JUDGE ALBERT’S VIDEO AND TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE PROCEDURES
Updated October 5, 2023

Judge Albert’s hearings continue to be conducted using ZoomGov audio and video but hearing participants have the option of appearing in person. IF A HEARING PARTICIPANT WISHES TO APPEAR IN PERSON ADVANCE NOTICE WILL BE REQUIRED. Instructions for a moving party to provide advance notice can be found under the Self-Calendaring section of this page. If a responding party wishes to appear in person, the language “[R]esponding party intends to appear in person” must appear prominently below the hearing information in the caption on the first document filed in response to the motion. If you have a matter pending that is scheduled for hearing and wish to appear in person, you must give notice by calling the Courtroom Deputy at 714-338-5304 no later than one week prior to the hearing.  The courtroom will remain locked unless the court receives notice that a participant intends to appear in person. 

Case participants may participate in hearings before Judge Albert using ZoomGov video and audio free of charge.  Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Albert's publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/default.aspx?jid=TA and selecting “Judge Albert” from the tab on the left side of the page.   

BY MANDATE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES COURTS, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA MAY ONLY CONNECT TO THE ZOOMGOV AUDIO FEED, AND ONLY BY TELEPHONE.  ACCESS TO THE VIDEO FEED BY THESE INDIVIDUALS IS PROHIBITED.  IN THE CASE OF A TRIAL OR EVIDENTIARY HEARING, NO AUDIO ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED.  However, members of the public and the media may observe such proceedings in person (with advance notice to chambers). 

A ZoomGov account is not necessary for remote access, and no pre-registration is required.  Remote access through ZoomGov is free of charge. The audio portion of each hearing will be recorded electronically by the Court and constitute its official record.  

ALL PERSONS (OTHER THAN AUTHORIZED COURT STAFF) ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM MAKING ANY AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, BY ANY MEANS.  VIOLATION OF THIS PROHIBITION MAY RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF MONETARY AND NON-MONETARY SANCTIONS.

Remote access is a privilege.  Judge Albert reserves the right to suspend or discontinue any party's remote access privileges in his discretion.  Further, although Judge Albert is pleased to make this accommodation available, any party or counsel that elects to appear remotely bears the risk of malfunction or disconnection from the hearing.

Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience

1. Test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device in advance of the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance).  

• You can do this by clicking on the ZoomGov meeting link posting for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app.

2. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.
3. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, you should situate yourself in a location with a strong wireless signal.
4. Dial in or connect early so that you have time to check in and make adjustments to your screen name, etc. before the hearing begins. This becomes very difficult if everyone waits until the last minute to dial in.

5. Unless and until it is your turn to speak, please mute your audio to minimize background noise. Consider keeping your video off until your matter is called.

• If connected to ZoomGov audio by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.

6. When you first speak—and each time you speak after someone else has spoken—please say your name.  This may seem awkward but is essential to making a good court record.  The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio.  If a transcript is requested, it is sometimes difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking. 
7. If you are participating by video, try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you.  (You may, as a result, appear on video as a shadow.)  If you cannot avoid the bright background, try using a desk lamp or other light source to brighten your face.
8. If you are participating by video using a personal computer, you may separately connect to the audio feed by telephone (for improved audio) using the call-in information provided for the hearing.

• If you do this, please connect to the video feed first.  In the ZoomGov app, you will be assigned a Participant Code.  Use this code to associate your video and audio feeds.

9. If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.
10. Participants and members of the public should at all times remember that although conducted remotely, these hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act accordingly.

• If video is enabled, please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.
• ZoomGov permits the use of virtual backgrounds to safeguard your privacy.  If you choose to use a virtual background, please avoid backgrounds that are offensive or distracting.

11. ZoomGov video participants are permitted to specify a display name.  If using video, please specify your calendar number, first initial and last name, and client name (ex. 5, R. Smith, ABC Corp.) to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings.
     

Revised October 5, 2023

Printable version of Judge Theodor Albert's Telephonic Appearance Procedures