Zoom Hearing Preparations

Preparing for a Zoom hearing has been undervalued. The continuing spread of COVID19 has turned the reopening process of the Courts on hold. Several online hearings held via Zoom and other video conference applications keep the cases moving. Most of the same rules on courtesy and presentation apply whether the hearing is online or in-person. However, home online zoom hearings present some very unique situations.Here are some important tips to know when preparing for an online Zoom hearing. 1. CONSIDER YOUR APPEARANCE.  

Participating in a trial or meeting via Zoom or video conferencing has a courtroom dress code. Just like a normal courtroom setting, comfortable business clothing is a good choice. A nice suit for men and a blazer for women is also appropriate. It is important to show up as your best self just as you would in-person. Showing that you take the matter seriously and have a stand to offer the Court is undoubtingly respectful.2. ASSESS YOUR ENVIRONMENT AND ROOM SURROUNDINGS. You should plan to be in a quiet and well-kept room when appearing at a virtual meeting or zoom hearing. Anything that may visually appear as a distraction to viewers should be lessened. Including pets, outside interruptions near windows like vehicles, and ringing phones. Sitting in front of the web camera, remove unwanted mess like a pile of clothes, food litter, and books. 3. EQUIPMENT AND CONNECTION CHECK. Before the meeting begins, check if your computer equipment and internet connection are working properly. A computer WiFi connection is better than the internet connectivity from your phone. Always have backup support in case your computer or internet connection goes wrong. An example is a tablet or your phone connected to your home WiFi. To ensure clear audio, use a headset and headphones with built-in microphones. Check your internet connection and secure at least a minimum of 5MBPS of download and upload speed.  4. SETTING UP AND JOINING IN VIA ZOOM. The scheduled zoom hearing and instructions will send to you through email by your lawyer or by the Court. Directly before the hearing, you will receive a Zoom link, telephone numbers,  a Meeting ID, and a password. Setting up and downloading the Zoom application on your phone or computer is easy. Click the blue link that says "Join the Meeting" to join the meeting. Normally a test meeting is recommended. Learning to mute and unmute your audio and video is also a must. The Court wants you to know the importance and rules while the meeting is in progress. 5. KNOW YOUR TURN.  Each participant will be able to speak only when asked by the judge. In the beginning, the judge will remind all of the participants and attendees of the court agreement. To obey during the zoom hearing there are simple rules. When it is your turn to talk to the judge, you should refer to him or her as "Your Honor". The judge can remove any participant when he or she is being noisy and simply not following instructions. Look directly at the webcam or camera, not your computer or phone screen. Maintain an eye-level position for the best view by the judge. Participating in a video or audio virtual hearing is still a formal court action. Certain rules and conditions still apply in this matter. Removing interruptions can increase your experience and that of the judge.  The Murphy Law Firm LLC can assist you with preparing for these hearings and ensure that they go off without a hitch when arguing your case before the Court. Contact Angel Murphy today to schedule a trial strategy meeting at (240) 493-9116 to help you prepare. If you are active on social media, Like us on Facebook @AMurphyLegal, and Follow us on Instagram @AMurphyLegal and Twitter @AMurphy_Legal