Courtroom Storytelling

“Jim Perdue is the Ted Williams of trial lawyers. Superlatives describe his career. He is ranked among the very best ever to have walked into a courtroom. But unlike Williams, Jim has put everything together—his years of learning, experience, and teaching—into this book, Courtroom Storytelling. And the object is not Jim’s success, but to help those who will learn from him to hit something more elusive than a baseball. Justice.”

“What a magnificent treatise! Jim Perdue’s Courtroom Storytelling is at the pinnacle of the art. Perdue’s stories cover a lifetime of creative and compelling jury arguments in significant cases, a number of which ultimately made or changed Texas law to the betterment of victims state-wide. To say this work is just about storytelling is an understatement. Perdue provides not only unique case insights, but also great context for his stories with an understanding of the times, with the underlying psychology, and with his personal journey and perspectives underpinning them. As someone who tried more than one of these cases to verdict with Jim, I can personally attest to the power of his stories and how they changed many lives as a result. Don’t expect to breeze through this book on-the-fly; it is a work that cannot truly be perceived unless it is perused and processed in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. Take your time with it, savor it, as the stories come to life and the nuances are revealed. If you do, I think you’ll find yourself rewarded with inspiration, growth, and valuable ideas to approach and deliver the stories that your clients deserve.”

“Jim Perdue's book, Courtroom Storytelling, is one of the most interesting books I have read. Certainly the tale he told of how storytelling helps make it easier for everyone to understand the case was interesting. However, the thing that really made it interesting for me, as a doctor, was the way he discussed medical malpractice lawsuits, because it revealed many things that doctors must be careful and aware of, since not attending to these issues could leave them much more vulnerable in the event they were sued, and possibly leave them more vulnerable to a lawsuit. I would recommend this book to all physicians who are not retired.”

“In a trial, the side with the best story wins. Your facts may be better than the other side’s facts. But victory may hinge on the storyteller. Without the power to properly relate your client’s story to the jury, the other side can wind up in the winner’s circle. Jim Perdue’s book helps you find the power that’s sitting right there inside you, and then unleash it in the courtroom. Follow this book’s guidance and I guarantee you will win more of your cases, with more significant verdicts than you imagined. I have read every book Jim Perdue has written. This is his best. A classic by one of the world’s best trial lawyers.”

“Jim Perdue is the best storyteller of our time. When reading this book you don’t just see the words—you feel them. It is definitely a must-read for all who want to better understand the art of telling a story, which is what jury trials are all about.”

“Jim Perdue was a legendary Texas trial lawyer for several decades before leaving the courtroom to become a renowned law professor and storyteller. In his latest book, he once again demonstrates he is also a brilliant writer. The memories of cases gone by, the details, the clients, and [the] trials are told in a masterful fashion and with astounding recall. I found the book to be an outstanding source of successful trial tactics, invaluable courtroom lessons, and “people skills” that are critically important guides to winning trials. Rarely found in one text, Jim’s book and how he presents the critical components of success provides a spellbinding read for trial lawyers… as well as people from all walks of life. I found the book to be captivating and full of life lessons learned through experience and told in a superb fashion.”

“Jim Perdue’s new book is a gift to the trial lawyer community and a ‘must read’ for young trial lawyers who want to try cases before juries. Throughout the book, Jim teaches methods for telling stories in the courtroom. He uses a lifetime of epic courtroom battles as practical examples for his methods. Unlike many other trial books, Jim weaves his lessons about how to tell stories by telling stories about his own courtroom battles. I am sincerely grateful to him for having written this book; my copy will be dog-eared, highlighted, and used in my own practice for years to come.”

“Jim Perdue remains one of America’s finest storytellers and one of the greatest trial lawyers in a generation. His teaching remains relevant and important despite his long tenure at the top. What I enjoyed the most is that he shares the art of storytelling by telling stories. Jim is funny, irreverent, poignant, sad, hopeful, and extraordinarily wise. This book is a must-read for all who aspire to this calling.”

“Jim Perdue is a master storyteller. My first exposure to Mr. Perdue as a storyteller was in 1994 at an Advanced Trial Advocacy Workshop at the University of Houston Law Center. I will never forget it. He gave a demonstration on ‘Using Story in Opening Statements’ and it was riveting. This book chronicles his journey, not just as a lawyer, but as a student of human nature, to reach that ‘master storyteller’ status. Courtroom Storytelling has it all… not just the ‘how to,’ but also the ‘why’ and the stories that make this story.”

“Jim Perdue doesn’t just tell us how to win at trial. He shows us. This book includes lessons based on actual opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments that drive home Jim’s teaching points. Read it and be reminded of the value of hard work, courage, and a good heart. Jim shares his experience and wisdom with lessons for rookies and veteran trial lawyers alike who trudge the road to justice.”

“This is a book with essential information about the role of storytelling skills and their application to trial and offers concrete examples from actual trials including opening statement, cross-examination, and summation. It should be included in every plaintiff’s lawyer’s source of learning.”