How must attorneys adapt their professional conduct when the courtroom becomes virtual? As videoconferencing becomes an increasingly common feature of Florida’s civil courts, lawyers must understand not only the governing rules, but also how long-standing expectations of professionalism translate to remote appearances. This lesson, written by Dr. Kirsten K. Davis, examines those obligations through a series of practical, question-driven scenarios that test lawyers’ assumptions about appearing before a court by video.
Presented through interviews conducted at a bench and bar conference, the program explores real-world situations involving witness testimony, juror participation, depositions, attorney appearance, background choices, confidentiality concerns, and nonverbal communication. Each scenario highlights how seemingly small decisions in a virtual setting can affect credibility, candor, and the dignity of the judicial process.
Viewers will learn how Florida’s rules address videoconferencing in civil proceedings; how attorneys should anticipate and assess potential judicial concerns arising from remote appearances; the ethical implications of who can see or hear a virtual proceeding; the impact of appearance, environment, and nonverbal cues on advocacy; and practical tools attorneys can use to maintain decorum, integrity, and effective communication in the virtual courtroom.
Supplemental Materials
- Instructors Guide 2025
- Florida Bar Best Practices Guide for Remote Court Proceedings (2022) (See Rule 1.1; 4.4; 3.3.4; 4.8)
- In re Amendments to Fla. Rules of Civil Proc., 346 So. 3d 1105 (Fla. 2022)
- Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administrator (See Rule 2.530)
- Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (06-19-25) (See Rule 1.430(d); 1.310; 1.700)
- Florida Small Claims Rules (10-24-2022) (See Rule 7.150(b))
- Jim Ash, What Is the Right Balance Between In-Person and Remote Proceedings? Florida Bar News (June 25, 2021)
- Douglas Keith & Alicia Bannon, Principles for Continued Use of Remote Court Proceedings (Brennan Center for Justice Sept. 2020)
- Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (12-5-2025) (See Comment, Rule 4-1.6(a): Acting Competently to Preserve Confidentiality; Comment Rule 4-3.3)
- Judge Craig C. Villanti, Virtual Feedback on Remote Court Proceedings—A Judge’s Perspective (May 20, 2020)
- Bannon & Adelstein, The Impact of Video Proceedings on Fairness and Access to Justice in Court (Brennan Center for Justice, Sept. 2020)
