BOOKS TO READ

    Remembering that summation is "us" talking to "jurors and them talking back to us", it is recommended that you read two books.  The first is Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, a non-lawyer.  This is not a feel good book and it is not one written for lawyers.  Rather, it is a book clearly written how not only to understand you, but also, how to understand others.  It is a book that teaches how to better see and hear what is really there and not what your mind automatically tells you what you have been conditioned to think.  It is also about fear and courage.  Covey's book teaches you about being proactive, beginning a task with the end in mind, putting first things first, seeking first to understand before being understood and to synergize.  It is a great attorney tool to enhance the lawyer's need to better communicate and to win. 

    The second book is How to Argue and Win Every Time by Gerry Spence.  It is a book written by an attorney for ordinary people but it is a must read for the trial lawyer.  Ironically, it is a book that reads as if Stephen Covey collaborated with Gerry Spence as it was written.  It is a book that speaks of seeing, hearing, feeling, body language, understanding, fear, courage and winning.

    Both of these books are not one time reads.  Rather, for the trial lawyer, they should be read and re-read so as not to forget the lessons of life contained therein.