The Defense Is Ready: Life In The Trenches Of Criminal Law

by Leslie Abramson, Richard Flaste

The memoir of the noted defense attorney offers insight into the machinations of the criminal justice system and some of the notorious cases she has been involved in

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Law

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[emma hledam adu · Rating 4 out of 5]

girlboss moment

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I do not agree with Leslie's views on many social stands, I do admire her passion as a criminal defense lawyer. She is one of the best in the business if you understand how she feels about her clients. I always enjoy reading crime books that take place close to home and in this case she discusses cases she has taken on in the Los Angeles County area. One of the gruesomest cases she discussed in the book was about a boy who was dismembered by his father. Or so everyone believed. The truth eventually came out and the truth was just as shocking as the actual crime itself.

There are some cases that always are interesting to me and that I always take the opportunity to read more on when I can. The Erik and Lyle Menendez case is one of them. Leslie described some of her defense in Erik's case and I must admit that I had not really thought so much of the brothers being molested by their father as much as I do now.

Overall, it was a great book with interesting cases.

[Deepika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read regarding criminal law. Each chapter focused on different cases and each of the cases were told like a story, while mentioning personal anecdotes. The narrative was informative, heartbreaking and eye opening. Well written and gripping with real and humanizing accounts of each case. Recommend for law students and those interested in the criminal justice field.

[Morgan Grissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

EASY 5 stars- she was in the trenches as a PD for YEARS, before the notoriety of the Menendez trials. She is a believer in the humanity of her clients and I want to be her when I grow up. If you’ve ever wondered, “how can you defend someone like that” or wondered how I do my job- read this book !!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. So interesting and well written.

[Mark Blane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an "okay book" by renowned defense attorney Leslie Abramson - the reader will gain some insights as to her development as a defense lawyer. It is short book, and I actually listened to it on Audible, and I appreciate the fact that Ms. Abramson took the time to read the book even though she had a co-writer to actually write her book.

[Jacque]

This was really good! I could listen to Leslie talk about her cases all day. She's a very smart and interesting woman.

[Karly Greno · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it were possible to give this a 6/5 I would. A phenomenally written, mind-opening, educating experience!

[sarah ㅤㅤ♡ྀི · Rating 5 out of 5]

girlboss

[Lynn Pribus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a new book by any means, but it was very interesting. Especially since I've been in a run of
"thrillers" with lawyers as the protags. Abramson is an inveterate defense lawyer and rule follower. Book is biographical, chronological and specific showing the behind-the-scenes machinations of the criminal justice system.

A candid exploration of trials. She especially inveighs against the "popularization" of crimes on the media such as Court TV and others where verdicts are predicted (rather like this year's election) even before the defense has a chance to present its case. She believes fair trials are a thing of the past, citing in particular the Mendendez brothers whom she represented.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected surprise of a book that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you intterested with the reality and honesty of the stories and writing. The themes are those studied in criminal justice classes, but with the real-world applications to support them. Anyone interested in criminal defense should consider this a must-read.