7 New Trial Practice Books Reshaping 2025

Andrew J. Smiley draws on his extensive litigation experience to deliver a uniquely detailed guide to trial advocacy that goes beyond typical textbooks. You’ll gain concrete skills in jury selection, crafting opening statements, and mastering direct and cross examinations, with chapters that break down each phase of a trial alongside actual trial notes. This book suits both aspiring litigators and seasoned attorneys seeking to sharpen courtroom tactics through real examples and tactical insights. It’s particularly strong in showing how to build a cohesive case strategy and deliver persuasive closing arguments, making it a practical companion for anyone serious about trial success.

Unlike most trial practice books that focus broadly on legal theory, Morley Swingle’s background as a seasoned prosecutor with 178 jury trials and 111 homicide cases lends this work a rare, practical edge. You’ll gain exact, foundational questions needed to admit a wide range of evidence—from DNA and fingerprints to cell tower data and social media posts—each backed by the legal rationale Swingle mastered over decades. This book is especially useful if you're looking to sharpen your courtroom questioning skills for evidence admission, as it bridges complex evidentiary rules with clear, actionable examples. If you’re preparing for criminal trials or studying evidentiary foundations, Swingle’s hands-on insights will help you anticipate and counter challenges effectively.

This tailored book explores advanced courtroom techniques designed specifically for trial practice challenges anticipated in 2025. It examines emerging developments and incorporates the latest discoveries relevant to contemporary trial advocacy, focusing on your unique background and goals. Through a personalized approach, it covers critical topics like jury dynamics, digital evidence handling, pretrial motions, and specialized board procedures, ensuring you gain insights that match your interests and expertise level. The book offers a deep dive into cutting-edge trial tactics and evolving courtroom strategies, helping you stay ahead of new trends and challenges. By concentrating on your specific objectives, it transforms complex innovations into accessible knowledge that empowers your trial practice.

Drawing from decades of combined legal experience, Anthony G. Amsterdam and Randy Hertz offer an up-to-date resource tailored for defense attorneys navigating criminal trials. This volume zeroes in on pretrial motions, providing a detailed roadmap through motions for discovery, dismissal, suppression, and more, supported by both federal and state constitutional analyses. You’ll gain practical insight into crafting and arguing motions, understanding procedural intricacies, and strategically positioning your case before trial. If you’re a criminal defense lawyer aiming to sharpen your trial readiness with a focused, stage-specific guide, this book aligns well with your needs.

Willie J. Epps Jr., drawing on extensive experience in federal court, crafted this guide to address the unique challenges of preparing for a federal jury trial. The book breaks down key strategies that go beyond typical courtroom tactics, focusing on jury selection, evidence presentation, and persuasive argument techniques tailored to federal cases. You gain insight into managing complex trial dynamics and understanding federal procedural nuances, making it especially useful if you’re handling high-stakes litigation. While it’s technical, the practical examples, such as crafting opening statements that resonate with diverse juries, make it a solid read if you’re aiming to sharpen your federal trial skills.

What started as Jim McElhaney's ABA Journal column evolved into a detailed guide addressing common but often overlooked pitfalls in trial practice. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, McElhaney offers you clear techniques and tactics that help navigate complex litigation challenges, from jury selection to closing arguments. You’ll find chapters filled with practical examples and anecdotes that illuminate how to avoid traps both seasoned and novice trial lawyers frequently encounter. This book suits anyone looking to sharpen trial skills through real-world insights rather than theory, though it’s especially useful for practitioners eager to refine their courtroom acumen.

This tailored book explores cutting-edge trial approaches designed for the evolving legal landscape of 2025 and beyond. It covers emerging trial techniques, new procedural developments, and fresh insights that reflect the shifting demands faced by modern practitioners. By focusing on your specific interests and professional background, the book delivers a personalized examination of the latest research, helping you stay ahead in a rapidly changing field. You’ll engage with novel trial concepts and future-oriented legal practices tailored to your goals, enabling you to deepen your understanding and readiness for upcoming courtroom challenges.

Drawing from their extensive experience handling hundreds of PTAB proceedings, Kathleen A. Daley, Michael John Flibbert, and Joshua L. Goldberg offer a focused guide tailored for practitioners navigating the complexities of trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. You’ll learn how to coordinate PTAB trials with broader litigation strategies, interpret recent Federal Circuit case law, and manage technical tasks such as analyzing prior art and deposing scientific experts. The book’s "Practical Tools" chapter consolidates essential statutes, rules, and guidance, making it a handy reference when you need to quickly address topics like discovery or claim construction. This book suits attorneys actively involved in PTAB trials who seek a concise, experience-based resource rather than a general overview.

Unlike most trial practice books that focus heavily on theory, this volume by Robert P. Burns and colleagues offers a fresh, case-driven approach to learning evidence and advocacy. It immerses you in two complex fictional files—a criminal murder case and a civil defamation suit—where you navigate realistic evidentiary challenges such as text messages and web pages. The detailed problems and updated case materials sharpen your ability to critically assess legal evidence and trial strategy, making it especially useful for law students and practitioners seeking to deepen practical skills. If you're looking for a book that bridges doctrinal knowledge with hands-on application, this one delivers without overcomplicating the material.