Zoom Court is Coming to an End. 3 Tips for Criminal Lawyers to Get Prepared for In-Person Hearings

Who would have thought that a year ago the entire world would shut down due to a global virus? It forced everyone in their homes and changed the landscape of how we communicated with each other. The term “social distancing” became the new norm and for the legal community, it completely changed the way we operate. Even though lawyers were not deemed essential workers our jobs did not stop because people were still being arrested, people were still falling and getting into car accidents, and family matters did not end. The courtrooms were not allowing people inside, however people were still in jail, crimes were still being committed and individuals were being arrested.  

Many lawyers felt out of the loop as to what policies and procedures were in place. Everything was transitioned to Zoom. The court system in Cook County, in particular, which for years seemed antiquated, was now accepting online court filings and motions. Lawyers actually had to work together in order to get information. 

Once the information was made available on how to navigate the Zoom sphere, the next step was preparing clients for how to use and act on Zoom. There were so many horror stories over the past year about defendants on Zoom doing everything from being smoking, driving (while not having a valid license), to even having sex. 

Some lawyers were very successful over the pandemic since they were able to be in multiple courtrooms in different counties, all from the comfort of their home or office. With the pandemic drawing to a close and more people becoming vaccinated, it seems that Zoom for the most part will be drawing to an end. Here are a few tips for criminal lawyers as we navigate back to the courtroom. 

Be Prepared for Trial

As courts open up prosecutors are under an intense amount of pressure to get rid of cases. As lawyers, we should be ready with our trial demands to put pressure on the State. Some counties are allowing in-person hearing and trials, but not many of them. 2020 was a preparation year, show them you are ready to fight for your clients. 

Organize your Calendar

The year 2020 allowed lawyers to be everywhere without actually having to travel. As courtrooms now open you will not be allowed to be everywhere at once, thereby causing you to prolong cases or force you to pay “coverage fees” so other attorneys can step up on your matter.

The main issue with hiring outside counsel to cover for you is that the client is upset that you, the person they hired, is not present and the case is getting another extension. Start now by cleaning up your calendar and moving these cases towards closure. 

Create the Right Team/Partnership

If 2020 and early 2021 taught you anything, it’s that you can’t do everything by yourself. Make sure you are hiring or partnering with the right people that can take your firm or business into the future. 

Also, make sure you are hiring the right coverage attorney. By hiring the right coverage attorney, the issues listed above can be quelled and the client can remain happy with you as their attorney.

Using these tips can help you successfully navigate the transition back from Zoom court to in-person. If you are in need of a coverage attorney, please give us a call.

Written by Edward Speights, Esq.