Despite prior reminders about the Court’s posted policies regarding attorney appearances and attire when participating in hearings by Zoom, attorneys continue to regularly appear and participate in casual attire or without appearing on camera. Hearings conducted with Zoom are court proceedings and practitioners must conduct themselves accordingly. Absent a legitimate excuse, every attorney appearing for a hearing—whether held in person or by video—is expected to be dressed professionally. Attorneys that make a habit of appearing by Zoom in casual attire risk not being allowed to participate in the scheduled hearing and may be required to appear in court for future hearings. Likewise, failure to appear on camera for a Zoom hearing is tantamount to appearing by telephone for an in-court hearing—something the Court rarely permits and only upon motion filed by the attorney in advance of the hearing. Technical issues do happen, but that is why video participants are encouraged to test their equipment and join the Zoom hearing early to ensure everything is working properly. Attorneys unable or unwilling to appear on video risk not being allowed to participate in the hearing. Participation in hearings via Zoom is offered as a convenience and courtesy to attorneys and their clients as an alternative to having to travel and appear in person before the Court. But that does not relieve participants of adhering to the Court’s posted policies and procedures. It is imperative that participants do their part to maintain a level of decorum and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the dignity of the Court.

Judge Gorman’s policies and procedures governing Zoom and in-person hearings are set forth in detail in on the Court’s website and may be referenced in the notices issued in connection with the hearings. Practitioners are expected to familiarize themselves and their clients with all applicable rules and procedures ahead of their scheduled hearings.