Trial via Zoom

There comes a point in some cases where the parties cannot settle on their various issues which means trial is inevitable and necessary. Even under normal circumstances, trials are a lot of work to prepare for. However, in time of the Covid-19 pandemic, trials are conducted online via zoom, carrying even more challenges.  The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC can now say we have had a trial by zoom, which was made possible by our capable and hardworking team. 

Trial via Zoom required essentially the same kind of meticulous, yet requisite preparation work as any normal trial does. Exhibits had to be gathered, organized, scanned, and printed. Pre-trial Motions were drafted.  Witnesses prepped.  Outlines drafted. Notes updated.  However, the key difference in the preparations was the fact that most of this work was online, we had to figure out creative ways to communicate with our client while not being next to them in the courtroom and to deliver electronic exhibits to the Court. The utilization of online tools such as Google Docs and DropBox ensured that trial preparations were able to be conducted to the same standard than that of normal trials, while being extremely organized. Funnily enough, this trial also seemed to save paper more than most other physical trials. 

Additionally, as with any court function being conducted via Zoom nowadays, there had to be room for all parties to get acclimated and well-versed in the technology that would be used during trial. Some of the unique features of Zoom that we used were the following: 1) “screen-sharing”, which would have been vital in sharing exhibits and referencing them during testimony; 2) “breakout rooms” used in an effort to settle the case after hearing the initial motions, as would normally be done in chambers; and, 3) the chat box so the attorneys could speak to the other without needing to involve the Judge. It was learned that using online tools was critical, so the team could communicate with our client and so we could fully prepare for the testimony and pre-trial motions that would have resulted in a full trial. While we ultimately settled the case on the evening of the first day of trial, the bulk of the trial’s work was already done given that the firm extensively prepared for the trial itself. 

Looking ahead, The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC has three trials scheduled in the coming months, again, likely to take place via Zoom. We have learned a great deal about going to trial online now that our office has one trial under our belt. Because our office was able to successfully prepare for a three-day online trial, we have no doubt we can continue to do trials online especially given the extremely motivated and hardworking team we have. Our office is fully willing and capable to go to bat for our clients, even if it is trial via Zoom. If you are involved in a high-conflict matter that may go to trial in these times, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

NOTICE: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this blog post.