Lessons from the master

Any practicing trial lawyer would benefit from this book. I have tried in excess of eighty jury trials and am constantly on the lookout for means and methods of improvement. Spence's approach is different from any other. His de-emphasis on traditional trial "techniques" favoring instead to focus on knowing one's true self, and recognizing the profound uniqueness of each of us, is the linch-pin of his approach. Only when we truly know ourselves can we hope to know our clients, opponents, witnesses and the decision-maker, be it judge or jury. And whereas most professional advocates have been taught to remain emotionally removed from their cases and causes, Spence suggests that genuine care is required if one is to win consistently. This care must, of course, be channeled and applied thoughtfully. This book contains many examples of Spence's methods applied to different stages of the trial process (voir dire, opening, direct exam, etc.) and to specific fact patterns.

Does it work? The proof is in the pudding. Spence has amassed a string of trial victories, civil and criminal, unmatched by any other contemporary trial attorney. All attorneys should buy and absorb this book. All clients should buy this book and give it to their attorneys.

Good but not as great as his other work ...

I enjoy Gerry Spence and love his attitude and dedication to the common man. I loved How to Argue and Win Everytime and this began as better than that. But by midway through I felt my expectations were violated as this was billed as not just a courtroom book, which is interesting, but a practical application book. While much of what he says certainly has application anywhere my personal disappointment was in the heavy trial legal application through 75% of the book. If I was a lawyer this would be a superb book - just not exactly what I thought but he has lots to teach us.

The Spence Method: Explained

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I have read most of his other books. Its application to lawyers and others on how to persuasively win their cases using many of the same methods taught at the famous Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming is invaluable. Easily the best book on trial advocacy I have ever read, more useful than his prior excellent book released ten years ago, How To Argue and Win Every Time. It should be required reading in every law school.