The IT manager of a major law firm believes that the iPhone will eventually supplant the BlackBerry as the smartphone of choice for attorneys, according to ITWire.

"I suspect most law firms will soon, if they aren't already, be trialling iPhones, and as a single mobile platform makes sense, I suspect that over time these firms will also standardise on iPhones," said John Duckett, IT general manager at DLA Phillips Fox.

The law firm is one the largest in Australia and New Zealand.

While the push technology of the BlackBerry made it popular, Mr. Duckett believes that Apple's adoption of enterprise technologies and the superior technology of the iPhone, combined with Apple's high profile will bode well for Apple.

What mmakes the iPhone appealling for lawyers, he noted, is the large screen and Internet connectivity. That's a big boost to productivity, and Mr. Duckett believes law firms are quickly realizing that.

He also credited the younger generation of lawyers who grew up expecting to always utilize new, exciting technology as a factor.

Of course, while this is just the opinion of a single IT Manager, his beliefs mirror the reasons for the popularity of the iPhone. While other smartphone makers are eager to mimic the iPhone, history with the iPod suggests that once Apple gets a lead on the competition and leverages its technology and marketing, it's very hard for others to catch up.