typo in the opening titles. Coincidence?
The expense discussion seems largely irrelevant. Does a one time $90 expense have any significance whatsoever when the person using it charges $200-$1000/hour? Parking downtown for a few days costs more than that.