Persuading Judges: Principles and Strategies for Effective Advocacy in Trial Courts

Most lawyers receive little or no training about effective advocacy to trial judges; instead, law schools tend to focus on appellate and jury trial advocacy. But the need for effective advocacy to judges has never been greater, as hearings before trial judges have increased, and judges’ discretionary authority to resolve cases has grown. Most attorneys will spend more time attempting to persuade trial judges than they ever will attempting to persuade jurors or appellate court judges.

This book provides insider information to practicing attorneys on how to effectively advocate to trial court judges. The authors, sitting United States District Court Judges, explain how the skills and tactics of effective advocacy to judges differs dramatically from those that are effective before a jury or to a panel of appellate judges. Their expertise will arm practicing lawyers with the insight and knowledge necessary to become more effective persuading those who matter most--trial judges.

The Honorable C.J. Williams is a United States District Court Judge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, whose three-decade legal career included criminal defense work and more than two decades as a federal prosecutor. The Honorable Leonard Strand is a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa and a former Chief Judge of that district. He was a trial attorney for over 20 years before taking the bench.