Since the shutdown, I have participated in a few Zoom conferences and mediations (including one today), and I will appear at my first Zoom deposition, allegedly, next Monday.
I have participated in these proceedings from my "home office", a room that has seen many uses, not law business related, over the years, including vintage clothing storage. Well, the clothing wasn't quite vintage when first stored there. Loyal dog asleep at my side, smooth jazz courtesy of Alexa in the background, aquarium to my left, large cup of hazelnut coffee to my right, and so many tributes to my greatness (as a Daddy) that the average LinkedIn member jealous, my workspace is a very relaxing, cozy and supportive environment.
In such an environment, it would seem odd to put on a coat and/or a tie, for a Zoom proceeding. I do wear a dress shirt, and pants--not necessarily dress.
Now, while judges have been on line for the judicial conferences I have "Zoomed" in on, I have yet to have a contested, on the record, proceeding with an "on the job" judge ready to rule on my case. I might feel compelled to wear a suit for such a proceeding, even though I'd feel odd putting on a suit to "attend" a hearing where I am sitting 7 steps from my refrigerator.
But, until I was instructed otherwise, I'd probably still don the old frock coat and breeches for His or Her Honor.
Well, apparently, some attorneys in Florida have not felt similarly compelled.
Judge Dennis Bailey, who works at the Broward Circuit Court, admonished the lazy lawyers in a letter published by the Weston Bar Association earlier this month. The letter states, in part:
"It is remarkable how many ATTORNEYS appear inappropriately on camera. We've seen many lawyers in casual shirts and blouses, with no concern for ill-grooming, in bedrooms with the master bed in the background, etc. One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers. And putting on a beach cover-up won't cover up you're poolside in a bathing suit. So, please, if you don't mind, let's treat court hearings as court hearings, whether Zooming or not."
"Let's treat court hearings as court hearings". Eloquence worthy of an appointment to an appeals court, you'll agree.
So, suit and tie for formal appearances it will be, but the rebel in me thinks I'll still try to wear my lucky bunny slippers for the truly big hearings.
What do you mean. I saw you wearing them in court one Friday
Posted by: Tom Calcatera | 04/20/2020 at 10:40 PM