Virtual Hearings, Efficiency, and Access to Justice: A Lawyers’ Perception Survey

Abstract Implementation of virtual hearings has grown exponentially since 2020 due to COVID-19. However, the topic remains underexplored with scientific parameters. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the influence of virtual hearings on judicial efficiency and access to justice from the perspective of lawyers. A questionnaire using a Likert-type agreement scale was completed by 250 attorneys involved in virtual hearings in the Brazilian Judiciary. The data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, and four factors were identified: resources and structure, accessibility, performance, and procedure. The results show that the quality of internet connections and defendant-judge interaction during hearings need improvement. Handling witnesses and collecting evidence in sensitive cases like sexual crimes and domestic violence requires extra care. The study concludes that enhancing technological infrastructure and standardizing procedures are necessary steps to enable virtual hearings to contribute effectively to judicial governance and support more equitable access to justice.