Judge Reyes Bordeaux's
Procedures for Video & Telephonic Appearances 
via ZoomGov Audio & Video 

Effective November 1, 2023, Judge Reyes Bordeaux will conduct in-person hearings.

Information for ZoomGov Hearings

However, parties in interest (and their counsel) may continue to participate in most hearings remotely using ZoomGov audio and video. For ZoomGov hearings, the first page of Judge Reyes Bordeaux's publicly posted hearing calendar will provide ID and Password information for ZoomGov. The calendar is posted to the public at least 2 weeks prior to the hearing.

You may appear by video or audio via ZoomGov using a personal computer (which has a camera, microphone, and speaker), or a handheld mobile device (such as an iPhone and/or Android phone). You may also participate by ZoomGov via audio only by using a telephone (standard telephone charges may apply). 

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 this audio recording constitutes its official record. 

Unless otherwise ordered by Judge Reyes Bordeaux, no party or witness may appear remotely for any trial or evidentiary hearing.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS MAY ONLY CONNECT TO THE ZOOM  AUDIO FEED, AND ONLY BY TELEPHONE. ACCESS TO THE VIDEO FEED BY THESE INDIVIDUALS IS PROHIBITED. 

NOTE:  IF A PERSON CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED BY THE COURT CLERK DURING THE PRE-HEARING CHECK-IN, THE PARTY WILL BE DISCONNECTED AND REMOVED FROM THE ZOOM HEARING.

IN THE CASE OF A TRIAL OR EVIDENTIARY HEARING, NO AUDIO ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED. HOWEVER, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS MAY OBSERVE SUCH PROCEEDINGS IN PERSON. 

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 Reyes Bordeaux reserves the right to suspend or discontinue any party's remote access privileges in her discretion. Further, although Judge Reyes Bordeaux makes remote access available, any party or counsel choosing to appear remotely takes the risk of any delay, malfunction, or disconnection from the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience

Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience

1. How do I mute my phone when I attend a hearing remotely via ZoomGov? 

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

2. Why do I need to mute my phone when I’m not speaking?

   Please mute your audio to minimize background noise and to enable the court to have a clear record of the proceeding until it is your turn to speak.

3. How can I improve the sound quality when I’m attending the hearing remotely?

   If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, you should find a location with a strong wireless signal. And if you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate. If you appear by video, try to avoid having a window or bright background behind to avoid appearing 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.

4. Can I test my computer or mobile device capabilities to make sure it will work on the day of the hearing?

   You can test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device before the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance). You can click on the ZoomGov meeting link posting for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app. 

5. How do I make an appearance in court when I appear remotely? 

   Each and every time you speak please say your name so that we can have a clear record. This may seem awkward but it 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 may be difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking if someone has not first stated their name for the record.

6. Are there any other things I should know about appearing remotely regarding attire and virtual backgrounds? 

   Please remember that hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act accordingly even when appearing remotely.

   a.    Attire: If you are appearing by video, please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.

   b.    Virtual Backgrounds: 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.

7. Can I display my name when appearing by ZoomGov?

   ZoomGov video participants may list a display name. If using video, please spell out your complete name to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings.
    

Printable version of Judge Reyes Bordeaux Procedures for Video & Telephonic Appearances via ZoomGov Audio & Videos

Telephonic Appearance Procedures Effective March 1, 2024

PROCEDURES REGARDING TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES FOR THE HONORABLE MARK D. HOULE
Revised 03/14/24

Effective March 18, 2024

Telephonic appearances are allowed in matters before Judge Mark D. Houle in Courtroom 301, except the following:

1. Trials and evidentiary hearings (all counsel and all witnesses must appear in person).  
2. Chapter 11 initial status conferences and confirmation hearings (debtor’s counsel must appear in person; other parties in interest may appear telephonically).
3. Adversary proceeding pretrial conferences (all trial counsel must appear in person).

Any other matter designated by the court as requiring a personal appearance. 

In order to appear telephonically counsel must adhere to the following procedure:

TELEPHONIC PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS ON OR AFTER MARCH 18, 2024

HOW TO ARRANGE A TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE
Individuals should arrange telephonic appearances by emailing chambers at Chambers_MHoule@cacb.uscourts.gov, no later than 12:00 noon the day prior to the hearing. Failure to register before the deadline adversely impacts the Courtroom Deputy and the court’s ability to conduct hearings. Repeated violation of this rule may result in sanctions.

The subject line of the email should be “Registration – Telephonic Appearance” and the email should contain:

1. Appearing counsel’s full name, phone number, client’s full name, and client’s relationship to the case (i.e. debtor, movant, secured creditor, plaintiff, etc.). (If a party is not represented by counsel, include your full name, phone number, and relationship to the case).
2. Hearing date, time, and calendar number (which can be found on the tentative ruling/posted calendar on the court’s website).
3. Debtor’s name and case number and, if applicable, adversary case name and number.

The email should be sent from an email address that is monitored because the court may have questions or directions regarding the appearance. The court will not confirm the registration by email or telephone. Counsel’s name and telephone number will instead be listed on the tentative ruling page, which will be updated periodically. Please only contact the court regarding a registration if it is not listed on the tentative ruling page after the deadline to register.

PROCEDURE FOR TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE

Join the hearing 10 minutes before the hearing time.

Procedure for joining the call effective March 18, 2024

• Call the toll-free Zoom Audio line at 1 (833) 568-8864.
• Enter the meeting ID: 1605223909 followed by #.
• Press # again to bypass entry of the participant ID.
• Enter the passcode 9252024 followed by #.
• After roll call is completed and the DECRO connect the call to the courtroom, keep your phone on mute until your hearing matter is called by Judge Houle.

NOTE – Zoom audio access will only be available by calling the telephone number and no video appearances will be possible.

It is the individual’s responsibility to dial into the call prior to the scheduled hearing.  The court does not place a call to those appearing. 

Zoom audio access will only be available by calling the telephone number and no video appearances will be possible. Parties must use an actual telephone to connect to the call. DO NOT use a computer or application as this has caused disturbances in prior hearings and may result in disruption of the call for the court and other participants.

Telephonic appearances are connected directly with the courtroom’s public address system and electronic recording equipment.  To ensure the quality of the telephonic appearance, the use of cellular phones is strongly discouraged.  If an individual's poor cellular phone connection does not allow the Court to hear or understand the individual, or for the Court to accurately record the audio for transcription, the court may ask that individual to disconnect from the hearing and the individual will otherwise be deemed to have waived his or her appearance in the matter.  Similarly, if a cellular phone disconnects during a hearing, the party appearing by cellular phone will be deemed to have waived his or her appearance.  As the Zoom Audio line is "open" without an operator to mute individual parties, Judge Houle requests that all parties appearing observe professional telephone etiquette, including keeping the phone on mute other than when their matter is called, and keeping a quiet ambient background, to ensure that the process works smoothly and effectively for all parties.  

After you have placed your call you will be able to hear the matters before yours just as if you were in the courtroom.  Judge Houle will call the case, request appearances, and proceed with the hearing. Generally, appearances in the courtroom will be taken first. Please wait for the courtroom appearances to be completed before speaking or making your own appearance.  Each time you speak, you should identify yourself for the record. The court’s teleconferencing system allows more than one speaker to be heard, so the judge can interrupt a speaker to ask a question or redirect the discussion.  When the judge informs the participants that the hearing is completed, you may disconnect, and the next case will be called.

COMPLIANCE

Telephonic appearances by multiple participants are only possible when there is compliance with every procedural requirement.  Sanctions may be imposed when there is any material disruptive deviation from the required procedures, or the court determines that an individual’s conduct makes telephonic appearances inappropriate.  Sanctions may include dropping a matter from calendar, continuing the hearing, proceedings in the absence of an unavailable participant, monetary sanctions, or a permanent prohibition against an individual appearing telephonically.

Revised March 14, 2024

Printable version of Judge Houle's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

NOTICE REGARDING APPEARING BY TELEPHONE
 

I.     POLICY GOVERNING APPEARANCES BY TELEPHONE

Judge Johnson permits appearances by telephone in adversary proceedings for all matters except pre-trial conferences, hearings regarding discovery motions, trials and evidentiary hearings.

In bankruptcy cases, appearances by telephone are permitted for all hearings except the following:

1. Chapter 11, 12 and 13 status conferences (debtor and debtor’s counsel must appear in person).  Other parties in interest may appear by telephone.
2. Chapter 11, 12 and 13 confirmation hearings.
3. Reaffirmation hearings (debtor and debtor’s counsel must appear in person). Other parties in interest may appear by telephone.

No appearance by telephone will be allowed unless it is made through CourtCall, an independent conference call company, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section II.  Before requesting an appearance by telephone, you should check Judge Johnson’s calendar on the court’s website to review any disposition without oral argument or tentative ruling concerning the matter on calendar.  Dispositions without oral argument and tentative rulings normally are issued by 3:00 p.m. on the day preceding the scheduled hearing. 

Dispositions Without Oral Argument.  If the matter has been adequately noticed and no written opposition has been timely filed, the court may decide the matter without oral argument by issuing a “Final Ruling” that states no appearance is necessary.  In such instances, the matter will not be heard by the court.

Tentative Rulings.  If written opposition has been timely filed, the court may issue a “Tentative Ruling” that states appearances are required.  Each individual who appears by telephone must have reviewed and must be familiar with the tentative ruling.

If an individual schedules an appearance by telephone and then fails to respond to the call of a matter on calendar, the court may pass the matter or may treat the failure to respond as a failure to appear.  Scheduling simultaneous appearances by telephone in multiple courts does not excuse a failure to appear when a matter is placed on calendar.  Individuals making use of the conference call service are cautioned that they do so at their own risk. Hearings are usually not rescheduled due to missed connections.

II.    PROCEDURES FOR APPEARING BY TELEPHONE

Telephone appearances may be arranged, not later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing, by calling CourtCall at 888-882-6878 or going to http://courtcall.com/.  Appearances by telephone are connected directly with the courtroom’s public address system and electronic recording equipment so that a normal record is produced. To ensure the quality of the record, the use of car phones, cellular phones, speaker phones, public telephone booths, or phones in other public places is prohibited except in the most extreme emergencies.

Participants should be able to hear all parties without difficulty or echo.

You must be on the line, ready to proceed with your hearing, before the judge takes the bench and calls the calendar. You may initially be in the listening mode in which case you will be able to hear the case before yours just as if you were in the courtroom. You must place your phone on “mute” until your matter is called to ensure the quality of the record and to avoid interfering with other hearings in progress.

At the time of your hearing, the judge will call the case, request appearances, and direct the manner in which the hearing proceeds. Each time you speak, you should identify yourself for the record. The court’s teleconferencing system allows more than one speaker to be heard, so the judge can interrupt a speaker to ask a question or redirect the discussion. When the judge informs the participants that the hearing is completed, you may disconnect and the next case will be called.

Appearances by telephone by multiple participants are only possible when there is compliance with every procedural requirement. Sanctions may be imposed when there is any deviation from the required procedures or the court determines that a person’s conduct makes appearances by telephone inappropriate. Sanctions may include dropping a matter from calendar, continuing the hearing, proceeding in the absence of an unavailable participant, a monetary sanction, and/or a permanent prohibition against a person appearing by telephone.

Effective November 10, 2016

Printable version of Judge Johnson's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

NOTICE RE VIDEO AND TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE PROCEDURES
FOR JUDGE SCOTT C. CLARKSON’S CASES

Notwithstanding the opening of the Courthouse to in-person proceedings, in light of the overwhelming support by the Bar for continued virtual appearances, Judge Clarkson will continue utilizing ZoomGov in a hybrid format holding hearings by video, with an option for in-person hearings for evidentiary hearings, trials and other matters specially set with Chambers’ prior approval. Parties are directed to review Judge Clarkson’s self-calendaring instructions for calendaring hearings, either by ZoomGov or in-person.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PROHIBITIONS OF PUBLIC 
VIDEO AND AUDIO ACCESSIBILITY OF COURT MATTERS

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts has now mandated that the Public may not observe by video any court proceedings unless they are actual parties or counsels with matters before the Court in which they have an official interest. However, as an accommodation to the Public, many court proceedings will still be accessible by audio. The audio accommodation is limited to (1) non-trials and (2) non-live witness hearings. 

To be clear, during hearings where no live testimony is being received by the Court, the Court may permit accessibility by audio, but not video, to the Public. No trials may ever be accessible by audio to the Public. The Court is the final control regarding audio accessibility and may choose to terminate audio accessibility at any time, regardless of the type of hearing. These audio services are accessible through ZoomGov, and the Public may utilize the telephone number login, but not the video login, presented by the Court on its publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=SC, and then selecting “Judge Clarkson” from the tab on the left-hand side of the page.