Legal disagreements often end up in court or arbitration or mediation. In the past, parties would schedule hearings and mediations and then would appear in person with their attorneys. With the COVID-19 quarantine, courts and law offices shut down most in-person interactions. Courts and others in the justice system have developed innovative ways to handle court cases – virtual hearings and mediations.
Virtual Negotiations, Mediations, and Arbitrations
Over the years, technology has evolved from simple, standalone computers to devices with amazing capabilities. Computers, tablets, and smartphones enable their users to connect with people worldwide using apps like:
- Zoom
- Skype
- GoToMeeting and
- Google Hangouts
Using a computer and a webcam, parties to a legal disagreement can meet for virtual negotiations, mediations, and more.
Courts Go Online with Hearings
On May 6, the Florida Supreme Court held its first virtual hearing. Attorneys and court staff used Zoom to connect all the parties for oral arguments. The court apparently approves since additional video hearings have been added to the court’s schedule.
Some county courts have been using Zoom for virtual hearings since March of this year. In fact, Broward County courts have held about 1,200 hearings with about 14,000 total participants.
If you are party to any pending litigation, check with your attorney to see if you have any virtual hearings coming up.
It’s Not Totally Glitch-Free
We can experience ‘technical difficulties’ any time we deal with computer equipment and software. Be sure you prepare for virtual hearings and mediations by:
- checking the court’s requirements
- making sure you have the right software and equipment
- testing connections and equipment before the hearing
Judges also are experiencing some unusual problems with virtual hearings – inappropriate behavior and attire. Parties and their attorneys have appeared in casual clothes or shirtless. One person even tried to attend a virtual hearing while still in bed.
Etiquette for Virtual Conferences
Try to set up your computer and webcam in a quiet room. Let your family know that you will be on a hearing or conference. Make sure you dress appropriately and keep distractions to a minimum.
Some interruptions are unavoidable. If your dog barks or the doorbell rings while you are in a hearing, hit the mute button and try not to get flustered.
Will You Need to Attend Virtual Hearings and Mediations?
It’s a real possibility if you are dealing with any legal disagreements or litigation.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.