The New York State Unified Court System has adopted Microsoft Teams as the standard for internal and external videoconferencing calls, including virtual court hearings and virtual chambers conferences. The attached Microsoft Teams Q&A sheet provides more detail about Microsoft Teams, including information on how to install the Microsoft Teams application. More information is also available at www.nycourts.gov/appear
Compared to Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams allows for an increased display of the number of video participants and enhanced evidence presentation options, including the presentation of previously recorded audio and video files. Additional enhancements should be available in the months ahead including the ability to create “breakout” rooms in a virtual court proceeding to allow for greater ease for attorney-client communications and permit shuttle diplomacy during settlement conferencing.
Within the Eighth Judicial District, the courts will implement a phased transition from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. It is anticipated the following transition schedule will apply:
• Allegany, Orleans and Wyoming Counties will migrate the week of October 13, 2020
• Lackawanna and Tonawanda City Court will migrate the week of October 19, 2020
• Chautauqua County (Including Dunkirk and Jamestown) will migrate the week of October 26, 2020
• Cattaraugus and Genesee Counties (including Batavia, Olean, Salamanca) will migrate the week of November 2, 2020
• Niagara County (including Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda) will migrate the week of November 9, 2020
• Erie Family will migrate the week of November 16, 2020
• Buffalo City and Erie Supreme will migrate the week of November 23, 2020
Upon implementation, new Microsoft Teams links for scheduled virtual court proceedings, virtual chambers conferences or Alternative Dispute Resolution conferences will be sent to you. This new link will supersede the Skype for Business link previously sent to you. Please visit https://portal.nycourts.gov/ for more information on virtual court appearances and other information about other technology enhancements implemented in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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