The Underground Lawyer

by Michael Louis Minns

The Undergound Lawyer was written as a symbol of intollerance for those who have abused their power and authority, and abused the rights of every day people. It also serves as encouragement to attorneys who represent these victims and their, who have found themselves the prey of this abuse. Written in a colorful and vivid voyeur perspective, The Undergorund Lawyer chronicles actual case histories, courtroom activities, and some of Minn's history-changing appellate decisions where rulings have been overturned. Over the past 25 years, Minns has built a reputation as a fearless legal advocate and crusader for the little guy, and has represented hundreds of clients, from all over the United States, who have been wrongly accused by the IRS, law enforcement officers, government officials and even attorneys who took advantage, misrepresented or abused the rights of their clients. Since its intial release, law students across the country have used Minn's colorful book as an insider's guide that no one is beyond our system of justice - that despite power and authority - if someone has abused another's civil rights, taken advantage of their ignorance, or gone beyond the parameters of their authority, they may end up as the subject of a litigation or even criminal charges. Minns also clearly establishes the ground rules for overturning court decisions on appeal. Many of Minn's appelate decisions have become case law used again and again in similar legal actions.

Genres: Law

625 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Michael was licensed by the Texas Supreme Court on June 13, 1977, and on the following Monday tried his first case. He has over 30 admissions in Federal and State jurisdictions across the continental United States and has appeared in courtrooms in more than 30 states, territories and countries.
Before practicing law Minns won the Houston Golden Gloves Championship and was a high school English teacher.
His trial and appellate work spans the country from Alaska and Hawaii to Texas, Arkansas and New York. His cases have appeared in periodicals such as The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Houston Post, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Light, Arkansas Democrat, Arkansas Gazette, Kerrville Mountain Sun, Memphis Commercial Appeal, People Magazine, and The U.S. Observer.
Minns has appeared as a guest on numerous television shows and channels, including Geraldo, The Today Show, CNN, CBS, and NBC. Minns has been asked to speak about taxes, the law, and suing lawyers. Minns is the author of two popular books on his trial work: The Underground Lawyer and How to Survive the IRS. Minns has also authored two law journal articles for attorneys: A Brief History of Willfulness as it Applies to the Body of American Criminal Tax Lawand Cross Examination of the Government’s Witnesses in a Criminal Tax Defense Case.
Minns maintains a broad general law practice covering a large and varied spectrum, with a strong emphasis on his professional experience as a criminal tax defense lawyer and in suing bad lawyers for legal misconduct in malpractice suits. He has handled criminal law cases ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder.
Michael lives on a Texas farm with his wife Michelle, a farmer. She raises cows, trees, goats, and chickens as well as running an animal rescue sanctuary. Michael and Michelle have three children, six grandchildren, and a ton of animals.

Reviews

[Claude Beccai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was written twenty years ago it is still as powerfully enlightening as to how justice is administered in the US but I strongly believe you can extend the reach to any so-called democracies. I learned so much reading Minns I think everyone should have a copy of this book on their bookselves especially if you are in the uncomfortable position to have to hire a lawyer for whatever reason. Minns is generous and knows what he is talking about. He has been an active lawyer for 40 years now and fought for justice for just as long.
My only regret is not to have known about Michael Minns earlier in my life.

[J.A. Simmons V · Rating 5 out of 5]

While dated, and with a strong leaning towards the Texas legal system, Minns did a good job of trying to stay general. Later chapters became more of a rant out specific topics that irritate him and focused on specific cases, instead of actual legal information. This might be because of the wide differences of state laws but I am not a lawyer and do not know why.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 30 years of Law Enforcement I can only say that I wish I had found this book many years ago. The injustices in our legal system are far too many. Michael Minns (the Author) has great advice and examples throughout this book and would benefit every American.
It is a long book but you can pick and choose what chapters apply to you or your situation.
I highly recommend this book.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing, slightly-subversive neo-libertarian take on the "real world" of law practice