J

Jonathan Shapiro Books

1 book·~10 min total read

Jonathan Shapiro is an American lawyer, law professor, and television writer-producer known for his work on legal dramas such as 'The Practice' and 'Boston Legal'. A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, Shapiro combines his legal expertise with storytelling craft to teach advocacy and communication.

Known for: Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling: Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

Books by Jonathan Shapiro

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling: Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling: Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

communication·10 min read

In this insightful book, former federal prosecutor and television writer Jonathan Shapiro explores how storytelling is central to the practice of law. Drawing from his experiences in the courtroom and in Hollywood, Shapiro demonstrates how lawyers can use narrative techniques to craft compelling arguments, connect with juries, and reveal truth through story. The book blends legal insight, humor, and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for advocates, communicators, and anyone interested in the power of narrative persuasion.

Read Summary

Key Insights from Jonathan Shapiro

1

The Lawyer as Storyteller

The first and most liberating truth for any advocate is that a lawyer is a storyteller. Many of us resist this at first. We are trained to think in logic, precedent, and statute, not in plot, emotion, and character. But when a jury enters a courtroom, they are not robots parsing words—they are peopl...

From Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling: Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

2

Truth and Narrative

Lawyers live at the edge of a paradox: they must tell persuasive stories without betraying the truth. The word ‘liars’ in my title is not an accusation but a warning. Every advocate must grapple with the dangerous power of narrative—the ability to shape perception. Stories can enlighten, but they ca...

From Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling: Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

About Jonathan Shapiro

Jonathan Shapiro is an American lawyer, law professor, and television writer-producer known for his work on legal dramas such as 'The Practice' and 'Boston Legal'. A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, Shapiro combines his legal expertise with storytelling craft to teach advocacy and com...

Read more

Jonathan Shapiro is an American lawyer, law professor, and television writer-producer known for his work on legal dramas such as 'The Practice' and 'Boston Legal'. A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, Shapiro combines his legal expertise with storytelling craft to teach advocacy and communication. He has also served as a lecturer at UCLA School of Law and the University of Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jonathan Shapiro is an American lawyer, law professor, and television writer-producer known for his work on legal dramas such as 'The Practice' and 'Boston Legal'. A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, Shapiro combines his legal expertise with storytelling craft to teach advocacy and communication.

Read Jonathan Shapiro's books in 15 minutes

Get AI-powered summaries with key insights from 1 book by Jonathan Shapiro.