The 80/20 Principle

The 80/20 Principle

The thinking error that impairs lawyers' effectiveness

Bayes’ Theorem explains why smart lawyers aren’t persuasive—and how to fix it.

Ernie the Attorney's avatar
Ernie the Attorney
Dec 12, 2025
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Most people think evaluation works like a light switch.

Either you’re right or you aren’t. Either the opposing counsel’s position is good or bad.

That’s not true rational thinking.

The game-changing theorem

Bayes’ Theorem—dating back to 18th century mathematician Thomas Bayes—reveals how to weigh evidence.

It’s probably the most important concept any rationa…

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