The Art of Trial Warfare: Winning at Trial Using Sun Tzu’s The Art of War by Michael Waddington masterfully blends ancient military strategy with modern legal tactics. In this expanded second edition, seasoned trial lawyer Waddington provides a detailed guide that reshapes how trial lawyers approach litigation. Inspired by Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, the book offers innovative strategies that give lawyers a decisive edge in the courtroom.

Waddington distills centuries-old battlefield tactics into practical advice for today’s trial lawyer, covering everything from pre-trial preparation to closing arguments. Drawing from his extensive courtroom experience, he illustrates how deception, surprise, and adaptability can be harnessed for courtroom control. Through strategic flexibility, intelligence gathering, and exploiting opposition weaknesses, The Art of Trial Warfare teaches lawyers to think and fight like warriors, going beyond technical skills to emphasize psychological and battlefield-level strategy.

Highlights of the Book:

The Art of Trial Warfare is organized around Sun Tzu’s teachings, with each chapter addressing a different aspect of trial strategy, brought to life through real-world examples.

Key Chapters Include:

Chapter 5: Energy – Building and Focusing Momentum in Court

This chapter explains the importance of sustaining intensity throughout the trial, comparing courtroom energy to a crossbow’s release. Every motion, question, and piece of evidence contributes to a momentum that, when well-managed, can overwhelm the opposition.

Chapter 7: Weak Points and Strong – Targeting Vulnerabilities

Here, Waddington explores the tactic of striking at the opponent’s weaknesses, sharing real trial examples where exploiting inconsistencies and vulnerabilities changed the outcome.

Who Should Read This Book?

The Art of Trial Warfare is essential for trial lawyers, civil and criminal alike, who want to sharpen their strategic thinking. It’s also invaluable for law students, paralegals, and those interested in the intersection of military strategy and legal advocacy.

A Practical Guide for Trial Lawyers

More than a book on legal procedure, The Art of Trial Warfare transforms how you approach trials, equipping you with battle-tested strategies drawn from Waddington’s high-stakes trial experience.

The second edition dives deeper into the tactical applications of Sun Tzu’s teachings, featuring new strategies and real-world examples from Waddington’s courtroom victories. For any lawyer aiming to outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast their opponents, this book is the ultimate guide.

Prepare for your next trial like a general going into battle—win with strategy, not brute force.