CHENNAI: Advocates are expected to have information at their fingertips and to do so, big books are usually stacked up against the walls of their chamber rooms. But today, information is available at their fingertips and this time quite literally. With more lawyers getting tech savvy, books have turned into tabs and with new apps being created every day, life is getting easier for the busy lawyers.
Speaking to City Express, many lawyers said that most of the apps they download on their tabs and phones, are quick reference apps. “On my tab, I mostly use the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) and the IPC (Indian Penal Code) apps. So even if I’m between cases, and I need to quickly refer something, these apps really help,” said advocate Dinesh Chavan.
Besides these apps, he said lawyers also use the legal dictionary, Indian Case Law Studies, Indian High Courts Cases,
Indian Evidence Act, Law Handbook and Constitution of India apps. For younger lawyers or those who are just starting out, having information a click away proves very beneficial and timely.
Advocate Subramanian Balaji said beside reference apps, he also uses his gadget to keep updated on case hearings. “I look up either the net or also the app to look up the cause list, city civil cases and judgments,” says Balaji. If not yet app-savvy, lawyers refer specific websites such as ‘Kanoon’, which not only provide information but also invite clients to get their doubts clarified.
However, this is not the only way lawyers get to reach out to prospective clients. Online legal services sites like VakilSearch are continuing to make legal work simple by registering lawyers and inviting prospective clients to choose their options. Advocates registering with the online site are also allowed to quote their own prices as well.
With lawyers embracing technology and reducing paper work, courts could also be expected to make full use of digital apps and reference sites to rid the justice-delivery system of ‘mismanaged files’ and thus, turn into a completely paperless and efficient system.