The Book Shelf.

Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts. Robert L. Haig, Editor-in-chief. American Bar Association and West Group. 1998. To order, call 1-800-328-9352. Six volumes. 6,435 pages. $480, 15 percent discount to ABA members. Reviewed by Michael A. Pope of McDermott, Will & Emery, Chicago, a former president of the International Association of Defense Counsel.

Legal publishers have long sought to encourage sales to busy lawyers with the admonition, "This is the only book you will need." With only a few caveats, it appears that this impressive six-volume set may have achieved that distinction. By comprehensively covering the entire spectrum of substantive, procedural and strategic issues likely to be faced by most lawyers handling commercial litigation in federal court, it rates a very special place in the library of today's litigator.

A unique collaboration by the American Bar Association Section of Litigation and West Group has produced a valuable treatise of some 80 chapters, each authored by an experienced trial lawyer or judge. Robert L. Haig of Kelley Drye & Warren, New York City, served as editor-in-chief. This approach seems to have contributed to an usually well-written and practical presentation that actually makes for interesting reading. The wide range of subjects covered alone would recommend this treatise to most lawyers. Chapters on federal jurisdiction, removal, class action procedures, venue, pleading, and remedies provide broad coverage of these important topics.

The chapters are written by a bevy of outstanding practitioners, and they not only describe the law but also provide insight into strategy. For example, practical issues such as selecting expert witnesses, developing a discovery plan, and constructing a case concept are handled with insight and clarity. Each chapter contains numerous examples of specific cases and, in many instances, actual forms for use in motions, pleadings, instructions or judgments.

From agency to warranties

The first three volumes are generally devoted to the filing of a lawsuit, the preparation of the case for trial, including discovery, and the trial itself. Volumes IV through VI contain some 28 chapters on substantive legal topics ranging from agency and antitrust to warranties, and virtually everything in between. This combination provides even the most experienced trial lawyer with a handy summary of case law and legal argument on procedural issues, along with in-depth discussions...