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.
Industry Reviews
"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
"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
"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' Poker provides 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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' Poker provides 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
