An Advocate Persuades - 2nd Edition

An Advocate Persuades 2nd Edition

ISBN 9781531019105

Click here to view a side by side comparison of the first and second editions.

The Second Edition of An Advocate Persuades delivers a fully reorganized and expanded approach to teaching persuasive legal writing and oral advocacy. Structured into four coherent parts, the book offers a step-by-step guide through the entire process of persuasive legal communication—from foundational principles to advanced courtroom presentation.

Part One, Introduction to Advocacy, introduces students to the fundamentals of persuasion, highlighting the ethical obligations that guide legal advocates and the role of persuasive strategies in the legal process.

Part Two, Developing Arguments from a Persuasive Perspective, is the heart of the text. It offers accessible, practical instruction on crafting compelling legal arguments. Chapters in this section cover:

• Organizing claims and arguments
• Crafting persuasive themes
• Drafting, refining, and editing arguments

This edition significantly expands these chapters with detailed guidance, charts, checklists, annotated examples, and visual aids designed to help students internalize effective techniques.

Part Three, Constructing Persuasive Court Documents, explores how lawyers translate arguments into legal documents at both trial and appellate levels. It includes:

• Trial Motions & Motion Practice
• Appellate Briefs & Appellate Practice
• Statements of Fact and of the Case

Each chapter features annotated samples and focuses on the strategic presentation of facts, legal standards, and client advocacy.

Part Four, Oral Argument, breaks down the courtroom presentation process into five focused sections:

1. Purpose of Oral Argument
2. Preparation
3. Presentation Techniques
4. Trial vs. Appellate Practice
5. Remote Oral Arguments (new to this edition)

This final section equips students with tools to confidently handle oral advocacy, including guidance on virtual arguments increasingly common in modern litigation.

The expanded appendix provides a practical reference on civil and criminal litigation, annotated briefs, and guidance for moot court competitions.

Clear, practical, and deeply instructional, An Advocate Persuades is ideal for students learning advocacy and for practitioners seeking to sharpen their persuasive skills. A teaching website is also available for professors—email erin@cap-press.com to request access.

An Advocate Persuades 2nd Edition 2022
ISBN 9781531019105 & 978-1531019105