Preface. Case Analysis: Use of This Handbook

• Author: John Hollander
• Pages: 11-12

case analysis: use of this handbook

xi

case analysis: use of this handbook

xi

preface

Case Analysis: Use of This

Handbook

   get from the initial interview to a struc-

tured closing argument? Of course, each case is dierent;

each lawyer is dierent; and each situation for presentation

is dierent. Nevertheless, the process should be the same in

every case and with every lawyer. It involves the same con-

cept that is used in project management: the critical path.

The Critical Path

   this handbook is that lawyers who stay on

the critical path will succeed. at does not mean they

will win every case, but it does mean that they can put

their best foot forward at all times. Lawyers who show

up prepared for battle succeed most of the time. In the

adversarial system that lies at the heart of the common

law, the best prepared advocate usually prevails. If they

anticipate failure, they make their best deal and withdraw

gracefully from the battleeld. is handbook prescribes

the process to convert preparation into persuasion.

e principles of case analysis are not restricted to

litigation. A transactions lawyer who prepares an opinion