A recent video presentation by the Federal Court of Canada gives a number of tips for a successful Zoom hearing. A recording of the presentation can be found here.
The Federal Court of Canada has heard over 2,000 hearings over Zoom since the beginning of the pandemic. Justice Pentney of the Federal Court of Canada reports that the system is working. However, the key to making it work is, as in most things legal, preparation.
In the seminar, Justice Pentney provides tips for effective Zoom hearings. These include:
- Understand the software.
Do not learn on the fly. Practice with the software. Learn the features available and know how to use them.
- Preplan with opposing counsel.
Discuss software issues, documents to be referred to, procedural matters, witness order, etc.
- Frame your shot.
Be seen clearly. Be well-lit.
- Avoid distracting background.
No beaches.
- Rename yourself.
Change your screen name in Zoom to reflect your role. Eg. “Paul Trudelle: Plaintiff’s counsel”, etc.
- Filing.
Ensure all documents are available. Be familiar with the filing system used by the court.
- Document sharing.
Ensure text size is big enough. Highlight text if appropriate.
- Close other apps.
Make sure unused apps are closed, to avoid notifications from popping up, and to avoid accidental sharing of unintended information.
- Be wary of muting/unmuting.
Make sure that the mic doesn’t pick up unintended discussions.
- Have backups.
Make sure that a cell phone hotspot is available in case of Wi-Fi failure. Limit other network users to avoid system slowdowns. Have backup headphones with a mic.
For an excellent summary of the presentation, see Dan Rosman’s video summary, here.
Have a great weekend.