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Lawyers' Poker

Lawyers' Poker 52 Lessons that Lawyers Can Learn from Card Players

Author: Steven Lubet
Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
ISBN: 9780195182439
Published In: June 2006
Format: Hardback , 288 pages
Jurisdiction: U.S. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Great poker players are master tacticians. Not only do they calculate odds with lightning speed and astonishing precision, but they also cunningly anticipate and manipulate the actions of their adversaries. In short, they boast skills that every lawyer can envy.

This highly entertaining work might best be summed up as "better lawyering through poker." Steven Lubet shows exactly how the tactics of the poker table can be adapted to litigation, negotiation, and virtually every aspect of law practice. In a series of engaging and informative lessons, Lubet describes concepts like "betting for value," "slow playing," and "reverse bluffing," and explains how they can be used by lawyers to win their cases.

The best card players, like the best lawyers, have a knack for getting their adversaries to react exactly as they want, and that talent separates the winners from the losers. Lawyers' Poker is an irresistible guide to successful lawyering and an enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in law. No poker knowledge required.

Offers an unique and entertaining, yet very relevant, approach to aid lawyers in improving their litigation skills and win more cases
Steven Lubet is a nationally recognized expert on trials and trial strategy and his book, Modern Trial Advocacy has been adopted at over 90 law schools

Introduction

Diamonds

Lesson 1: Saving Bets

Lesson 2: Expected Value

Lesson 3: Don't Gamble

Lesson 4: There is no Lesson Four

Depend on the Rabbit's Foot if You Will, But Remember: It Didn't Work for the Rabbit

Lesson 5: Opening Hands

Lesson 6: Drawing Hands

Lesson 7: Chasing is for Dogs

Lesson 8: Yardley's Law (and Darrow's Exception)

Lesson 9: Losing It

Lesson 10: Desperate Times

Lesson 11: Volatility

Lesson 12: Sunk Costs

Lesson 13: Stakes Matter

Clubs

Lesson 1: Fundamentalism

Lesson 2: Know Why You are Betting

Lesson 3: Slow Playing

Lesson 4: Bluffing

Lesson 5: Reverse Bluffing

Lesson 6: Semi-Bluffing

Lesson 7: Overplaying

Lesson 8: Calling Bluffs

Lesson 9: Loose Wiring

Lesson 10: Folding Winners

Lesson 11: Establishing Patterns

Lesson 12: Implication and Story Telling

Lesson 13: Patience

Spades

Lesson 1: Knowledge is Power

Lesson 2: Taking Their Measure

Lesson 3: Tells

Lesson 4: Get What You Need

Lesson 5: True Lies

Lesson 6: That's Acting

Lesson 7: Calling Bias

Lesson 8: Paying Attention

Lesson 9: Reading Value

Lesson 10: Total Recall

Lesson 11: The Unexpected

Lesson 12: Local Rules

Lesson 13: Showing Your Hand

Hearts

Lesson 1: Lying

Lesson 2: Cheating

Lesson 3: Scamming

Lesson 4: Banking the Proceeds

Lesson 5: The Right Stuff

Lesson 6: Moral Hazards

Lesson 7: Self Control

Lesson 8: Beginner's Luck

Lesson 9: You Gotta Have Heart

Lesson 10: Cards Speak

Lesson 11: Cross Examination Does Not Mean Angry Examination

Lesson 12: Beautiful Loser

Lesson 13: Poker Ain't Life

Ranks of Hands

Glossary

Notes and Sources

Bibliography

Steven Lubet is Professor of Law at Northwestern University and a nationally recognized expert on trials and trial strategy. He is author of the popular textbookModern Trial Advocacy, and, most recently, Murder in Tombstone: The Forgotten Trial Wyatt Earp, and writes an award-winning column for American Lawyer Magazine. His humorous commentaries have been heard on National Public Radio's Morning Edition and his op-eds have run in Newsday, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and many other newspapers.

"Lubet deals a winning hand with this entertaining and creative approach to gamesmanship. Anyone who negotiates, strategizes or bluffs--and who doesn't--will benefit from this great read. You won't be able to keep a poker-face when you read this funny and informative book."--Alan M. Dershowitz, Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law, Harvard Law School

"Steven Lubet creatively weaves together two ostensibly unconnected worlds. Highlighted by anecdotes from some of the greatest arguments in American trial history, coupled with memorable hands in the World Series of Poker, Lawyers' Pokerprovides illuminating insights into strategic decisions in courtrooms and card tables across America."--Kenneth W. Starr, Dean and Professor of Law, Pepperdine University School of Law

"A most clever mingling of the likes of legendary poker player Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson, with the master legal tactician Clarence Darrow. Juxtaposing the color and strategies of poker playing greats with the mastery of great lawyers in "trials of the century" creates a fascinating read for a gambler, lawyer, or just the average Joe." -- Oscar B. Goodman, Mayor, City of Las Vegas

"Lawyers' Poker is clear, entertaining and educational. It is a treasure trove of valuable lessons in competent trial advocacy, the art of negotiation and ethics--all told in a page-turning, storytelling fashion. As a bonus, the reader will also be introduced to the art of poker playing! Indeed, the parallels drawn are accurate. Both the neophyte and seasoned lawyer will love this book." --Thomas A. Demetrio, Corboy & Demetrio, Member of the Inner Circle of Advocates

"Every lawyer should play his cards right by reading Lubet's book. It's a safe bet the reader will come away with some great lessons in a courtroom and maybe even a tip or two at the card table."--Robert A. Clifford, former Chair, ABA Section of Litigation

"Lawyers' Poker is a fascinating read, as with great wit, skill and clarity Lubet moves from the poker room to the courtroom with impressive knowledge of the operation of both venues. As a veteran cross-examiner, I found Lubet's thesis "straight" and his book "flush" with clever insight. Indeed, I "bet" I could argue the case he makes to a "full house"."--Benjamin Brafman, criminal defense lawyer

"What a great read--the trial lawyer's lessons are precisely the same as the skilled poker player's--the reader learns about history in both domains and smiles while being educated and entertained. This is a book for practitioners in the courtroom or the cardroom or those that want to be--or envy--either one. It is a true collector's piece!" -- Rikki Klieman, Court TV Anchor, trial attorney and best selling author

"Professor Lubet's insights about poker (and life) will make you a far better trial lawyer. I loved the book."-- Lawrence J. Fox, former Chair, ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility

"Any attorney who has ever tried a case or who aspires to be a litigator will want to read this book and learn more about how success at the poker table and winning in the courtroom are related. Reading Lawyers' Poker is a complete treat."--Trial Magazine