Lawyers' Poker

52 Lessons that Lawyers Can Learn from Card Players

Steven Lubet

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
'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
A leading expert on trail strategy offers an entertaining and insightful guide to winning cases

Lawyers' Poker

52 Lessons that Lawyers Can Learn from Card Players

Steven Lubet

Description

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.

Lawyers' Poker

52 Lessons that Lawyers Can Learn from Card Players

Steven Lubet

Introduction
Diamonds
Lesson 1: Saving Bets
Lesson 2: Expected Value
Lesson 3: Don't Gamble
Lesson 4: 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

Lawyers' Poker

52 Lessons that Lawyers Can Learn from Card Players

Steven Lubet

Author Information

Steven Lubet, Edna B. and Ednyfed H. Williams Professor of Law, Northwestern University

Steven Lubet is Professor of Law at Northwestern University and a nationally recognized expert on trials and trial strategy. He 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 Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and many other newspapers.

Lawyers' Poker

52 Lessons that Lawyers Can Learn from Card Players

Steven Lubet

Reviews and Awards

Lubet deals a winning hand with this entertaining and creative approach to gamesmanship. Anyone who negotiates, strategizes or bluffs - and who doesn't

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

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.

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