The latest movie version of “Annie” has opened, and the world is being treated to (or tortured by) another chorus of “Tomorrow.” Yes, Annie, the sun will come out tomorrow, but as I write this, the nation’s capital is immobilized by two inches of snow. Annie, you need a reality check. So let me tell you what, in the area of information technology and the courts, makes me optimistic and pessimistic.Doing so permits me to keep a promise to myself that, when I retired, I would finally have the time to push back from my desk and try to understand what I had experienced in 17 years of judging.
First, Annie, my reasons for optimism. When the sun comes out, it will shine down on a continually remarkable phenomenon of the volunteer efforts of judges, lawyers and computer professionals to educate each other and anyone else who will listen.
For example, preparations for the Georgetown Law 2015 Advanced E-Discovery Conference, to be held in November, began in January. To my shame, I never appreciated but took for granted the hours that have to be spent to create post-graduate education.
