Many have speculated what the legal world will look like if and when the pandemic lets up. Some believe we will continue with the virtual world with more and more court proceedings and arbitrations being online. Others think we will go back to the physical in-person world for most activities. But a sizable number believe we will have a hybrid world. This means some participants will be physically present in a courtroom or conference room while others will be online. This hybrid approach reduces risk on the one hand and enhances convenience on the other.
But hybrid may be the least likely alternative.
I have to confess I thought that a hybrid world would provide the best of worlds. Those who felt like they needed to be present for a court proceeding, arbitration, or meeting could be. Others could participate virtually just as well. But after talking again recently to Graham Smith-Bernal, the founder and CEO of Opus 2, I’m not so sure hybrid is a viable option for most proceedings. At least anytime soon.
Opus 2 offers a semi-virtual integrated hearing and trial platform internationally. It recently added video capability, enabling virtual trials and hearings to take place seamlessly. Since March, Opus 2 has conducted over 335 virtual hearings with more than 11,000 Realtime connections. Its platform has hosted over 100,000 documents.
Opus 2 also allows hybrid proceedings in which a few key participants—the lead lawyers, the judge, and a smattering of courtroom personnel—are present in a courtroom, but most participants
Opus 2 also allows hybrid proceedings in which a few key participants—the lead lawyers, the judge, and a smattering of courtroom personnel—are present in a courtroom, but most participants
