Courtrooms are changing. Many important hearings and trials now happen in virtual or hybrid settings. While you may already be comfortable with tools like Zoom or PowerPoint, presenting in a remote courtroom requires a different level of preparation. To give your client the strongest chance of success, you need to adjust your approach and make sure your message stands out.
With over two decades of experience using video conferencing in courtrooms, our team has learned what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to presenting cases online. Below, we share proven tips to help you prepare, adapt, and deliver a professional and persuasive argument in a virtual setting.
Create the Right Setting
The first step to a smooth virtual trial is setting up your environment.
Choose a private location:
Pick a quiet, professional space such as an office or conference room where you can avoid interruptions. Make sure the location offers stable internet and good technical support. If multiple speakers will present from the same location, only one microphone and speaker should be active at a time to avoid feedback.
Use proper equipment:
Lighting, sound, and camera placement matter more online because the jury and judge see you entirely through the screen. Position the camera at eye level, sit or stand in front of a neutral background, and make sure light is facing you, not behind you. A simple setup might include a solid-colored backdrop, a podium, and a ring light. For an even more polished look, you can use a remote studio with professional lighting, cameras, and monitors.
Dress professionally:
Virtual trials deserve the same level of formality as in-person ones. Wear professional courtroom attire from head to toe—yes, even your shoes. Dressing properly helps you project credibility and sets the right tone.
Adjust Your Presentation Style
Presenting online is not the same as presenting in a courtroom. The camera magnifies details, and technical delays can affect how your message is received.
Change your pace:
Move a little slower when showing evidence or walking through documents. If you go too quickly, jurors may miss key details—especially if they experience a short internet delay.
Be mindful of body language:
Small gestures or nervous habits are more noticeable on camera. Try to keep movements controlled and deliberate. If you tend to shift around, consider using a lapel microphone so your voice remains clear and consistent.
Simplify your visuals:
Use animations or highlights to make important points, but avoid overloading your presentation with fancy transitions or effects. Connection problems or technical glitches can cause jurors to miss critical evidence if your slides are too complicated.
Manage Internal Communication
In remote trials, team members are often in different locations. You’ll need a reliable way to communicate behind the scenes without interrupting the presentation.
- Use a separate platform such as Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, or text messages for private team discussions.
- If you must use Zoom chat, double-check that you’re messaging privately, not to the whole courtroom.
- Mute your microphone when having private conversations, and remember to turn off or disconnect lapel mics before speaking off-record.
Smooth internal communication prevents mistakes and keeps the focus on your case.
Prepare Well in Advance
Preparation is always critical in trial work, but for virtual proceedings it becomes even more important.
Rehearse your presentation:
Run through your entire argument ahead of time, including witness testimony and visual evidence. This allows you to test your setup and catch issues before trial day.
Check your technology:
Do a full “tech check” with the court and your witnesses. Test internet speed, camera angles, audio, and lighting. Encourage witnesses to rehearse as well so they are comfortable with the process.
Plan for problems:
Even with practice, technology can fail. Be ready to troubleshoot quickly—sometimes simply logging out and back in fixes the issue. The best solution, however, is having a trained technician on your team to manage these challenges for you.
Work With Trial Technology Experts
High-stakes cases leave no room for error. Attorneys should focus on building and presenting their arguments, not troubleshooting microphones or managing screen shares. This is where trial technicians play an essential role.
A skilled trial technician handles all technical aspects of your presentation. They manage screen views, control when and how exhibits appear, and coordinate presenters and witnesses. Behind the scenes, they operate like a broadcast control center—making sure everything looks professional while you concentrate on your advocacy.
Positioning Your Client for Success
Winning a case online requires more than strong legal arguments. In a virtual courtroom, your presentation environment, delivery style, and technical reliability all play a part in shaping how the judge and jury see your case.
By creating the right setup, adapting your presentation style, preparing thoroughly, and working with experts, you can ensure that nothing distracts from your case story. The smoother your virtual presentation, the more the focus stays where it belongs—on your client’s position.
With the right preparation and support, you’ll not only adapt to remote trials—you’ll excel in them.
