What do you think?
Rate this book
Devils Advocate
Devils Advocate
- GenresLawNonfictionLegal
443 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2005
53 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 31, 2020
This is certainly a Must-Read for any law student or "new wig". Reading this just before law school stoked in me a raging eagerness for [criminal] litigation.
The language is not as convoluted and condescending as you'd expect from anything with the words "Spry" and "Polemic" in its title. And although it wouldn't, in my opinion, qualify as 'lay-proof', there isn't any elegance missing in Mr. Morley's delivery. He keeps you engaged throughout the entire work, a word-smith in his own right.
I remember taking down a lot of notes so I could quote him to my classmates and sound smart. Can't say that they were dazzled though (not to imply that they'd have ever admitted to being impressed).
I don't know if I'd have appreciated it better if I read this book now for the first time, but reading it well before being thrown into the world of litigation made me a lot more interested in the field and perhaps better equipped for it than I would have been had I not read the book.
Can't say that most of what I gleaned has been 100% practical in actual law practice, but it definitely gave me the second closest thing to a soft landing in advocacy and court room etiquette (the first would be mock trials).
Oh and the chapter on Cross-examination is a real treasure trove for any newcomer to legal advocacy (of course, I can't speak for any old timer, as I am largely a sapling, but I suppose it'd be at the very least a pleasant read for such a one). I've read that chapter more times than I've read any other chapter in the book. Come to think of it, I haven't touched my copy in months, I'm already itching for a reread.
I recommend this 120% if you've been in practice for quite a while and would like a somewhat fresh take on certain things you may already know all too well... or if you're looking to get into the trade... or if you're the sort that enjoys reading wide and off...
The language is not as convoluted and condescending as you'd expect from anything with the words "Spry" and "Polemic" in its title. And although it wouldn't, in my opinion, qualify as 'lay-proof', there isn't any elegance missing in Mr. Morley's delivery. He keeps you engaged throughout the entire work, a word-smith in his own right.
I remember taking down a lot of notes so I could quote him to my classmates and sound smart. Can't say that they were dazzled though (not to imply that they'd have ever admitted to being impressed).
I don't know if I'd have appreciated it better if I read this book now for the first time, but reading it well before being thrown into the world of litigation made me a lot more interested in the field and perhaps better equipped for it than I would have been had I not read the book.
Can't say that most of what I gleaned has been 100% practical in actual law practice, but it definitely gave me the second closest thing to a soft landing in advocacy and court room etiquette (the first would be mock trials).
Oh and the chapter on Cross-examination is a real treasure trove for any newcomer to legal advocacy (of course, I can't speak for any old timer, as I am largely a sapling, but I suppose it'd be at the very least a pleasant read for such a one). I've read that chapter more times than I've read any other chapter in the book. Come to think of it, I haven't touched my copy in months, I'm already itching for a reread.
I recommend this 120% if you've been in practice for quite a while and would like a somewhat fresh take on certain things you may already know all too well... or if you're looking to get into the trade... or if you're the sort that enjoys reading wide and off...
September 13, 2008
HOW TO BE SERIOUSLY GOOD IN COURT
Another book crossed my wig box the other day entitled “The Devil’s Advocate” and I thought,
‘Oh no, not another one of these devils advocate type books'- but it was good.
I could not believe my luck! This was the book of my dreams, the Titanic of the advocacy world (even though it is modestly sized). I spoke to some Bar students nervously smoking outside their advocacy assessments and asked if they knew of this little book. “No!”.
So I replied, ‘it’s only a two hour job to read’ and I believe they took my advice because Iain Morley has bridged the gap between reading about advocacy and how you actually do it. Well done. There was not much around on the ‘advocacy’ bookstands in 1980s but this addition is warmly welcomed and should be in every white wig box.
PHILLIP TAYLOR MBE LL.B (Hons) PGCE Barrister-at-Law
Richmond Green Chambers
Another book crossed my wig box the other day entitled “The Devil’s Advocate” and I thought,
‘Oh no, not another one of these devils advocate type books'- but it was good.
I could not believe my luck! This was the book of my dreams, the Titanic of the advocacy world (even though it is modestly sized). I spoke to some Bar students nervously smoking outside their advocacy assessments and asked if they knew of this little book. “No!”.
So I replied, ‘it’s only a two hour job to read’ and I believe they took my advice because Iain Morley has bridged the gap between reading about advocacy and how you actually do it. Well done. There was not much around on the ‘advocacy’ bookstands in 1980s but this addition is warmly welcomed and should be in every white wig box.
PHILLIP TAYLOR MBE LL.B (Hons) PGCE Barrister-at-Law
Richmond Green Chambers
January 21, 2025
Very informative and exhilarating
March 31, 2021
Not so spry, but jam-packed full of practical tips on how to be better in court as a junior.
The leaning forward, hands behind back is one I'm practicing. The art of invisibility and irresistibility requires more refinement. Above all, the approbation to 'think like the tribunal' is probably one of the superior tips.
This is one area of law that is not trained. Why? Especially when its the most useful!
I've tabbed my copy of this book and intend on re-reading it immediatley.
The leaning forward, hands behind back is one I'm practicing. The art of invisibility and irresistibility requires more refinement. Above all, the approbation to 'think like the tribunal' is probably one of the superior tips.
This is one area of law that is not trained. Why? Especially when its the most useful!
I've tabbed my copy of this book and intend on re-reading it immediatley.
December 20, 2022
The author adheres to some highly questionable ethics in this polemic, but the work has (I hate to admit) a few convincing and practical points. Overall, it is problematic yet worth a skim for the eager first-year law student contemplating a career in criminal litigation. It is, at minimum, an amusing read for the ethical philosopher. . .
-- A third-year Juris Doctor candidate specialising in international law with a Master of Arts in Ethics and Moral Philosophy
-- A third-year Juris Doctor candidate specialising in international law with a Master of Arts in Ethics and Moral Philosophy
January 17, 2021
Extremely useful for aspiring lawyers, whether in criminal or civil practice. Actually, its contents are also probably useful for seasoned practitioners as it puts chunks of hard earned wisdom into succinct points. When wisdom is put into words, it becomes clearer and also easier to teach to juniors in a comprehensible manner.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 27, 2017
very useful and interesting
September 10, 2020
A must read for every Lawyer.
January 19, 2021
Fuck goodreads
November 6, 2022
Its an ok little read.
August 4, 2023
Another exam read I’ve been dipping into for the past month. Very funny and useful
June 6, 2014
Iain Morley QC is a true teacher. Clear and precise, the skills and techniques he shared in this polemic is direct and honest. It is simple enough to understand and with a few more reads and practice, it makes it believable that one can be well-trained to be an advocate/ counsel/ barrister and even a judge. Highly recommended for all aspiring barristers and lawyers.
Advocacy is a piece of art, and no matter how skillful you believe yourself to be, the suggestions enclosed will only further refine your skills.
Advocacy is a piece of art, and no matter how skillful you believe yourself to be, the suggestions enclosed will only further refine your skills.
April 23, 2016
I've read the 3rd edition over the course of 2 weeks. It was for my studies. I was quite surprised that I'd enjoyed it. It was all hands-on practical approach on how to be your potential best in court. I needed it and took some notes from it. THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR MORLEY!! And thanks to my tutor, Sara for recommending us this book. Loved how it was written on every page.
October 11, 2020
The author opens with the bold claim that we are guaranteed to learn something from his book...and he delivers.
Executed with a coffee table style and a memorable linguistic pattern, it says no more than it needs to yet every word is of the utmost importance. If you want an insight into advocacy, here is the place to start.
Executed with a coffee table style and a memorable linguistic pattern, it says no more than it needs to yet every word is of the utmost importance. If you want an insight into advocacy, here is the place to start.
January 5, 2014
Wow. Ten Steps To Making Someone Want To Be A Barrister. I really enjoyed Morley's short, sharp, no-nonsense writing style, but was slightly disillusioned on realising that he's not actually the guy on the front cover.
December 12, 2016
Must read for every aspiring trial lawyer who wants to be good at cross examination. It will improve the advocacy skill of a trial lawyer specially a criminal lawyer and will also help to get a mastery on the art of cross examination.
April 2, 2012
Words cannot describe how brilliant this book is. A must read for anyone that is interested in improving their presentation and advocacy skills.
February 12, 2013
I'm no lawyer, but even I found it a great read with lots of useful advice
October 5, 2013
REVIEW FORTHCOMING. CHROME DESTROYED MY POST AND ACER ASPIRE KEYBOARD FUCKED IT UP.
September 13, 2016
It sums up the basics tricks that will help a starting lawyer in a criminal court. However, what I love most about it is that it is very relatable as he writes as if speaking to a friend.
November 25, 2015
The best guide to young counsel. Short and to the point. Follow the suggestions and you will be well in your way.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews