Turning Points at Trial: Great Lawyers Share Secrets, Strategies and Skills

by Shane Read

Thirteen of the greatest lawyers in the country, such as Mark Lanier, Bryan Stevenson, Robert S. Bennett, and Alan Dershowitz share with you the powerful secrets from their most interesting cases, from depositions to trials to appeals. Lawyers can apply these techniques immediately in their practice. Non-lawyers will get a front-row seat to these fascinating lawyers and the turning points in their most intriguing cases. There are also 447 tips summarized in chapter checklists. Leaders of the best litigation organizations and judges have called Turning Points the best trial advocacy book. In addition, the book's website has related audio and video clips that enhance the lessons that are taught. Today's most successful lawyers benefit from the wisdom described in this book and now you can too. The book is divided into seven opening statement, direct examination, cross-examination, cross-examination of the expert witness, closing argument, deposition, and appellate oral argument. In each part, there are chapters that profile an attorney famous for his or her skills and an analysis of court transcripts where that skill was displayed. For example, chapter one features Mark Lanier, who has achieved nationally recognized record-setting jury awards. Lanier candidly reveals his strategies and secrets for creating a spellbinding opening statement. The author, an accomplished trial attorney and highly acclaimed teacher, then extensively analyzes a court transcript from one of Lanier's famous trials so you can learn the building blocks for an opening statement and apply Lanier's techniques at your next trial. At the end of the chapter, there is a checklist that summarizes Lanier's tips. Other chapters feature highly acclaimed lawyers such as Alan Dershowitz who explains the key to a successful cross-examination and Lisa Blatt, the woman with the most appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court, who shares her secrets for a successful oral argument. In short, this book will teach you everything you need to know from deposition to trial to appellate oral advocacy from the finest lawyers in the USA.

Genres: Law

562 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2016

Reviews

[Alexander S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a lawyer, but this book completely changed how I see courtroom trials. Shane Read breaks down moments that quietly decide cases, and he explains them in a way that’s easy to follow. You don’t need legal training to understand why these turning points matter. The stories feel real and grounded, not dramatic or TV-style. I found myself paying closer attention to how decisions get made under pressure. It’s fascinating and surprisingly accessible.

[Walter S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up out of curiosity and didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. The book reads more like thoughtful storytelling than a legal manual. Shane Read explains why certain moments matter and how small decisions can change everything. Even without legal experience, the lessons felt clear and relatable. It gave me a deeper appreciation for how complex trials really are. Definitely not just for lawyers.

[Cathy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone outside the legal world, I found this book incredibly informative. It shows how trials turn on subtle choices rather than dramatic speeches. Shane Read explains these moments calmly and clearly, which made them easy to understand. The book helped me see trials as human processes, not just legal ones. It’s thoughtful without being intimidating. I came away feeling more informed and curious.

[Emily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t about law jargon or courtroom theatrics, which I appreciated as a non-lawyer. It focuses on how people think and decide under pressure. Shane Read explains things in plain language, making the lessons feel universal. I could follow the logic without feeling lost or confused. It gave me a new respect for the complexity of trials. Very readable and insightful.

[Reed K · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to be a lawyer to get value from this book. Turning Points at Trial explains how critical moments shape outcomes, which applies far beyond the courtroom. Shane Read’s experience comes through without sounding intimidating. The examples help you understand how real trials unfold. I finished the book feeling more informed and thoughtful. It’s a smart, engaging read for curious minds.

[Gabi Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried this would be too technical, but it wasn’t at all. Shane Read writes in a clear, thoughtful way that doesn’t assume legal knowledge. The book focuses on moments of choice and judgment that anyone can understand. I liked how it stayed practical instead of theoretical. It kept my attention without feeling heavy. A great entry point into understanding trials.