Integrated Advocacy: Getting Better, Faster, while Building a Satisfying and Sustainable Law Practice

Bill’s depth of experience in trial and teaching is on display in the major portion of the book in which he discusses a wide variety of trial-related subjects such as framing your damages, effective damages proof and arguments, elements of an effective trial story, and the ubiquitous presence of money, among many others. [...] In summary, a great trial lawyer with finely honed teaching skills has written an excellent book designed to inspire the reader to become both a better person and a more skillful lawyer. I recommend that you buy it, read it, enjoy it, and tell your friends about it.

As a new plaintiff's lawyer, this book is essential to mastering the intricacies of effective trial advocacy, personal authenticity, framing damages, storytelling, and various aspects of courtroom work. The inclusion of chapters on criminal defense, plaintiffs' personal injury, legal foundations, and cross-examination gives a holistic approach to trial practice. Overall, this book is a must-read, well-rounded guide for new and seasoned trial lawyers.

While many legal texts teach you techniques on how to be a more skillful lawyer, and this book does, it also reminds you to listen to your better angels and not lose yourself along the way. Bill Barton’s book is practical and aspirational, filled with valuable insights on advocacy, the business of law, and personal growth. Wisdom for both the practice of law and the practitioner.

In the history of legal giants, Bill Barton holds profoundly unique wisdom and insight. Reading Integrated Advocacy, I can hear Bill’s voice crack as he digs deep for the meaning he so eloquently expresses. Bill pursues creative excellence and provides legal savvy in his exploration of legal and trial thoughts. His teachings cannot be overstated both in his epic and intense boot camp and his writings. With dedication to our profession and the students of the profession, Bill’s most recent book passes on generational wisdom and ancestral knowledge that must be preserved. His first masterpiece, Recovering for Psychological Injuries, was the first legal self-help book I read, and Integrated Advocacy could easily be the last.

Bill Barton has played many roles in my career: father figure, mentor, friend, and occasional therapist. I’m certain that there are hundreds of Oregon lawyers who share the same experience. I was honored to attend the inaugural Barton Boot Camp in 2005. It was there that I learned the incredible amount of time and energy Bill dedicates to studying, improving, and teaching every aspect of trial advocacy and what I call the holistic practice of law. This book is a continuation of Bill’s decades-long passion and commitment to improving and teaching trial advocacy, not just for the betterment of trial lawyers and their clients, but also for the families and loved ones who support all of us in our journey as trial lawyers. I consider it a must-read.

Lawyers are notoriously bad business people. They can tell a story, charm a jury, and write a killer brief, but when it comes to financial records… well, many went to law school because they were bad at math. Bill Barton’s book, Integrated Advocacy, is the solution for those who are struggling with the business side of the practice of law. His chapters on “Running a Law Business” (with financial nuts and bolts) and “Evaluating Cases” will begin to make or save you money the day after you read them. Based on years in the business, Bill’s insights into the work we do, finding and being your authentic self, and how to become a success both inside and outside the courtroom are invaluable for new lawyers and those who have been doing this for years.

On the pages of this book are the recorded thoughts of a brilliant and innovative trial lawyer who has achieved justice for his clients, in and out of the courtroom, for more than fifty-one years. The book offers a treasury of advice and insight into pre-trial and trial practice, borne of Bill’s vast experience, wisdom, and dedication to the improvement of his craft and the legal profession. However, and perhaps of equal importance, the advice and wisdom set out in the book is infused with Bill’s overriding commitment to humanistic values. The trial practice and life circumstances of every lawyer, from beginner to courtroom veteran, will benefit from reading this book and doing so regularly.

There are a handful of lawyers who have had tremendous influence over my life and career, and Bill Barton is one of those wonderful humans. I have always learned so much from spending time with him. In our profession, there is no one I have ever met who turns on the flow of wisdom and advice like Bill. So, whenever I get to spend time with him, I try to be a sponge and soak it all in. The truth though, is that I can’t. I try to receive all the gifts of wisdom Bill has to give, but there just isn’t enough time or bandwidth. Important gifts of wisdom spill over and get lost. Not anymore though! This wonderful book makes me smile because so much of Bill’s wisdom has been written down. This book is a precious gift. Thank you, my dear friend, so many of us love you so much. This book is spectacular!

After more than fifty years toiling in the fields of the courtroom, [Barton] shares his harvest of insights on topics ranging from how to set up and run a law office to the different styles of cross-examination. There is more good advice for trial lawyers in this book than in any other book I can think of. [...] Reading this book is like sitting and talking with the perfect mentor: someone who has seen it all, lived it all, and thought long and hard about it all; someone who understands how difficult our jobs are, the complexity and stress of the decisions we have to make and who is trying to help you think through your own approaches to practicing law rather than telling you what to do.