Keith Mitnik, senior trial counsel and one of our most prolific trial attorneys, has published a weekly best-seller: Don’t Eat the Bruises. The book focuses on jury bias, and how trial law attorneys can cope with it and use it to their advantage.
The title of the book is taken from Mr. Mitnik’s theory of “bruising” during jury trials. Bruising, according to him, is the act of directing attention away from sound arguments by focusing on minor issues instead. This pervasive practice has become increasingly common in trial courts today.
How did you come up with ‘Don’t Eat The Bruises’?
Mr. Mitnik explains that the way to deal with the opponents’ bruises is not to simply ignore them or withstand it, but to strike back. He draws insight from his own real-world experiences and provides crucial advice for winning cases.
The book begins with advice on creating a great opening argument and insight on what Mr. Mitnik considers the nastiest bruise – manipulating jury bias. Jury bias is described as “implicit biases that create automatic attitudes and stereotypes towards members of certain groups.” Mr. Mitnik states that most defense attorneys take advantage of the fact that there are people who do not trust, approve of, or aren’t comfortable with lawsuits in general.
Mr. Mitnik claims that the number of biased jurors, such as jurors with preconceived racial perceptions, or those who do not trust attorneys, has risen dramatically through the years. It is practically impossible to find an unbiased, perfect jury.
“I’ve read many books on trial advocacy. Don’t Eat the Bruises is – by far – the best. Keith’s method of eliminating biased jurors and foiling the Defense’s plans to sabotage your case is nothing short of revolutionary. If you are a Plaintiff’s trial lawyer, Don’t Eat the Bruises is a must read.” - Attorney John Kinney
Don’t Eat the Bruises has accrued outstanding industry reviews by attorneys, judges, and members of justice associations in America. The book was published by Trial Guides and is available on their website.