Reviews (4)

Ritter's book breaks new ground
Ritter's book breaks new ground in the universe of "how to" books for lawyers.In a highly readable, even engaging, personal style, the author demonstrates that even complex legal and factual issues can be simplified and dramatized effectively for a jury.The presentation in the text, and accompanying CD, is rich with visually arresting and intriguing graphic examples illustrating both the right, and wrong, ways to convey themes, concepts and facts at trial.After reading this book, even experienced courtroom lawyers will not try cases the same way again.Although written for trial lawyers, the book is really about how to be visually persuasive in any forum, not simply in a courtroom.Although the book will have its greatest impact in improving the quality of trial work, particularly in complex cases, it belongs in the library of anyone in the business of persuading others, whether in the legal profession or not.

A must read for any attorney who goes to trial.
There is an old adage, "seeing is believing" but in reality, it's how the information is formulated and presented that will determine how well information is conveyed. This book is a masterpiece of showing just how visual information is presented in the courtroom. Mr. Ritter has done nothing less than a phenomenal job of showing the why's and wherefore of presenting visual evidence in the courtroom. Any attorney who is not aware of the information presented in this book is going to go to trial much less prepared than his or her adversary who probably has read it.

Reveals the Secrets Behind Brilliant Legal Graphics...
With just the right mix of folk wisdom and technical know-how, this gem of a book distills a tremendous amount of courtroom knowledge down to some very practical advice.These are the sorts of lessons one would otherwise have to learn the hard way, only after years and years spent before judges and juries.
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Subjects:  1. Graphic methods    2. Law    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Litigation    5. Trial Practice    6. United States    7. Courts & procedure   

Reviews (3)

McElhaney's Magic
Classic McElhaney -- wisdom and wit together.The best at giving smart, efficient and practical advise.i already had McElhany's Litigation -- which i review before every trial.i have recommended him to my best friends who do trials.This is more of the same.

McElhaney's Trial Notebook
McElhaney's book contains all of the guidance one needs in order to prepare for trial.From practical guidance for organizing materials to inspirational passages on the formation of the theory of the case and argument, this book has it all.I prefer it to the Mauet book.

A "must have" for any up and coming young lawyer
This book was suggested to my Advanced Trial and Evidence class in lawschool.I decided to pick up a copy to see if it would really be worthwhile for my future practice since I want to litigate.It is excellent from what I have read so far.Many of us were shown or told how to do or say certain things in pretrial and trial litigation class.This book is not only a good reminder, but it has many other practical and entertaining ideas that I'm sure to use in my future practice.A "must have!" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Law    3. Law (Specific Aspects)    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Trial Practice    6. United States    7. Jurisprudence & General Issues   

Reviews (1)

The verdict is in...this book is great!
How did the jury trial system get started?
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Subjects:  1. History    2. Law    3. Legal History    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Trial Practice    6. Trials    7. Law / Legal History   

Reviews (23)

Still Relevant After 100 Years
Francis Wellman first published this book in 1903 and despite the passage of over 100 years, the book is nearly as relevant then as it is today.
Not just for lawyers
Putting aside the overt racism contained in this book first published in 1903, this book, which was reading material my wife picked up at the University of Virginal School of Law, gives us an entertaining and eye-opening vista into the Ciceronian art of winning trials at the courts of law.Written primarily by several prominent New York City attorneys, many of its sections, joyfully reveling in the destructive power of masterfully twisted perceptions fed to lay jurors, are egregious far beyond any dispassionate, plain-spoken Machiavellian ethics.In addition to its lessons on the value of perception, The Art of Cross-Examination serves up a menu of time-tested techniques for extracting truth from liars, ridiculing expert witnesses, the use of anger, sympathy, empathy, humor, taciturnity, loquaciousness, etcetera that trial attorneys steeped in Cicero should find quite useful for years yet to come.
Lots of pages with little to offer
I read this book after reading McElhaney's Trial Notebook.After reading the first book this one read so slowly, with so much wordage that I found it impossible to read.Not worth the money or the time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Legal Profession    2. Legal Reference / Law Profession    3. Sociology    4. Trial Practice    5. Law / General    6. Legal skills & practice   

Reviews (1)

Profound book about Great Law Cases
I simply cannot heap enough praise. Oh...how I wished I had this audiobook - of nineteen disks - when I studied criminal justice and trial practice in law school.
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Subjects:  1. Courts    2. Criminal Law - General    3. Criminal justice, Administration of    4. History    5. Law    6. Legal History    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. Practice Of Law    9. Sources    10. Trial Practice    11. Trials    12. United States    13. Law / General   

Reviews (4)

Lawyers Poker
This is a rare book about an esoteric subject which the author has made clearly understandable for a wide audience of readers. Every one who faces the misfortune to become involved in the legal process should make this their first read. It helps one understand the games lawyers play with the fates and lives of their clients, opponents, judges and juries. Those not so unfortunate will appreciate the transfer of densely packed knowledge in an extremely lively and memorable package. Thosewho don't understand the allure of poker will gain appreciation for the game as a model for life situations.

At least it teaches something about poker
This is an unusual packaging of standard lawyer "wisdom" that lawyers with more than a couple of years' experience will long since have read elsewhere. But it is interesting for what it tells neophyte poker players about how experienced players think.

Fun for Poker Lovers and Lawyers
I finished Lawyer's Poker just the other night.As a middling-bad poker player with an enjoyment of the game and a fan of Jim McManus' book, Fifth Street, I really found the stories amusing, interesting and educational.Keep up the good work.
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Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Law    3. Legal Profession    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Poker    6. Practice of law    7. Trial Practice    8. United States    9. Law / Legal Profession    10. Law | Legal Writing, Skills & Methods   

Reviews (2)

This is a great topic and a great read!
While I thoroughly enjoyed Wesemann's earlier book on Management Myths, this is a fabulous. It is curious that no other publication (that I'm aware of) in the professional service sector has explored the topic of competitive dominance. This is a unique topic and extremely well presented.

Straight forward - straight talking, forward thinking
Ed Wesemann is one of my partners in Edge International, so I guess you may well think I am biased. But having recently reviewed a copy, I am delighted to recommend the book.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Law    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Trial Practice    5. Courts & procedure   

Reviews (6)

A student's take
I bought this book to kick start my research for my senior independent study on jury consultants and their effects on the justice system.I was not dissapointed.The bibliography alone is worth the price of admission.The author cites authorities on persuasion, jury psychology, group dynamics, cognition, rhetoric, among numerous other topics.
Great survey of the literature
A very nice survey of the scientific literature and studies out there.Its strong point is its bibliography. Very readable.

Powerful.Thought-provoking.Masterful.
I had heard a lot about this book before reading it.Now, after reading it, I see that this is not just another trial advocacy book.It will challenge you to think about courtroom persuasion in new ways.Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Forensic psychology    3. Law    4. Legal Profession    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Trial Practice    7. United States    8. Criminal law    9. Jurisprudence & philosophy of law    10. Law / Trial Practice    11. USA   

Reviews (4)

For trial lawyers
I just finished this book. As a trial lawyer, I have used various trial presentation methods for years. I am always looking for new ideas, however. This book, perhaps because it is written by a trial lawyer, had excellent examples that were very helpful to me.

Gives you an edge over the others
Rogers' book is an easy-to-understand, intuitive and state of the art guide to trial lawyers for getting an edge on the opposition. For some of us, "technology" is a four letter word. Rogers de-mystifies it, and shows how simple it is to use it to persuade ... and to win.

Terrific Technical Guide
Use of technology in the courtroom is a fast evolving area of trial practice with which most lawyers are not familiar. This book is a practical, easy to use guide which emphasizes the utility of programs such as Powerpoint and Sanction II in a real courtroom setting. It uses typical case fact patterns to provide context for the learning experience. The layout is graphic-intensive, clear and simple to follow.
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Subjects:  1. Audio-visual aids    2. Civil Procedure    3. Data processing    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Reference    7. Technological innovations    8. Trial Practice    9. United States   

Subjects:  1. Law    2. Law Office Administration    3. Legal Education    4. Legal Profession    5. Professional - General    6. Study Guides    7. Trial Practice    8. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (4)

SHOULD BE MANDATORY READING FOR LAW SCHOOL ADVOCACY CLASSES
In my 40 years of trial practice, few books are better organized, or present more useful insights in how to try cases.David Berg has been in the pits, has dozens of verdicts in all kinds of civil and criminal cases-everything from murder to patent infringement-and writes about them very well.Drawing on his experience, David explains the importance, goals, and methods of achieving those goals, for each step of representation, from the first meeting with the client, to the final words of closing argument.And while this isn't one of those "war story" book, he does use examples from his own cases and those of other trial lawyers to make his points.This book is a "must read," not just for aspiring trial lawyers, but for all who want to enhance their skills in the courtroom.It should be mandatory reading for law school advocacy classes.
A MUST READ!
Each arena has it's Michael Jordan.In the courtroom, it is David Berg.And Berg has taken this natural talent and time-honed skill to a new level as he unlocks certain secrets that have catapulted him to the top of his profession.What most have considered his "magic," he explains as common sense practice.This book should be a required text at every law school.Those in the legal profession should not just read this, they should study it.The difference it will make in case results more than pays for the book, over and over again.

A very highly recommended advice guide
David Berg is a member of the Texas and New York State Bar Associations and the founding partner of Berg & Androphy, who has published dozens of articles about legal issues in such venues as "Litigation Magazine", "The New York Times", and "Newsweek". In The Trial Lawyer: What It Takes To Win, Berg draws upon his years of experience and expertise to create a straightforward instructional and reference guide which ranges from perfecting techniques for arguing a case in court; to getting the research right; to the art of persuasion; to recognizing how to best address a particular jury, Voir Dire; specific tips, tricks, and techniques for all aspects of presenting the actual trial; and more. The Trial Lawyer is a very highly recommended advice guide and strongly recommended reading for aspiring and newly practicing trial lawyers alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Law    2. Lawyers    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Reference    5. Trial Practice    6. United States    7. Courts & procedure    8. Law / Reference    9. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Evidence    3. Evidence (Law)    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Trial Practice    7. United States   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Law    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Persuasion (Psychology)    5. Trial Practice    6. United States   

Reviews (8)

Came up a tad short of its goal...
This book was a good read for a dreary return flight from DC.It falls short of the promise of its title.That said, every opening and closing statement in this book contained a valuable lesson for trial attorneys, and each statement makes a compelling read.I give this book 3 stars because it doesn't quite live up to its title.Perhaps "Some Really Cool Openings and Closings I liked" would've been a more appropriate title for the book.

Superb snapshot of 20th century legal cultural literacy
With the rapid growth of sensationalist legal coverage on TV news and primetime courtroom drama a la "The Practice", it can be difficult to understand fully the merits of a good trial lawyer's rhetorical virtuoso aside from the twists, turns, and socio-political backdrop which typically capture Americans' attention. With few exceptions, (e.g. Scopes trial, O.J. Simpson trial) the lawyer, that civic advocate and protector of justice, rarely receives deserved recognition. We sit collectively on the edge of our seats with eyes and ears pealed for damning witness testimonies and blood-stained clothes. Evidence is rarely that clear, Seidemann informs us, and most real life cases turn on the efficacy of the lawyer. This book renews our appreciation for a profession derided so often for its dishonesty that we have forgotten the sad and dangerous implications behind the humor. Within these pages of heartwrenching tragedies and controversies that rocked our nation, you will surely reexperience memories of the incidents as the opening/closing statements verify or challenge what you believe. Seidemann reminds us that we have conferred upon lawyers the great responsibility of juridicial guardianship, in order to shake us out of complacency and reaffirm our right to demand their rectitude and loyalty to their oath.
You can't put this book down
In the Interest of Justice is a great book.
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Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Courts    3. Criminal Procedure    4. Forensic orations    5. Law    6. Legal History    7. Legal Profession    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Practice Of Law    10. United States    11. Law / Trial Practice   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Law    3. Legal Profession    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Trial Practice    6. Courts & procedure    7. Legal skills & practice    8. USA   

Editorial Review

Anyone who's ever watched Read more

Reviews (14)

Celebrity cases, mostly of the left - certainly not the "greatest."
The authors claim that these "greatest closing arguments in modern law" were chosen for the "quality of [their] summation, as well as for [their] historical significance." The immediate question is who is judging the quality of the summation and, more importantly, their historical significance?
If your idealism is waning, this book will help you find it!
After years of arguing caseslaw, motions, picking juries, interviewing witnesses, going through all the day to day protocol that trial work demands, one may forget at times how important is the job of a lawyer.But this book reminds the practioner that he/she is a part of a wonderful system of justice.Not many cases will go down as "The Greatest" but to your clients, it is often the defining moment of their lives.And this book helps you reconnect to the reasons why you sought a lifetime devoted to the noblest of professions.
A worthwhile readfor a trial attorney
If only for Spence's closing in the Silkwood case, this book is worth every penny.A real thing of subtle and effective beauty, that closing contains so many incredible and useful techniques, it's just plain stunning.The subtle allignment of Spence to the jurors in groups in which Spence and the jurors can work together are wonderful and powerful -- Spence places himself and the jurors by turns in a self built retirement community, and in the class of local state citizens all the while emphasizing that the cause of the need for retirement and the genesis of Spence's newfound home state membership is the defense's prolongation of trial -- wonderful.The rhyming "if the lion gets away, Kerr McGee must pay" is hard-to-forget and masterfully so.The analysis that proceeds each transcript is useful and informative.Buy it if you can. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Jury    3. Law    4. Legal History    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Summation (Law)    7. Trial Practice    8. United States    9. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    10. Courts & procedure    11. Law / General    12. Legal profession   

Subjects:  1. Civil procedure    2. General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Legal assistants    7. Litigation    8. Reference    9. Trial Practice    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / General    12. Courts & procedure    13. Jurisprudence & General Issues    14. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Jury    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Trial Practice   

Reviews (2)

Small Size, Huge Impact
I, too, was startled at the small black and white book that I had received for my $83.I had expected a glossy book full of wonderful illustrations.
Big price, little book...plenty of value
Originally hesitant about ordering this book, mainly due to sticker shock, I went ahead after previewing the table of contents.None of the other books I had searched on courtroom graphics seemed to cover the aspects I find to be most challenging- organizing the information, budgeting and estimating a realistic time-frame.Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Evidence, Demonstrative    3. Evidence, Real    4. Law    5. Legal Profession    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Microcomputer Graphics    8. Practice Of Law    9. Trial Practice    10. United States    11. Visual communication    12. Law / Criminal Law    13. Legal skills & practice   

Reviews (2)

A very good book littered with typos and grammatical errors
This book locates itself somewhere in between Francis L. Wellman's and Larry S. Pozner's books in the broader spectrum of useful learning materials which treat cross-examination as an art, by Wellman, and as a science, by Pozner. For the price alone, this book is a bargain.But if one is serious in "learning" the subject, Pozner's book is the way to go.
Maxims of Cross Examination
Davis sets forth a series of maxims of cross examination, followed by an exposition on that maxim and (sometimes) a transcript of a cross that exemplifies the maxim.The cross exams are varied. Davies even includes the Prophet Daniel's legendary cross examination of the Elders from the Apocryphal book of Susanna.The maxims are loosely classified under general headings, and the whole work is begun with a 40 some-odd page table of contents.The table gives each maxim in full and then gives an abstract of the exposition which follows.You get the gist of the bood reading just the table of contents.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Legal Reference / Law Profession    3. Reference    4. Trial Practice    5. Witnesses    6. Courts & procedure