The road to 219 South Dearborn Street -- The federal judiciary evolves -- The challenge of complexity -- Formalism and realism in appellate decision making -- The inadequate appellate record -- Coping strategies for appellate judges I : judicial self-restraint -- Coping strategies for appellate judges II : interpretation -- Make it simple, make it new : opinion writing and appellate advocacy -- Forays into the district court -- What can be done, modestly?