On Trial: Lessons from a Lifetime in the Courtroom.

• Author: Josefsberg, Robert C.

by Henry G. Miller

Henry Miller's educational and entertaining book is adapted from a series of 12 articles he recently wrote for the New York Law Journal. Readers of the articles urged Henry to consolidate and share the articles with the rest of the profession. Florida is fortunate--this may be the best thing we have ever imported from New York.

In addition to his 45 years of trial experience, Henry is a runner, playwright, and actor. He therefore brings efficiency, drama, excitement, and humor to his courtroom stories.

The book presents useful tips, strategies, and common sense advice to both experienced and new trial lawyers. Another review has described the book as "perceptive, humorous, and devoid of the self-aggrandizement often found when legal gladiators discuss their ... successes." Such books always remind me of the old story about three lawyers who were captured and granted one wish before they were to be killed. One senior lawyer asked to be able to give his opening statement in a complicated commercial case. Another senior lawyer asked to give his closing argument in a dramatic case he had tried. The third captive, their young associate, asked to be killed before he had to listen to their arguments again. In this case, the smart young lawyer's last request might be to read Henry Miller's masterpiece.

Henry's perception and humor are obvious when you scan some of the titles of the. chapters--"The 44 Most Common Blunders of Jury Selection," "Living with Defeat," "Courage...