About the Book - Winning at Trial

The genesis of this book comes from a desire to teach trial skills in a more understandable way than has ever been presented before. To that end, the book analyzes transcripts and videos of noteworthy trials such as the O. J. Simpson criminal and civil trials and the Timothy McVeigh trial to see how trial techniques have been applied in the courtroom. Some of the techniques are so well executed - and some so badly performed - that you will never forget the techniques after analyzing them.

Moreover, although there are many textbooks available, they are either too theoretical or too elementary. Those that are too theoretical do not clearly teach trial skills and fail to recognize courtroom realities that confront lawyers. For example, answers are not provided to handle the fear of being in trial for the first time or to be successful in cross-examining a witness who won’t answer your question. On the other hand, the books that are too elementary do not effectively teach in-depth trial strategies and advanced skills dealing with very difficult witnesses and situations. These topics, and more, are all addressed here against the backdrop of actual trials.

Included in this book are two DVDs that contain footage of trial techniques as they are executed in the O. J. Simpson criminal trial. There are examples from all aspects of the trial, including opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments. By examining these video clips in conjunction with the step-by-step guides provided in this book, the lessons in this book will become easy to learn and memorable.

In addition, many textbooks ignore how important visual aids and your knowledge of the jury are to the outcome of a trial. To that end, the DVDs show a focus group analyzing a case prior to trial, a jury selection, and some of the most modern visual exhibits at hand. For the first time, readers can see striking current resources available for the trial lawyer to use to win at trial.

This book is based on my experiences teaching law students and lawyers alike, as well as being the lead attorney on countless trials in both federal and state courts in Washington, D.C., and Texas. In many of those cases, I have been both a criminal prosecutor and a civil attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. My goal with this book is that readers will gain new insights to the trial process that will spark their curiosity, motivate them to think creatively, and inspire them to develop a trial style uniquely their own.

- Shane Read