OAH appeal hearing via MS Teams - phone or video? Need to know before my ESD hearing this week

I had my appeal hearing through MS Teams about three weeks ago. It was set up for both audio AND video, but the judge told me at the beginning that video was optional. I chose to keep my camera on because I wanted them to see me and my expressions when answering questions, but my employer's rep only used audio. The judge and their assistant both had their cameras on. Make sure you're in a quiet place with good internet connection. Have all your documents organized and ready to show if they ask about specific dates or communications. The hearing lasted about 45 minutes for me.

MS Teams meetings r usually both video & phone but u can just do phone if u want honestly. thats what i did cuz my internet is garbage lol

UGHHH the ESD appeal system is SO FRUSTRATING!! I had my MS Teams hearing last month and the judge was 20 minutes late, then my former employer didn't even show up, and then the judge rescheduled everything anyway claiming "technical difficulties" even though I was perfectly connected!!! Now I'm waiting ANOTHER 6 weeks for the next hearing date. The whole system is designed to exhaust you into giving up!!!

Hello there. Administrative Law Judge here (though not with OAH). Microsoft Teams hearings are typically set up with both audio and video capabilities. Here's what you should know: 1. Unless the notice specifically states video is mandatory, audio participation is usually sufficient 2. However, video often helps your case as judges can better assess credibility 3. You should receive a specific MS Teams link via email 24-48 hours before your hearing 4. If you haven't received the link by the day before, contact OAH immediately 5. Test your equipment in advance - MS Teams has a test feature 6. Have all evidence and notes organized and visible 7. Dress professionally if using video (business casual is fine) 8. Be in a quiet location with minimal background noise The most important thing is presenting your evidence clearly. If you're claiming improper training, have documentation ready: emails requesting training, performance reviews mentioning training needs, etc. Good luck with your appeal!

I just had my appeal hearing two weeks ago and was SUPER nervous too. Honestly I couldn't reach anyone at ESD for weeks before my hearing to ask questions like this. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent who explained everything about the hearing process. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent told me that while MS Teams hearings have video capability, most judges just care about audio quality. They helped me make sure I had all the right documentation ready too. My hearing went smoothly (except I was shaking the whole time lol) and I actually won my appeal! The decision came through last week.

It's important to understand that there are multiple types of unemployment appeal hearings, and the procedures can vary slightly: 1. First-level appeals with OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings) - These are typically the initial appeals after a denial and use MS Teams with both audio/video capabilities 2. Commissioner's Review appeals - These are reviews of OAH decisions and are typically document-based with no hearing 3. Judicial Appeals - These go to actual court and have different procedures entirely Based on your description, you're at step 1. For OAH hearings, they should have sent you a document called "Notice of Hearing" that will specify the exact requirements. If you look at the top right corner of that document, it should include instructions for joining, including whether video is required. If your case involves disputed facts about training, having your camera on is strategically advantageous as it helps establish credibility with the judge. Be prepared to clearly articulate how the lack of training affected your performance metrics.

My teams meeting for my appeal was just audio but i wish it was video cause the judge coudnt see when my boss was making faces and rolling his eyes when i was talking!!!! so frustrating

One more tip - if you're going to use video, check what will be visible behind you. You want a neutral, professional background if possible. Some people don't think about this and end up with messy rooms or inappropriate items visible during important hearings. MS Teams does have background blur or replacement options if needed. Also, when it comes to the actual hearing, let the judge lead the process. Don't interrupt other speakers, even if they say things you disagree with. Write down points you want to address and wait for your turn. Judges appreciate participants who respect the process. Good luck with your appeal!

Since your case involves training issues, I'd recommend having the following ready for your hearing: 1. A timeline of your employment showing when training was promised vs. delivered 2. Any emails or communications requesting additional training 3. Job description documents showing required skills 4. Performance metrics showing any improvement trends over time 5. Names and titles of who provided (or failed to provide) training The judge will be looking for specific evidence rather than general statements. Instead of saying "I never received proper training," be prepared to say "On March 15, 2025, I requested training on the new CRM system as shown in exhibit A, but was told by supervisor Jane Smith that there was no time for training and I should figure it out myself." Also, if you haven't already, submit all your evidence to OAH in advance according to their instructions. Typically this needs to be done at least 7 days before the hearing.

I went through this exact same situation last year! My MS Teams hearing was set up for both audio and video, but I was so nervous about the technical side that I called the OAH office the day before to confirm everything. The staff member told me that while video is available, audio-only participation is completely acceptable and won't hurt your case at all. What really helped me was doing a test call with a friend using MS Teams beforehand - we discovered my microphone wasn't working properly and I had to switch to my phone's headset. Also, make sure you have the phone number backup option ready just in case there are internet issues. For your training situation, document everything with dates and names. I had a similar issue with lack of training and the judge really focused on specific instances rather than general statements. Having emails or even notes about conversations with supervisors about training requests made a huge difference in my case. The whole process is stressful but the judges are generally fair and understand that technical issues happen. You've got this!