he Honorable Leonard Strand (90JD) and The Honorable CJ Williams (88JD) have published their new book, Persuading Judges: Principles and Strategies for Effective Advocacy in Trial Courts with McFarland Publishing. The book provides insider information to practicing attorneys on how to effectively advocate to trial court judges. The authors, sitting United States District Court Judges, explain how the skills and tactics of effective advocacy to judges differs dramatically from those that are effective before a jury or to a panel of appellate judges.
- Targeted Advocacy: The authors explain that advocacy techniques for judges are different from those for juries or appellate courts.
- Actionable Advice: The book offers insider, practical, and strategic advice for trial attorneys to improve their chances of success before a judge.
- Focus on Process: It covers the increased role of trial judges and the growing importance of written submissions in modern litigation.
- Author: C.J. Williams and Leonard T. Strand (sitting US District Court Judges)
- Publisher: McFarland & Company
- Publication Date: February 6, 2026
- Pages: 193 pages
- ISBN: 9781476699806 (Paperback), 9781476658261 (eBook)
Most lawyers receive little or no training about effective advocacy to trial judges; instead, law schools tend to focus on appellate and jury trial advocacy. But the need for effective advocacy to judges has never been greater, as hearings before trial judges have increased, and judges’ discretionary authority to resolve cases has grown. Most attorneys will spend more time attempting to persuade trial judges than they ever will attempting to persuade jurors or appellate court judges.
This book provides insider information to practicing attorneys on how to effectively advocate to trial court judges. The authors, sitting United States District Court Judges, explain how the skills and tactics of effective advocacy to judges differs dramatically from those that are effective before a jury or to a panel of appellate judges. Their expertise will arm practicing lawyers with the insight and knowledge necessary to become more effective persuading those who matter most—trial judges.
