Product Description

The Winning Argument. Every litigator strives for it --- the seamless, logical position; the delicate balance of reason and emotion; the impassioned and elegant delivery; the power to persuade a judge or jury.

What makes a winning argument? What captures your listeners' attention? What influences their decisions? A new book by the American Bar Association Section of Litigation examines the key factors to a Winning Argument and provides insight into how to strengthen your advocacy skills and develop an argument that is powerful and persuasive.

Three experienced trial lawyers examine twelve characteristics of a winning argument and present the rudiments and sophisticated levels of persuasion based upon ancient and modern techniques. An understanding of these basic principles will help you develop and present an effective argument before a judge, jury, a colleague or in mediation.

The Winning Argument focuses on singular characteristics of advocacy by drawing upon specific principles of persuasive techniques, including how to focus on the listener, how to build an argument with law, evidence and policy, how to appeal to emotion and how to capitalize on ethos. In addition to examining the key factors in a winning argument, the book:

-- Provides practical and valuable tips for enhancing arguments

-- Identifies the different types of reasoning and associated logical fallacies

-- Integrates information and research from the law with classical rhetoric, modern communications studies, psychology, logic, negotiation, marketing and sales.

-- Addresses the use of advocacy principles in many different contexts including motion practice, mediation, negotiation, trial and appeals.

In addition to the practical, clear instructions, the book includes colorful stories and anecdotes that illustrate real-life situations and apply to your practice. It examines the origin of the winning strategies, offering an appreciation for the art of advocacy and persuasion while facilitating a deeper understanding of what is involved in creating and presenting a persuasive argument. The tone is practical, yet inviting; lively, yet instructive.

The Winning Argument will help you develop your advocacy skills or refine your own formidable style. There is more to winning skills than the analytical tools learned in law school. Recognize twelve key factors that influence decisions and implement them quickly and effectively.

July 2001, 210 pages, 6 x 9, paper, ISBN: 1-57073-938-2

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1354903 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 210 pages

From the Inside Flap
From the Foreword to The Winning Argument

"An authoritative, comprehensive, and highly organized book that should be required reading for every trial attorney. The book is written in a way that can be translated to the various practices and specialties of the law in a variety of settings-from head-to-head combat in court to confronting the challenges of mediation. Even as a seasoned trial lawyer, I found myself reading chapter after chapter, picking up a gem here, a new perspective there, chuckling over the anecdotes or pondering the messages of some of history's greatest thinkers. The discussion of advocacy in this book answers many questions and unlocks many doors."

Robert A Clifford Clifford Law Offices Chicago, IL Chair, ABA Section of Litigation

About the Author
Ronald J. Waicukauski is a trial lawyer with the Indianapolis law firm of Price Potter Jackson Waicukauski and Mellowitz. He has litigated a wide variety of death, catastrophic injury, and commercial cases on behalf of railroads, trucking companies, manufacturers, engineering firms, insurers and individuals.

Paul Mark Sandler, a partner in the Baltimore law firm of Freishtat & Sandler, is an active trial lawyer representing many notable clients in a wide variety of cases in state and federal courts. He is the author of numerous books and articles on trials and appeals including the co-authoring of Model Witness Examinations published by the American Bar Association.

JoAnne Epps is a professor at Temple University School of Law. She has been on the faculty since 1985 and has served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs there since 1989. She served as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles for a number of years and is a former assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

One of the Best
I read many books on critical thinking and arguments. This book is one of the best. The content is clearly written and is easily understood. The book does not take long to read. There is no fluff like you would see in thicker books. The book is excellent.