March 2021 Bar Bulletin
By Kayla Higgins
With Zoom hearings replacing many in-court or in-person hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic — including arbitrations, administrative hearings, voir dire, and more — these virtual hearings have come with both advantages and drawbacks. There are obvious advantages besides limiting the risk of virus transmission, including cutting down on travel costs and travel time for witnesses and experts. But Zoom also has many drawbacks in the realm of legal advocacy. While many lawyers can stumble their way through a courtroom hearing, Zoom places a premium on expertise and preparedness.
The Bad: Speed-Lawyering
and Missed Non-Verbal Cues
Zoom makes everything in a...