For the last ten years, I have had the pleasure of litigating
before state and federal courts in Delaware (among other
jurisdictions). The judges in Delaware are as advertised: whip
smart, extremely hardworking, knowledgeable about the issues before
them, and voracious readers of each submission to their court. The
consistent excellence of Delaware judges creates an expectation
that lawyers appearing before Delaware courts be equally prepared,
focused on issues helpful to the trier of fact, and skillful with
their arguments. Even for experienced Delaware lawyers,
demonstrating the proficiency expected by Delaware courts at
in-person trials and hearings already was difficult. That challenge
has become even greater now that the COVID-19 pandemic has
relegated litigants to the virtual realm — a reality that
might outlive the health crisis. Reflecting upon a recent trial
before the Court of Chancery, I concluded that virtual proceedings,
while possible from the comfort of
