From as early as he could remember, Derick Sylvester had set his sights on becoming a lawyer and to fight injustice. Throughout this autobiography, Sylvester presents unique insights into the trial process and he reflects upon the many cases in which he has been involved. Trials of a Trial Lawyer traces the journey of Derick Sylvester's life to date and explores the many experiences that have influenced his progression into the lawyer we see today. Written in his own words, this autobiography is emotive, engaging and reflects his empathy for the human condition, his passion for the law and his never-ending quest for justice.

How to Succeed as a Trial Lawyer, Second Edition is a compendium of essentially every aspect of the civil litigation process and then some, told with humor and erudition. This book does not purport to be an academic treatment of the subject. Instead, it provides practical pointers on everything from dealing with clients and adversaries to managing ethical dilemmas to marketing one's practice and learning how to avoid alienating prospective clients at the next fund-raising dinner. The section on effective deposition-taking is a first-rate primer on that subject. Taken as a whole, the book provides a comprehensive checklist and how-to guide for civil litigators. This book is equivalent to having a sophisticated and accomplished trial lawyer in the family who is willing to take the time to share the fruits of his long experience and savvy insight on everything that matters in the civil litigation process. Two themes permeate this book. First, in the Edelstein view of the litigation process, less is almost always more. As noted, briefs should be edited to the point of gem-like brilliance. Significantly, the cogency that underlies the most effective briefs also informs other key aspects of the litigation process, from determining the necessary scope of discovery to sifting through the claims to present in a complaint or to pursue at trial. Second, every trial lawyer needs to identify the themes that will advance the client's cause and make certain that every litigation judgment is consistent with those themes. Following the precepts of this book will maximize every client's opportunity for success while minimizing the needless costs and expense that have given the contemporary litigation process such a bad reputation. Litigation is a challenging vocation. It demands not only intellectual ability but attention to detail, perseverance, creative problem-solving, persuasiveness, focus, integrity, and the ability to press the client's position with enthusiasm while maintaining sufficient detachment to provide the objective, independent advice the client requires. How to Succeed as a Trial Lawyer, Second Edition is an invaluable guide to each of these requirements and more.

Six hours of lectures and mock trial demonstrations, based on the author's 39 years of trial practice experience. The material emphasizes the development of skills needed by young lawyers. Berg offers practical tips and advice as well trial strategies and techniques.

"This book is written to take its readers through each stage of a jury trial, starting with the filing of a lawsuit long before a jury trial begins and ending in the motion practice concluding long after the jury's verdict. The concept of this book is to divide the trial process into its fifteen segments, and with each author giving their perspectives, one from the Plaintiff's perspective and one from the Defendant's perspective. The authors hope and trust that young trial lawyers-to-be will find useful the lessons the authors have learned and shared, within the pages of this book"--

Includes full text of: Joseph D. Jamail's summation, Pennzoil Company v. Texaco, Inc.