Trial by Woman

It is rare for a book about practicing law to be so enthralling that you can’t put it down. This is a such a rare book. It is inspirational, empowering, and blunt. It is not judgmental or preachy. Courtney and Theresa have been there and done that—and they are willing to share their experiences, both good and bad. The stories have a familiar ring to them, but they use them to illustrate important things about being a woman, being a trial lawyer, being a mom, being a wife, sister, friend, and all at the same time. Sometimes, these courageous women write poignantly about making almost impossible choices, feeling lonely and wrestling with guilt. They also offer valuable tips about trying cases. They offer us their whole lives with grace and with dignity. All women lawyers should read it and so should most male lawyers.

It’s about time! This book will be the splendid mother of a necessary progeny of great seminars, articles, workshops, and more good books from more voices we all need. I’d wanted to say that Courtney Rowley and Theresa Bowen Hatch have done a masterful job, but the lack of a feminine form of the word ‘mastery’ is precisely the kind of thing that makes this book so essential. And yeah, I have to admit that men better read it, too.

Are you lucky enough to have a female best friend to turn to who also happens to be a trial lawyer in a predominantly male profession going through the same experiences or hurdles that you are facing? If so, consider yourself truly fortunate. If not, this is the book for you. Crammed full of helpful insights, war stories, and advice, it is a book that reminds you that you must be good to yourself in order to be good in the courtroom for others. And most importantly, it reminds us that we are all part of a precious sisterhood that needs to be cherished. Enjoy it over a warm cup of tea or cocoa and remember: you are not alone. There is nothing we cannot accomplish together.

As a trial lawyer and the proud father of one daughter who just became a new lawyer and another daughter who just started law school, I appreciate that Courtney Rowley and Theresa Bowen Hatch have written a book that can advise my daughters on being strong women in a demanding profession from a female perspective.

Trial by Woman is a brutally honest trial practice book that deals with issues confronting women in the courtroom today. It is a must read for anyone who wants to learn how to balance the demands of real-life with real law. This book should be read by every women who wants to become a better trial lawyer and any man who wants to come into the twenty-first century.

This is the book women lawyers have long awaited. A Lean In for women attorneys, it teaches you how to speak up for yourself and the people you represent; quiet the fears that keep you from being your best; connect with the jurors, the judge and, most importantly, your true self; and start and run your own law practice. With great insight and gentle humor, Courtney and Theresa show why a woman’s unique talents make her the best advocate in the courtroom. Sprinkled through with stories of their own adventures (and a few mistakes), these two young powerhouse trial lawyers will have you eagerly packing your shoulder bag for your next trial.

A thoughtful, lively, and much needed book on how to be a female trial lawyer. Filled with practical advice and inspiration for women—but also for men. An important addition to any trial lawyer’s library.

Trial by Woman has insightful and valuable advice for all trial lawyers. This is a book for all new lawyers and those who mentor with guidance and commonsense advice. Women who are trial lawyers need this book and men who are trial lawyers need it just as much or more.

Trial by Woman is not lawyer with an asterisk. It is lawyer with an exclamation point. For those skeptics, check out Theresa and Courtney’s trial results, take a good look at the current landscape, then get to reading this book. As zealous advocates who are deep in the trenches, trying their cases, Courtney and Theresa generously share experiences, the lessons they’ve learned from others and on their own, along with techniques to utilize in the practice of law and their wisdom moving forward. Trial by Woman is not meant to be ‘read by woman’ only. It’s too valuable a resource for that, especially during these times. This is not about separation—it is all about empowerment.

Only when truth is openly discussed can progress be made. Theresa and Courtney candidly explore the truth of being a woman in the legal profession. As your read their story, you’ll find yourself saying ‘me too’ as you enjoy vignettes about their journey, and through their perseverance and shared wisdom you’ll be inspired.

Rowley and Bowen Hatch remind us that we, modern women, are uniquely equipped to shape the hearts and minds of jurors through genuine connection. They challenge us to elevate our practice and ourselves. Nurturing and empowering, Trial by Woman is more than a book. It’s a mantra.

Trial by Woman is a must-read book for female trial lawyers at all stages of their career and the men who mentor and support them. Together, Courtney Rowley and Theresa Bowen Hatch have called upon their years of experience as top trial lawyers to develop an innovative approach to trying cases called Trial Perspective. Using it, women can learn the skills and strategies needed to work smarter instead of harder, allowing them to use their unique talents to successfully represent their clients while also finding that always elusive work/life balance. Rowley and Bowen Hatch finally address in print what women in the trial world have been struggling with privately for decades, and they do so with grace, humor, and common sense. I intend to recommend it to all my female law students who are planning to try cases for a living.