Video Conferencing Tip (COVID-19/Coronavirus edition): Dress for Success or Fear the Wrath of the Court!!

Granted, law school did not teach you about whether you had to wear pants to court. But, really?????

Last week, I had humorously asked about wearing “pants” during your work video hearings for work. I would hope you would have the decency to wear pants when video casting with the public, e.g., your clients, opposing counsel or a judge. But some attorneys are actually taking a few too many liberties with #shelterinplace and appearances by video.

Last week, the ABA Journal reported that judges are displeased with the appearance of some attorneys at the other end of a video hearing. Attorneys are appearing shirtless, inappropriate attire, or even under their bed covers for court hearings! It does not take someone to be tech-savvy to have some common sense.

For your work video conferences, you need to get at least dressed as you are going to go out to meet someone in public. If you appear via video for court trial or arguments before a judge or judges, you should probably be wearing a suit (and tie if you are male). On the other hand, the SCOTUSblog reports that the Supreme Court and other courts have scheduled audio-only oral arguments for next month.

Nobody cares how you dress for “remote” audio-only oral arguments; unless, of course, someone else is in the room with you. So take the time and get ready for work - you have no “commute time”!