Akerman Litigation Partner Andy Cao contributed an article to Texas Lawyer examining how attorneys can build effective virtual advocacy skills as remote court appearances become a permanent fixture of legal practice.
In "Tips for Virtual Advocacy," Andy argues that remote hearings are no longer a stopgap measure but an increasingly expected component of competent representation, noting that courts in all 50 states now conduct remote or hybrid proceedings and that ABA Model Rule 1.1 may already require attorneys to stay current with the technology involved.
Drawing on filmmaking as a metaphor, Andy walks through the logistics of a successful virtual appearance. He advises attorneys to eliminate background noise and distractions, use external cameras and microphones, pre-load relevant documents, and test all equipment well ahead of time. He also emphasizes proper camera placement, speaking slowly and clearly, and rehearsing screen sharing and document navigation before the hearing.
Andy concludes that with a modest investment in equipment, careful attention to logistics, and consistent practice, virtual court appearances can serve as added value for clients, not a compromise.