How to Cut Your Legal Bills in Half: A Guide to Reclaiming America's Promise : Affordable Justice for All

His horror story is unfortunately very real. More important, his idea of mediation really does work. The book is easy to read, clear, and convincing.


My Hat's Off to the Author!   October 25, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I am a major Israeli publisher of general trade and academic titles (Dekel, Tamar, etc.). I first met Mr. Gerstl at Book Expo America in 1997. At that time, I had had no dealings with the American legal system and didn't believe that I would have need to deal with the system.

How wrong I was! When I sold the rights to our book on Krav Maga, the Israeli hand-defense system, Mr. Gerstl was quick to help me through the pitfalls of negotiations, both with our American Publisher and with our technical editor. Mr. Gerstl provided an invaluable service promptly, simply and expeditiously. I understood everything he was doing all the way.

His book, HOW TO CUT YOUR LEGAL BILLS IN HALF, is very much like Mr. Gerstl himself - very pleasant, clear, prompt, and no-nonsense. He has a point to make; he makes that point clearly and without an abundance of emotion, and he moves on to the next point.

When the book is finished, you realize how much you have learned about the system and why we should do everything possible to AVOID litigation. I took Mr. Gerstl's advice -- and practiced what he preached -- and the result was gratifying indeed! This is an outstanding everyday reference work for everyone in America who has ever dealt with or contemplates dealing with the legal system.


IT REALLY DOES DESERVE FIVE STARS!   October 25, 1999
Hugo Gerstl's analysis of the legal system cuts to the core of how we solve our problems with one another -- or, more cogently -- how we are presently botching solutions to our problems with one another -- unfortunately to the profit of lawyers anf the breakdown of the system.

What's so important about this book is that it's timeless. I could have used it in the 70's or the 80's, and much of what Mr. Gerstl says applied back then -- and, unfortunately, it applies even more now.

The book is simple to read and understand, rapid fire without taking on too many subjects at one time, and crisp in its presentation. Well worth the price, because by using it, you'll save its price many times over the very first time you call a lawyer for anything.


Good TV Guest, Great Book!   October 25, 1999
After the release of How To Cut Your Legal Bills In Half: A Guide to Reclaiming America's Promise -- Affordable Justice For All, I had Mr. Gerstl as a guest on my Television Program, Creative Encounters, in San Jose. Mr. Gerstl was a dynamic and most interesting guest, so much so that I actually sat down and read the book after the broadcast.

The book was -- and is -- stunning in its simplicity, its common sense, and its positive spin on what can be a veryh painful subject -- I know because I've been there.

Mr. Gerstl gives a great overview of the "system" as we know it today, the reason why lawyer bills are so high, a visit to Hell ("Anatomy of a Lawsuit") and why we must -- and how we CAN -- cure this cancer on our society. I wonder how his fellow lawyers are taking this. On the other hand, I really don't care how they're taking it -- all I know is I wish I'd had this book before I ever called a lawyer.


A KNOCKOUT PUNCH OF A BOOK!   October 25, 1999
I, for one, happen to think the American legal system is in shambles. I have, myself, written a book condemning what all-too-often passes for "Justice" in this country. My book engages high-profile examples and "large" issues. It is for consideration by legal scholars.

Mr. Gerstl's book, on the other hand, takes on the problems that are not academic, but those we face every day -- divorce, human disputes, medical malpractice cases, auto accidents, probate and the like. While these disputes may mean less on the "world" stage, they are far more pressing and urgent for the INDIVIDUALS involved.

Gerstl's book is simple yet profound in its implications, meaningful without being pedantic, resourceful without being patronizing. As such, it is a "must read" for those at issue within (or without) the "system."