On The Jury Trial
Principles and Practices for Effective Advocacy
Order today
On The Jury Trial
“Real-world, real-life insights. A book that every lawyer should read.”
Michael E. Tigar 
Author of Persuasion:  The Litigator’s Art and Examining Witnesses
SECOND EDITION
On the Jury Trial 
Principles and Practices for Effective Advocacy 
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What's New

A Decade Later,

A Stronger Case

Eight years after the original publication, On the Jury Trial returns in a fully revised second edition, reflecting on expanded experience and the evolution of modern courtroom advocacy. This version provides fresh insights on today’s jurors and considers strategies to address the rise of remote legal representation in the post-COVID pandemic era. As in the first edition, readers will find practical, annotated excerpts from actual trials and cases, offering guidance and inspiration for trial lawyers at any stage of their careers.

In The Classroom

Used by trial advocacy instructors and students at the following law schools

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Praise for On The Jury Trial

From law schools to courtrooms, readers across the country have praised its wisdom, clarity, and real-world insight.

“You must have skill and courage to take your case to trial. Melsheimer and Smith help you acquire the skill and that bolsters your sense of courage.”
Mike Tigar
author of Examining Witnesses, Persuasion: The Litigator’s Art, and Sensing Injustice
“I am constantly on the lookout for new “ how-to” jury trial books. This book is by far the best “ how-to” publication that I have encountered in many years.”
Dan Webb
co-executive chairman, Winston & Strawn
“Melsheimer and Smith, trial lawyer and judge, have produced a one-of-a-kind, easy-to-read guide that will help any lawyer achieve courtroom mastery.”
Mark Lanier
Lanier Law Firm
“Whether it is your first or 100th trial coming up, start by reading this book.”
Abbe Lowell
Lowell & Associates
"This is my absolute favorite trial advocacy book. It’s chock-full of insights for every stage of a trial, but it never just tells you what to do—it teaches the why. And then the stories! They’re so much fun for a trial junkie to read, but they also bring the lessons to life.”
Stephen Shackelford
Susman Godfrey
“On the Jury Trial combines basic structural instruction and personal analysis by those who have been in the trenches and reads like a kind of fireside chat with two highly experienced trial attorneys imparting their unique insights into trial scenarios.”
Law360
“[It] offers concrete, helpful and insightful advice to both young and experienced trial lawyers alike on how to effectively, efficiently and passionately represent their clients before a jury.”
Law360
“This book provides a blueprint for how one can "win" at every stage of litigation. From jury selection to closing arguments, ‘On The Jury Trial’ provides practical and persuasive advice at every phase. It should be mandatory reading for anybody who wants to be a trial lawyer.”
Sherry Salmons
Salmons Communications Consulting
“Tom and Craig’s first book was a must read, so I will say this one is a “have to” read for any lawyer who wants to better their skills as a trial lawyer.”
Charla Aldous
Aldous Law Firm
“Melsheimer and Smith have done it! On the Jury Trial is an exceptional resource for anyone preparing for trial.”
Tracy W. McCormack
Senior Lecturer, The University of Texas School of Law
“On the Jury Trial is the rare trial advocacy book that is insightful for new lawyers about to start their first trial and for those of us who want to turn to a trusted resource before starting the next one. The mix of practical advice, actual courtroom examples and insightful discussion of theory means it will be on my shelf for years to come.”
Jim Bennett
Dowd Bennett
“Full of practical tips, born of vast experience, and study of effective advocacy, this is a go-to book for any lawyer, irrespective of experience or skill level, who wants to be in a courtroom representing clients.”
Elizabeth M. Fraley
Professor of Law, Baylor University Law School
"Melsheimer and Smith distill their decades of experience in the courtroom into this immensely useful text. If you want to improve your courtroom skills or simply better understand the trial process, I absolutely recommend this book."
Mike Golden
Director of Advocacy and Lecturer, The University of Texas at Austin School of Law
“You want to try cases? Consider this required reading. This book brings to life actual trial transcripts that are both entertaining and educational…you will grow and improve with each chapter!”
Lisa Blue
Baron & Blue
"In one book, you can receive courtroom mentoring from a great trial lawyer and a great trial judge. This is the newest book on my short list for developing the best trial lawyers."
Professor James Wren
Baylor University Law School
Tom Melsheimer and Justice Craig Smith deliver a powerful, insightful and practical guide to trial advocacy that every litigator – new or experienced – should read. With decades of experience distilled into sharp, engaging lessons, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in persuading juries, controlling the courtroom, and winning cases.
Harley S. Tropin Esq.
Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton

Meet The Authors

With hundreds of trials between them, Justice Craig Smith and Tom Melsheimer share lessons learned from the courtroom to help today’s lawyers sharpen 
their craft.

Tom Melsheimer

Tom Melsheimer has been described by American Lawyer as “one of the most sought-after trial lawyers in the country” and as a “celebrated storyteller” by another national publication. After more than 35 years of trying civil and criminal cases, he has received numerous honors including Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Dallas Bar Association. He is a Fellow in both the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers. Tom serves as Global Head of Trial for King & Spalding and the Managing Partner of the Dallas office.

Justice Craig Smith

Justice Craig Smith was elected to the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals in 2020. That position follows 14 years of service as judge of the 192nd District Court in Dallas County, where he was recognized as Trial Judge of the Year by the Dallas chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and was elected president of the Texas Association of District Judges in 2010. Before taking the bench, Justice Smith was an accomplished Texas trial lawyer for more than 25 years. 

On the Jury Trial Blog

The Latest Chapter

Explore what’s new with On The Jury Trial — media highlights, author interviews, and event news.

As in the first edition, readers will find practical, annotated excerpts from actual trials and cases, offering guidance and inspiration for trial lawyers at any stage of their career. 

Book-Signing Event Draws 60 People

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Judge Alan Albright’s Review of On The Jury Trial, Second Edition

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Authors Discuss Trials and Trial Tactics with UT Law Students

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Want more insights? Visit the Blog

In The News

Recognized by leading voices in the legal community

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