Introduction — What has changed and why this matters
The Central District’s Los Angeles practice has moved many section 341 meetings and routine bankruptcy hearings to virtual platforms. The U.S. Trustee’s Region 16 announced that virtual 341 meetings for the Los Angeles division will be held by video conference (Zoom) for cases filed on or after May 1, 2024 (video meetings began June 3, 2024). If you are a debtor, creditor, trustee, or attorney participating in Los Angeles bankruptcy proceedings, you must confirm the platform and the required materials before the scheduled date.
At the same time, individual judges retain control over how their court appearances are handled: many judges require in‑person appearances unless a timely request for remote participation is granted, and hybrid appearances (some in‑person, others remote) are widely disfavored. Before relying on a remote option, check the assigned judge’s procedures and deadlines and follow any directions for e‑filing a request to appear remotely.
Technology checklist — What to test and bring
Below is a practical technology checklist to run through at least 24–48 hours before any virtual 341 meeting or hearing. These items reduce the risk of delays, continued hearings, or evidentiary problems:
- Device: Use a laptop or desktop with a reliable webcam (avoid small smartphones unless unavoidable). Prefer wired Ethernet over Wi‑Fi when possible.
- Audio: Use a headset with a microphone (reduces echo). Test both speaker and mic levels. If you must use phone audio, verify dial‑in details beforehand.
- Internet: Confirm upload/download speeds (minimum 5–10 Mbps stable recommended for video). Close background apps that use bandwidth.
- Software and links: Install the court‑specified client (Zoom/ZoomGov or court‑designated platform) and sign in at least 15 minutes early. Keep the meeting/webinar ID and passcode handy.
- Account name & display: Set your display name to your full legal name and role (e.g., “Jane Doe, Debtor” or “Atty. John Smith, Counsel for Debtor”).
- Lighting and framing: Face a neutral, well‑lit background; position the camera at eye level. Avoid distracting backgrounds and virtual backgrounds if the court prohibits them.
- Documents: Upload or e‑file requested documents in the trustee’s preferred portal (or the court’s document upload) ahead of time; have PDFs open and bookmarked for easy screen sharing. Bring originals or clear scanned copies of photo ID and proof of Social Security number as required.
- Screen sharing & exhibits: Prepare a single, sequential PDF of exhibits. Know how to share your screen, share a single window, and stop sharing quickly if needed.
- Backup plan: Keep a telephone dial‑in and the court/trustee contact number ready in case video fails. If you must appear by phone, follow the court’s telephonic appearance instructions.
General tips for remote courtroom etiquette include muting when not speaking, stating your name before you speak, and disabling recordings. The California judicial guidance on remote hearings describes similar expectations for remote courtroom behavior and interpreter access.
Finally, many judge pages list Zoom webinar information, telephone numbers, and warnings about recording; review your judge’s page for any special technical notes (Zoom vs ZoomGov, webinar vs meeting, required participant naming conventions, etc.).
Local judge preferences & procedural steps you must follow
Practice in the Central District is individualized: each judge publishes a procedures/schedules page that explains whether they will accept remote appearances, the deadline to request remote participation, and any required declarations. Common, recurring instructions include:
- Most judges require a formal e‑filed request to appear remotely and a courtesy copy to chambers; the time frame varies (some judges require the request one week before the hearing; others require seven days or more). Untimely requests are often not considered.
- Requests must often show "good cause" and indicate that counsel have met and conferred with opposing counsel consistent with Local Rule 7‑3. Provide a brief supporting declaration and, if appropriate, a proposed order.
- Hybrid appearances—where some participants are in court while others are remote—are frequently disfavored. When in doubt, request the court’s permission early.
- Read the assigned judge’s procedures page for platform details (Zoom webinar link vs. ZoomGov, telephone fallback numbers, and whether counsel or the public will be placed in a virtual waiting room). Many judge pages also include explicit prohibitions against recording proceedings.
Practical sequence for counsel or a pro se debtor who needs to request a remote appearance:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm judge assignment and open the judge’s procedure page (link available on the court website). |
| 2 | E‑file a motion or ex parte request (or use the court’s required form) seeking remote appearance, attaching a short declaration showing good cause. |
| 3 | Serve opposing counsel (meet‑and‑confer statement per Local Rule 7‑3) and upload a courtesy copy to chambers if required. |
| 4 | Test the video link and provide participant display names as the judge requires; keep telephone backup information ready. |
Because the rules vary by judge, checking the judge’s page on the court website is the single most important step. Failure to follow local procedure commonly results in denied remote requests or sanctions for recording.
Common pitfalls, troubleshooting, and quick remedies
Even well‑prepared participants can run into problems. Below are frequent issues and recommended fixes:
- Not uploading identification or documents in advance — many trustees and courts require ID and certain financial documents submitted before the 341 meeting (photo ID, proof of Social Security number, tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements). Confirm the trustee’s document upload portal and timeline; if you miss the upload window, the trustee may continue the meeting.
- Poor audio/video or dropped connection — switch to telephone dial‑in immediately and notify the courtroom (use the court/trustee contact listed in the notice). After the hearing, consider filing a short declaration to preserve the record if the problem affected testimony or a contested matter.
- Unauthorized recording — recording remote federal proceedings is prohibited and may trigger sanctions. Do not record or rebroadcast; if someone in the meeting attempts to record, notify the judge or courtroom deputy immediately.
- Hybrid confusion — if some participants plan to be in court and others remote, secure court permission in advance; hybrid setups are often disfavored and can lead to the court excluding remote participants.
- Failure to follow naming conventions — set your display name exactly as required; failure to do so can delay identification and oath administration in a 341 meeting.
- Interpreter or ADA needs — request interpreter services or ADA accommodation early; the court’s remote‑hearing guidance explains how to connect interpreters in Zoom and other platforms.
If a technical failure prevents meaningful participation, ask the court for a brief continuance and document the failure (screenshots, speed tests, service provider incident reports). Proactive communication with opposing counsel and the trustee reduces the risk of adverse outcomes.
Finally, treat remote appearances with the same professionalism you would an in‑court appearance: dress appropriately, avoid distracting locations, and maintain a focused presentation. These courtroom norms apply in both virtual 341 meetings and virtual contested hearings.
Need a quick checklist to print? Save a copy of this article and review the technology checklist 24 hours before the hearing, upload required documents to the trustee or court portal, and confirm your judge’s procedures page the morning of your appearance.
Sources & where to confirm: U.S. Trustee Region 16 guidance on virtual 341 meetings; Central District / judge procedures pages listing remote appearance rules and Zoom details; California Courts remote hearing tips; trustee and practitioner guidance on documents to bring or upload. Always confirm the judge’s published procedures for the precise deadlines and steps that apply to your case.