Represent Yourself in Court: How to Prepare and Try a Winning Case

You don't have to pay a lawyer upwards of $200 an hour to represent you in a civil lawsuit!

Written in plain English, Represent Yourself in Court breaks down the trial process into easy-to-understand steps so that you can act as your own lawyer -- safely and efficiently. Veteran attorneys Bergman and Berman-Barrett tell you what to say, how to say it, even where to stand when you address the judge and jury.

Armed with the simple but thorough instructions in Represent Yourself in Court, you can be heard and taken seriously in any courtroom. And better yet, you'll be well prepared to achieve good results, without having to pay a lawyer's ransom.

Learn how to:
*file court papers
*handle depositions and interrogatories
*comply with courtroom procedures
*pick a jury
*prepare your evidence and line up witnesses
*present your opening statement and closing argument
*cross-examine hostile witnesses
*understand and apply rules of evidence
*locate, hire and effectively use expert witnesses
*make and respond to your opponent's objections
*get limited help from an attorney on an as-needed basis
*monitor the work of an attorney if you decide to hire one

Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, this book will help you confidently handle a divorce, personal injury case, landlord/tenant dispute, breach of contract, small business dispute or any other civil lawsuit.

The latest edition provides extensive information on summary judgments.

Paul Bergman is a Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law and a recipient of a University Distinguished Teaching Award. His recent books include Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (Andrews & McMeel); Trial Advocacy: Inferences, Arguments, Techniques (with Moore and Binder, West Publishing Co.); and Represent Yourself In Court and The Criminal Law Handbook (both with Berman-Barrett, Nolo). He has also published numerous articles in law journals.

Sara J. Berman-Barrett is an attorney and bar review professor. She is the co-author of Represent Yourself in Court and The Criminal Law Handbook and the author of numerous articles and law course materials.