“[The Mother Court] pushes forward the reader’s knowledge of the American justice system. For those wishing to acquire a deeper understanding of why the Southern District is the special place it is, Jim Zirin’s The Mother Court is both guidebook and testament.”

--from the Foreword by Robert M. Morgenthau

"This lively account of a half-century of history of the nation's oldest, and perhaps most exciting, trial court...is peppered with the perceptive observations of a wise, experienced litigator -- like flakes of chili and oregano on the choicest New York pizza."

--Honorable Pierre N. Leval, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

"A delightful, intelligent read. Jim Zirin's sparkling account of life in the Second Circuit's famed Mother Court is informative, riveting, accessible, and uplifting. It would be criminal not to read this book."

--Linda Fairstein, Bestselling author and former prosecutor

"Jim Zirin has given this extraordinary court the history it has long deserved. His narrative sparkles with colorful characters, compelling stories, and legal insights, all rendered in clear prose that will delight lawyers and laymen alike."

--Christopher L. Eisgruber, President, Princeton University

"The Mother Court bristles will inspiring, amusing and embarrassing actions and antics of lawyers and clients in some of the nation's most celebrated cases. Every wannabe lawyer, practicing lawyer and anyone who wants a riveting and revealing read about legendary lawyers and cases should get this book."

--Joseph A. Califano, Jr.

"The Mother Court offers a window into the American Justice system. Zirin combines colorful historical narrative with personal experiences and keen expertise in lawyering, taking us inside the world of one of America's most important set of trial courts."

--Matthew Waxman, Professor, Columbia Law School

"Jim Zirin reminds us that 'the art of being a trial lawyer is the art of telling a story.' He has certainly learnt his craft, because the stories he tells in The Mother Court are riveting. They are also rich in the deep lessons of the law, the weave of high principle and human frailty, the fierce urgency of a courtroom confrontation and the deliberate and eternal search for justice."

--Anne-Marie Slaughter

“Can a lawyer love a court? Jim Zirin does, and in this delightful book -- often rollicking, sometimes pensive, always perceptive -- he tells tales of the Pentagon Papers, the Rosenbergs, Roy Cohn, distinguished judges and extinguished mobsters, all as they appeared in the sovereign republic of the Southern District. Zirin has a lot to teach about lawyering and judging, and he makes it a pleasure to learn.”

—Scott Malcomson, former Editor, New York Times Magazine


"Jim Zirin's The Mother Court is a ‘must read’ for anyone who knows or cares about the American system of justice. It's a compelling view of the federal courthouse in New York's Foley Square for those of us who've spent time there -- reminding us of things we saw and showing us much that we didn't. In the end, this book is a testament to the Rule of Law and all that it means for our way of life."

—David Westin, Former President, ABC News

National TV, print, and radio outreach

All media inquiries:

Sandi Mendelson

(212) 725-7707

smendelson@hmieast.com