( 7 reviews )
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( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 7 2008
In the Epilogue, David Berg states that the next generation of trial lawyers must win back the public's respect. Given this belief, it is no surprise that this highly accomplished trial lawyer passionately shares with us the lessons he has learned over an astonishing career. It is difficult for any trial book to cover everything, and Berg's book makes a wise decision to emphasize the need for preparation which has been neglected in the trial literature. For example, over a third of the book, 126 pages, addresses the importance of preparing your case through discovery, conducting mock trials, and spending a lot of thought and time on voir dire. Throughout the book, Berg shares memorable anectdotal stories from trials he has tried or famous lawyers he has known. The stories make for a very interesting read.
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( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 14 2008
I am in my fifth year now, and I've still never had a jury trial, because of the explosion of alternative dispute resolution. Despite the diminishing frequency of the jury trial, this book is still an absolute must. To me, the following points the author makes are accurate--you must conduct litigation like you will go to trial, and, on occasion, you must actually go to trial. This book teaches you how to act like a real litigator. He emphasizes being a "bulldog about documents," and states the best depositions are the ones that draw blood. He also tells you how to pick a jury, how to open, how to conduct direct and cross, and how to close, among other things. In fairness, there really are just too many good parts to single anything out--the whole damn book is invaluable. Further, it is written with humor and with good stories. Highly recommended.
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( 5 of 5 found this review helpful ) Posted: Oct 26 2006
If you want to learn more about trying cases, get this book and splurge for the deluxe DVD edition. Failure to do so is, as Berg might put it, "false economy." For example, the DVDs contain large parts Berg's closing in Wyatt v. Sakowitz, videotaped at the old Harris County courthouse. It is a rare glimpse of a masterful closing as it happened. You can hear the nervous tension in Berg's voice, but also the rhythm, emotion, and sincerity of his delivery. A transcript would get only about a tenth of what the tape captures. To use another Bergism, it will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Berg also provides one of the best guides to jury selection I have seen. He shares strategies that took him decades to develop in a way that even a novice can quickly adopt and use. Berg once said that history forgets many of the great trial lawyers. Berg's book will preserve not only his achievements, but also those of many of his contemporaries in the various war stories he uses to illustrate his points.
