Jeff Toobin recently made his last appearance as a legal analyst for CNN.  Over the years, I have enjoyed his reporting and read many of his books.  Remember, he was dismissed from the New Yorker and suspended by CNN for eight months.  Unfortunately for him, he failed to be mindful of one of the pitfalls of Zoom conferencing:  Know your surroundings!

I know I have blogged about this before, but it still bears repeating. Just because we are video conferencing from home, does not mean we can behave like we are at home alone.  This article is a judgment free zone.  What you do in your home is IMHO your business (as long as its not illegal).  But when we use video conferencing in our homes, it’s like opening the blinds to your windows.  Neighbors (or your co-workers through Zoom) can see into your home.

Knowing your surroundings can be a very broad factor of consideration.  What’s behind you?  It should be work appropriate - A plain wall, a bookshelf, a window with a pleasant view.  Not, an inappropriate picture/poster, a messy kitchen or a bathroom, etc.  Where are you?  It should be akin to a standing or sitting desk office desk setting layout.  Not on a lounge chair out by the poor or beach, a lazy boy chair or in bed under covers?  Think about other factors like noises, lightening, and potential interruptions – perhaps a lock on the home office door with a do not disturb sign "Parent in Important Meeting!” What are you wearing or not wearing?  If you are appearing in court, might I suggest either the suit and tie or at least a shirt, a tie and jacket if you only pointing the camera waste up.  If you are not going to wear slacks, but instead shorts or even less, know where you are in relation to your web cam!  Or put another way, know what your cam is recording!

Remember, you are the director!  You can focus your camera on just your face and neck, or your face and chest, or your whole body.  Just make sure that whatever area is being broadcast is covered appropriately.

MTC

Happy Lawyering!!!