My first-grader started distance learning this fall. The determined teacher spent the first two days training the students on how to mute and operate their cameras. Those first-graders are now experts at videoconferencing. Yet many seasoned lawyers still do not understand how to mute.

During remote conferences, always assume you have a hot microphone, even though you appear muted on the screen. If you have a connected monitor and you close the laptop, your microphone may still be on. To mitigate risk, do not have a separate phone conversation while you think you are on mute for a video conference. If you must take a call during a video conference, use a belts and suspenders approach—mute and then go to a different room to take the call.