Going to Court in Your Kitchen, on Zoom
The pandemic has ushered in a new world of virtual litigation. Before March 2020, it was rare for a witness to attend in Court by video-conferencing. Since March 2020, it is the new norm. In the last year and a half, people have been appearing in Court on Zoom in anything from traffic ticket cases to multi-million dollar lawsuits.
There have been some problems. People have logged onto traffic Court with offensive screen names. A lawyer in the US appeared in Court with a cat’s face superimposed on his own. Internet connectivity and other technical problems have caused many headaches.
But, overall, the litigation experience on Zoom has been a positive one. It has allowed justice to move forward. It has cut down the cost of litigation by bringing far-flung witnesses together at the click of a button and forcing lawyers and Judges to work paperless.
If you are ever called to appear in Court on Zoom, here are a few tips. Get comfortable with Zoom before the Court date. Set up in a quiet room with nothing distracting behind you. Be alone (the Judge will ask). Mute yourself when you are not speaking. Dress like you would if you were going to Court (at least from the waist up). If you need to rely on a document make sure the Court has an electronic copy in advance (no one can read it when you hold it up in front of your camera). And remember, while you are in your home it is still Court. Treat everyone with formality and respect.
Oatley Vigmond represents injured individuals in their claims against insurance companies. Oatley Vigmond can be reached at (705) 726-9021 or 1-888-662-2481.
About the Authors
Troy Lehman joined Oatley Vigmond in 2006 and became a partner in 2010. As a personal injury lawyer, his greatest satisfaction comes from helping people through to the other side of a difficult time in their lives. “We’re here to help and relieve stress,” Troy says. “When I walk into a first meeting with a client, people are often scared and anxious. And for me, the best thing that can happen at the end of the meeting is that they say, ‘I feel so much better.’