In the interest of full disclosure, the author of Lessons from the Courtroom is retired Fulbright partner, Frank Jones. That said, Lessons from the Courtroom articulates a clear-eyed view from the defense bar. Writing from over 30 years of experience at Fulbright & Jaworki, Jones demonstrates why he was a successful litigator, weaving stories and examples into a clear outline of the litigation process. Covering discovery, witness preparation, voire dire and the trial itself, it made me wish that I had read such a clear cut book during my early career–it would have saved me a lot of head aches and late nights. What I didn’t expect from this book is a historical perspective of the development of the litigation process that Jones witnessed during his career. From the oral theatrics from famed Texas cowboy litigator Joe Jamail to the myriad of e-discovery issues, Jones cuts across these issues with the simplicity that explains his success as a litigator. Jones teaches, in his quiet, patient, simple tones, where to stand in the court room, how to defuse a difficult witness and how to prepare your closing argument. A deceptively easy read, I would highly recommend this for all law students who are interested in becoming a litigator. You may purchase Lessons from the Courtroom at Amazon.com.
