Preparing for a court hearing is a daunting experience for most people. In some cases, however, the case may be heard over Zoom or other digital platforms to allow clients to trade stuffy courtrooms for the comfort of their own home. What started as a pandemic response of moving the court room to Zoom has shown to offer residual benefits, such as keeping courtroom proceedings not open to the public secure and offering the opportunity for individuals unable to physically appear in court due to distance or other factors to still provide testimony.

But before you login while still dressed in your pajamas, or make the mistake of connecting from outlandish locations, like while behind the wheel of your car on a freeway or even while using the bathroom (at this point, we are confident we have seen it all!), let’s dive into how you can prepare to ensure your virtual court experience is smooth and successful.

Conduct a check of your tech.

No one enjoys being interrupted! It is less than ideal to be in the middle of telling your side of the story and having your screen freeze, especially if you’re stuck with a silly face. To avoid potential tech troubles, make sure your internet connection is stable and that your camera and microphone are fully functioning. It may also be important to have the most up-to-date version of Zoom or any other technology used by the court.  Just because you’re joining from home doesn’t mean you can roll out of bed at the last minute. Log in to the Zoom meeting a few minutes early to ensure everything is working correctly and to show that you are punctual and prepared.

In addition to connectivity, the settings you select for your tech also may have a major impact on your virtual courtroom experience. Your background says a lot about you—especially in a virtual courtroom. A messy room or a distracting background can inadvertently steal focus from the points you are trying to make. Opt for a clean, neutral backdrop with sufficient lighting. Be mindful of filters you may have applied from previous calls, otherwise you may find yourself in the same position as the guy who had to declare that he was not at all a cat despite his cat-like appearance thanks to a funny filter applied. If you apply a virtual background, it should be neutral to set the right tone, but don’t strictly rely on this option in case a court official requests that you remove it.

In the event that you do not have a space in which you feel comfortable or confident using for your virtual court hearing, it is worth asking your legal team if they have a space available or any location recommendations for your scheduled appearance.

Dress and act the part.

It’s tempting to think that just because you’re on Zoom, you can get away with wearing anything you want. But remember, it’s still a court hearing, not a vent session with friends or a therapist. Dress as though your entire outfit will be seen, you will not only feel more confident being put-together, but it also eliminates any embarrassing circumstances in the event that you have to stand up throughout the hearing. Often times, judges will require that Zoom participants remove their hats and sunglasses, so it is best to start without these items.

Virtual hearings can sometimes blur the lines of professional etiquette. Even in a virtual setting, court protocol remains crucial. Speak clearly and formally, address the judge properly, and follow any specific instructions given for the Zoom hearing. Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking to avoid background noise. Keep your camera on and maintain eye contact with the screen to show engagement. And above all else, try not to multitask. Checking your phone or scrolling through social media while in a Zoom hearing might give the wrong impression and could even be considered unprofessional. You may want a glass of water nearby, but eating, drinking anything other than water, or smoking are highly frowned upon and may even cause a delay if it has to be addressed.

Conclusion.

While Zoom hearings offer the convenience of remote participation, they still demand the same level of preparation and professionalism as traditional court appearances. It’s important to prep your tech, choose your setting wisely, dress to impress, and be on your best behavior. With a little effort, you can have a smooth and successful virtual courtroom experience.

Courtney M. Buechler

Attorney

Courtney Buechler is a member of CGA Law Firm, contributing to the Family Law, Municipal Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate practice groups. After graduating from Pennsylvania State Dickinson Law, Courtney is now licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland. She leverages her extensive experience and unique perspective to guide clients through complex legal landscapes

Learn more about Courtney here.

Thomas D. O’Shea

Shareholder

Attorney Thomas D. O’Shea has been specializing in family law matters for more than 30 years. Tom believes many traditional family law attorneys allow an emotionally debilitating and difficult situation to escalate into highly contentious litigation, which results in long-term emotional stress and substantial financial loss. His philosophy is to resolve divorce and family conflict sensibly and efficiently, while minimizing stress and the financial burden for all parties. Resolution is rarely simple, and litigation cannot always be avoided. Tom has litigated hundreds of cases during his career. More importantly, he has resolved thousands of other cases, sparing his clients the expense and uncertainty of trial.

Learn more about Tom here.