Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy in a Nutshell by Paul Bergman Trial Advocacy in a Nutshell was one of the first works to analyze and illustrate discrete courtroom skills and techniques in the context of principles of persuasion. The expanded and updated Sixth Edition incorporates a number of features that make the book more indispensable for trial lawyers than ever. Part 1 provides a concrete and detailed guide for developing "argument-centered narratives," which are credible stories that support advocates' desired inferences. Part 1 concludes with an important new chapter that explains the role of argument-centered narratives in the context of arbitrations, mediations and settlement negotiations. Part 2 analyzes and illustrates strategies, techniques and rules for presenting argument-centered narratives effectively during all phases of trial, from opening statement to closing argument, with a separate chapter analyzing effective examination strategies for expert witnesses. The Sixth Edition expands the coverage of the Federal Rules of Evidence, explaining and illustrating how to lay foundations that satisfy evidentiary requirements set forth in the rules. Foundational requirements for electronic records and many other types of exhibits, including those prepared by courtroom graphics experts, also gain additional prominence in the new edition. Some of the illustrative examinations and arguments in the new edition are drawn from trials that took place in a variety of eras. For example, the chapter on closing argument compares arguments made in the murder trial of Euphiletus (Greece, circa 400 B.C.) with those made in the trial of OJ Simpson (1995). Among the other trials from which illustrations are drawn are those of the Rosenbergs (the so-called "atomic spies," 1953), the Menendez Brothers (1991), the "Hillmon case" (1890's), and the "Triangle Shirtwaist Fire" case (1911). The illustrations from these cases are not only interesting, but also suggestive of enduring principles of persuasion. Another feature of the Sixth Edition are analyses of examples drawn from classic courtroom films such as Anatomy of a Murder, 12 Angry Men and My Cousin Vinny. Combined with these new and expanded features, the Sixth Edition preserves many of the features that have made the book so valuable to readers. For example, the book continues to carefully explain principles, illustrate them, and analyze the illustrations. Popular "models," such as the Credibility Model and the Safety Model of Cross Examination, also appear in the new edition. Also carried forward is the book's light tone which makes it not only useful but also a good read.

The First Trial (Where Do I Sit? What Do I Say?) in a Nutshell by Tracy McCormack; Steven Goldberg The First Trial Nutshell is a fresh and unique approach to advocacy instruction. Concentrating on the overall approach to trying a case, it weaves persuasion and procedure to help lawyers and law students prepare for their first trials with confidence. Addressing everything from technology to where to sit and what to say it meshes the practical advice and "how to" instructions with sophisticated persuasive techniques. Small enough to be read in a single sitting, this book will serve as the perfect first primer and a continuing resource for experienced litigators to read again before trial mediation or arbitration.

Trial and Lawyering Skills in a Nutshell by Kenney Hegland A short, funny, insightful, and occasionally philosophical guide to what you'll need to know, planning and conducting trials, interviewing and counseling clients, negotiating cases and drafting deals, writing briefs and making oral arguments, solving problems and telling stories and using your computer to make you a better lawyer. And some good poems and bad jokes.

Evidence in a Nutshell by Paul Rothstein; David Crump; Ronald Coleman The latest version of the Federal Rules is the anchor of this book, with some state variations noted where important. The text summarizes significant U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including the latest Confrontation Clause cases; additional leading cases; forefront expert, scientific, and electronic evidence developments; and principal schools of evidentiary thought. Includes practical implementation as well as scholarly approaches. It pays attention to the litigation process as a whole and includes interdisciplinary cross-pollination where helpful. Numerous signpost-type headings and subheadings light the way, concisely summarizing the gist of each evidentiary concept. The detailed table of contents alone could serve as a complete course outline. Distinctively, an analytical, thoughtful approach is emphasized throughout.

Pretrial Litigation in a Nutshell by R. Lawrence Dessem The seventh edition of Pretrial Litigation in a Nutshell addresses both the law governing pretrial litigation and the legal skills required for successful practice in this area. The text is fully updated to incorporate all amendments to the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure through December 1, 2019, as well as recent federal statutes and judicial decisions. Although the text's focus is on federal statutes and rules, the pretrial litigation skills discussed are essential to successful pretrial litigation in both state and federal courts. The text coverage proceeds in the same order as does most pretrial litigation, starting with client interviewing and the establishment of the attorney-client relationship, then considering pretrial planning and investigation, the complaint and responses to the complaint, disclosure and discovery, pretrial motion practice (including summary judgment motions), pretrial conferences and orders, and settlement.