I’ll admit it: I’ve been wearing leggings or jeans for the past five weeks. I’m guessing that’s common, but some people are taking attire for online meetings to an extreme. Stories of people showing up shirtless or in bed for Zoom meetings are causing leaders to provide more guidance for what to wear on video.

A judge in Broward County, Florida, ordered lawyers to dress for video meetings as they would in court. Judge Dennis Bailey laments the current attire and attitude:

“It is remarkable how many ATTORNEYS appear inappropriately on camera. We've seen many lawyers in casual shirts and blouses, with no concern for ill-grooming, in bedrooms with the master bed in the background, etc. One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers. And putting on a beach cover-up won't cover up you're poolside in a bathing suit. So, please, if you don't mind, let's treat court hearings as court hearings, whether Zooming or not.”

The judge also offers advice for Zoom hearings, which he says take longer and require more planning to present exhibits.

In response, the chief judge for the district sent his own letter, softening the tone and direction:

“As Chief Judge I was unaware of this letter going out until I started to receive inquiries. As far as decorum in zoom hearings we have not seen the need to establish hard and fast rules. We certainly appreciate everyone being polite, professional and not disruptive during the hearings. Please remember most all of these hearings are open to the public and thus everyone, including judges and general magistrates, should dress and behave accordingly.“

Judge Bailey image source. Zoom in bed image source.

Discussion:

• Read the full original letter and the chief judge’s response. How do the messages compare in terms of audience analysis, tone, content, and organization?

• What’s your view of Judge Bailey’s letter: appropriate, off-base, or something else?

• What do you observe on Zoom meetings? Are people presenting themselves less professionally? What’s your perspective on this topic?