The experience of going to virtual trial is unlike any other—it's less like a Zoom meeting and more like a television production. We've collected feedback from our own experiences preparing attorneys for virtual trial proceedings to provide this summary of best practices that Florida attorneys should consider before clicking "Join Meeting" for trials.

While we are using the example of a trial, this guidance extends to virtual mediations, arbitrations, depositions and essentially any other meeting where you are leading in your role as counsel. Even if you are a transactional lawyer, the reality is, every client meeting presents an opportunity for you to shine.

• "Pre-production" strategies for getting your clients and witnesses on the same page

At the most basic level, virtual trials require more preparation time. One study of lawyers that asked about virtual hearings and mediations—not necessarily even trials—reported a 30% increase in required preparation, and we might suggest that number to be very conservative. It's important to honor that time on our calendars, and when you think about that in terms of virtual trials, this means many additional hours of time considering technical aspects, perfecting your presentation skills over video and perhaps most importantly, how you will prepare your client. It also means increased cost, which you have to decide with your client how to handle.