REVISED INTERIM PROCEDURES RE: COVID-19
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 3, 2022
Notwithstanding the opening of the Courthouse to in-person proceedings, in light of the overwhelming support by the Bar for continued virtual appearances, Judge Smith will continue conducting hearings remotely using ZoomGov audio and video. However, beginning September 1, 2021, Judge Smith will allow the option for in-person hearings and/or hybrid proceedings for trial and evidentiary hearings only depending on the status of the pandemic. All other matters will be conducted remotely using ZoomGov audio and video until further notice. Please see the calendaring instructions which may be located in the Self-Calendaring section of this page for more details and effective dates.
Hearing participants and members of the public may view and listen to hearings before Judge Smith using ZoomGov free of charge. Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Smith's publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=ES and selecting “Judge Smith” from the tab on the left side of the page. For more details on appearing via ZoomGov, please see the “Notice of Video and Telephonic Appearance Procedures” in the Telephonic Instructions section of this page.