Jamie Daigle is a Portland, Ore., trial lawyer who loves to use his iPad in court. But he also knows the iPad can be clumsy to hold or stand up. No sooner did he first get his iPad than he started trying to build a better case for it. Using common household items, he had his first prototype within days. Believing that he has created “the most comfortable, ergonomic and functional iPad case available,” Daigle and his new company, DC Mobile Design LLC, have turned to Kickstarter in the hopes of raising the money they need to take their prototype to market.

They call their case Clutch and say that using the iPad with it “is a transformational experience.” Clutch is a multi-purpose product — it is a protective case for the iPad that also offers three major features: (1) a comfortable, ergonomic handle; (2) a stand that is stable in six different orientations; and (3) a storage unit for a USB cable and headphones. “I believe that this case helps make the iPad an even better tool for lawyers,” Daigle says.

Through Kickstarter, Daigle’s company hopes to raise at least $75,000 by Jan. 18, 2012. The money will be used to make the prototype a reality, as the campaign page explains:

The engineering is nearly complete and our latest prototype has been in constant use for 5 months. Now that we are satisfied that the design and functionality meet our criteria, we are ready to go to manufacturing. This is the point where we need your help. There are many parts that need to be tooled, stamped or cast. These processes are expensive. If we meet our funding goal our project will become a reality.

The campaign is accepting pledges of any amount, but those who pledge $60 or more will receive a Clutch of their very own once it rolls of the assembly line. A pledge of $100 gets a limited-edition version of the Clutch along with a padded carrying case. Higher-level pledges qualify for even better rewards.

In the video below, Daigle and his co-developer Bryan Churchill demonstrate the Clutch. At their Kickstarter page, they have many more photos and lots more information.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.