Lessons from the Courtroom [Hardcover]

Frank G. Jones (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1427798591 | ISBN-13: 978-1427798596 | Publication Date: May 5, 2009 0

With more than 40 years of practice and 100 jury trials to his name, Frank Jones has learned a thing or two about what it takes to win in the courtroom. In Lessons from the Courtroom, he distills his career into an accessible, insightful guide that will find a keen readership among new trial lawyers, experienced attorneys, and anyone interested in the legal world. Jones takes a look at the changes in the profession over the past 40 years, showing readers where the opportunities are for new attorneys. He then discusses the jury trial system and how attorneys can gain practice both in and out of the courtroom. He also tackles such key issues as working with judges, understanding jurisdictional matters, the nuances of arbitration, and using expert witnesses.

Readers will find insights that they can apply to their own practice in Lessons from the Courtroom. Although not a step-by-step recipe for proven success, this handy guide will provide readers with priceless information usually gained only through hard-fought experience.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frank G. Jones has been an attorney with the Houston, Texas, law firm Fulbright and Jaworski, LLP for more than 40 years. He has tried more than 100 jury cases and has represented a wide range of clients from diverse industries. Mr. Jones’s practice focuses on business law issues, information technology, securities litigation, and product liability.

Mr. Jones is a member of numerous professional organizations and associations, including the Houston Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the American Bar Association, as well as the American Counsel Association, American College of Trial Lawyers, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is former chair of the Houston Bar Foundation and a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Mr. Jones is highly-regarded in the field and has been named in “Best Lawyers in America,” “Who’s Who in Legal USA,” and “Super Lawyer.”

Mr. Jones is a prolific writer, speaker, and lecturer. He has been a featured speaker at numerous Houston Bar Association events; and he is a frequent panelist at various CLE sessions, including some hosted by Lexis/Nexis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kaplan Publishing (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1427798591
• ISBN-13: 978-1427798596
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,286,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a native Houstonian, a 1963 graduate of Rice University, and a 1966 graduate of the University of Texas Law School. I do not come from a family of lawyers, and, unlike many of my colleagues, I chose law school as a way to find a career, as I wasn't sure what else to do with my degree in history. Shortly after I joined the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., an opening became available in the trial department. Almost immediately I was given my own docket of cases. For the more than 40 years since I started practicing, I have been fortunate to try well over 100 jury cases of all types, ranging from securities fraud to antitrust to bet-the-company contract disputes. I have been selected for fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Regardless of whether I was second-chairing a more experienced lawyer in my early days of practice, trying a justice of the peace court property damage claim as one of my early cases, or in court with nationally known trial lawyers opposing me, I learned valuable lessons from each case I tried. Lessons From the Courtroom is my way of imparting to law students, young lawyers, lawyers who have not have a chance to try many cases, and anyone else interested in how to try jury cases my thoughts on how to do it, illustrated by examples from cases I have won and cases I have lost. The friends and colleagues who have had a chance to read the book have given it rave reviews. One has even stated that: "It should be required reading for every first-year lawyer." I hope you will agree, and will recommend the book to your friends and colleagues.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great read, January 8, 2011

By 

Ed Pegg "Math puzzler" (Champaign) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lessons from the Courtroom (Kindle Edition)

One of the lessons in the book is to keep the jury on your side. Don't lose them, insult them, bore them.

The author does that with the reader, as well. I'm fifty pages into it, and this is definitely a keeper. This is one of many books that Kaplan released as free books on January 7.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable advice for trial lawyers, May 26, 2010

By 

The Book Doctor (Stanford, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Lessons from the Courtroom (Hardcover)

Any young lawyer hoping for a career as a trial attorney should read and absorb Frank Jones's superb advice. In deceptively simple, conversational style, he shares his extensive experience in courtrooms and explains why establishing a trustworthy reputation is critical.

The book's audience should extend beyond the legal profession. General readers will benefit, too--Jones's insights into courtroom behavior lift the veil of mystery for those of us who rarely enter a court or who see trials only on television.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Lessons for Aspiring Trial Lawyers, June 4, 2009

By 

Terry O. Tottenham (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lessons from the Courtroom (Hardcover)

Lessons from the Courtroom is a wonderful addition to the trial lawyer literature. This highly readable and practical oriented guide to trying cases is based on a long and distinguished career at the trial bar.
Mr. Jones has tried all kinds of cases and is known as a "lawyer's lawyer." His easily understood tips on all aspects of a trial are a must read for both new and seasoned trial lawyers as well as anyone interested in the mystique and mysteries of the courtroom. We can all learn from Mr. Jones' well organized and anecdotally laced examples of quality trial work. Armed with four decades of trial experience, Mr. Jones leaves a treasure trove of trial lore and candid, professional advice on how to practice the most noble of professions.