On July 6, 2025, the South Carolina appellate practice community experienced a significant shift towards remote hearings, marking a new era in the state's legal proceedings. With the ongoing advancements in technology and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on traditional court practices, the South Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court have implemented remote hearings as a permanent feature in their operations.The move towards remote hearings comes as a response to the need for increased efficiency and accessibility in the judicial system. By conducting hearings via video conferencing platforms, attorneys and judges are able to save time and resources that would have been spent on traveling to in-person proceedings. Additionally, remote hearings allow for greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for parties to participate in court proceedings without having to rearrange their entire day.The transition to remote hearings has been well-received by many members of the South Carolina appellate practice community. Attorney Lisa Walters, who recently argued a case before the South Carolina Court of Appeals via video conference, praised the convenience and efficiency of the new system. "Remote hearings have allowed me to represent my clients more effectively and efficiently, without having to spend hours traveling to and from the courthouse," said Walters.While the shift towards remote hearings has been largely positive, there have been some challenges in adapting to the new system. Technical issues, such as poor internet connections or audio problems, have occasionally disrupted proceedings and caused delays. However, court officials have been working diligently to address these issues and ensure that remote hearings run smoothly.Overall, the move towards remote hearings in the South Carolina appellate practice community represents a positive step towards modernizing the state's judicial system. As technology continues to advance and the legal profession evolves, it is likely that remote hearings will become a standard practice in appellate courts across the state.