Cats really do rule the work-from-home world — even the virtual one.
Exhibit 1: A Texas courtroom where, during a virtual hearing, one lawyer learned first hand the power of Zoom filters. Specifically, the power of a wide-eyed, plaintive looking white kitten filter, which inadvertently switched on during proceedings this week.
Its eyes are darting back and forth. Its mouth moves as lawyer Rod Ponton speaks.
“I’m here live,” Ponton says. “I’m not a cat.”
The ever-patient judge replies, “I can see that.”
And so, the case continues as Ponton — and his assistant — attempt to switch off kitten eyes as the other lawyers look on trying hold back the chuckles.
The judge, meanwhile, tries to talk him through the tech.
The internet, naturally, went wild.
This is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The poor lawyer can’t figure out how to turn off the filter so offers to proceed anyway, promising the judge he’s not a cat. And kudos to @JudgeFergusonTX for walking him through it calmly without bursting into giggles https://t.co/Uu3Q2Q3q3e pic.twitter.com/6qD2TAyGCy
— Kendyl Hanks (@HanksKendyl) February 9, 2021
Millions of people have laughed along with the technologically-challenged solicitor.
Because, at one point or another during the pandemic, we have all been Lawyer Cat.
“I’m here live, I’m not a cat,” says lawyer after Zoom filter mishap
— Lawrence Hurley (@lawrencehurley) February 9, 2021
“I can see that,” responds judge pic.twitter.com/HclKlAUwbM
And don’t worry, the judge granted permission for Tuesday’s proceedings to be posted for the whole world to see.
Here’s the full video (posted with permission). This will make me laugh to the end of my days. Thank you @JudgeFergusonTX pic.twitter.com/Xl1zR5agJ6
— Kendyl Hanks (@HanksKendyl) February 10, 2021
The court even uploaded it to YouTube under “Kitten Zoom Filter Mishap.”
Judge Roy Ferguson of the 394th Judicial District Court, it seems, is all about teachable moments.
“It was recorded during a virtual hearing in the 394th DC of TX, and released for educational purposes,” Ferguson tweeted. “It is crucial that this not be used to mock the lawyers, but instead to exemplify the legal community’s dedication to the cause of justice.”
IMPORTANT ZOOM TIP: If a child used your computer, before you join a virtual hearing check the Zoom Video Options to be sure filters are off. This kitten just made a formal announcement on a case in the 394th (sound on). #lawtwitter #OhNo @zoom_ushttps://t.co/I0zaj0wu6K
— Judge Roy Ferguson (@JudgeFergusonTX) February 9, 2021
And of course, maybe remind people to check filters before joining any workplace-related meeting.
“If a child used your computer, before you join a virtual hearing check the Zoom Video Options to be sure filters are off,” Ferguson wrote.
Media outlets, you may use the video. It was recorded during a virtual hearing in the 394th DC of TX, and released for educational purposes. It is crucial that this not be used to mock the lawyers, but instead to exemplify the legal community’s dedication to the cause of justice.
— Judge Roy Ferguson (@JudgeFergusonTX) February 9, 2021
“These fun moments are a by-product of the legal profession’s dedication to ensuring that the justice system continues to function in these tough times,” Ferguson added. “Everyone involved handled it with dignity, and the filtered lawyer showed incredible grace. True professionalism all around!”
These fun moments are a by-product of the legal profession’s dedication to ensuring that the justice system continues to function in these tough times. Everyone involved handled it with dignity, and the filtered lawyer showed incredible grace. True professionalism all around!
— Judge Roy Ferguson (@JudgeFergusonTX) February 9, 2021
But seriously.
Can we talk about the big eyes?!?!
