At the core of a proper practice management package are tool like a document management program, Word, Outlook and of course Adobe Acrobat. In my opinion, Acrobat is one of THE MOST ESSENTIAL tools in an attorneys technical toolbox. And just having it, doesn't mean much...and having Adobe Reader, doesn't mean ANYTHING (sorry). Not sure what you have? Open "it" up and look along the banner at the top of the window - if it doesnt say there, go to the Help menu and choose the "About..." menu option. The Reader is really only good for viewing, printing and filling out form-enabled PDF files. To create and manipulate PDF's you will need a higher version. This product matrix from Adobe will help you determine what those higher versions offer.
So back to my comment about "just having it doesn't mean much" - many of you have a full version of Acrobat but use it like it's Reader. You have no idea what a powerful tool you possess! Here is a short list of the things you can and need to be able to do with Adobe Acrobat (and if you dont have it - GET IT RIGHT NOW):
- Create simple PDF files (and even sophisticated PDF files such as an electronic closing binder)
- Insert, delete, extract, rotate pages
- Convert eligible files to text (that is, PDF to Word) (or Converting Depo Transcripts to PDF)
- Digitally sign documents
- Redact PDF files
- Bates stamp files
Learn More!
Here are the online help guides for Adobe Acrobat 8 Pro, Acrobat 9 Pro and Acrobat X (the latest) from Adobe.com. If you have a version older than those - time to upgrade!
Legal Specific Resources
Blog Posts:
- Why I love my scanner and Adobe Acrobat by attorny Gregory Forman
- Adobe Acrobat X Brings New Lawyer-Friendly Features
- Adobe Acrobat X Review by Ernie Svenson
