Plaintiff in chief : a portrait of Donald Trump in 3,500 lawsuits

A comprehensive analysis of Donald Trump's legal history reveals his temperament, methods, character, and morality. Unlike all previous presidents who held distinguished positions in government or the military prior to entering office, Donald Trump's political worldview was molded in the courtroom. He sees law not as a system of rules to be obeyed and ethical ideals to be respected, but as a weapon to be used against his adversaries or a hurdle to be sidestepped when it gets in his way. He has weaponized the justice system throughout his career, and he has continued to use these backhanded tactics as Plaintiff in Chief . In this book, distinguished New York attorney James D. Zirin presents Trump's lengthy litigation history as an indication of his character and morality, and his findings are chilling: if you partner with Donald Trump, you will probably wind up litigating with him. If you enroll in his university or buy one of his apartments, chances are you will want your money back. If you are a woman and you get too close to him, you may need to watch your back. If you try to sue him, he's likely to defame you. If you make a deal with him, you had better get it in writing. If you are a lawyer, an architect, or even his dentist, you'd better get paid up front. If you venture an opinion that publicly criticizes him, you may be sued for libel. A window into the president's dark legal history, Plaintiff in Chief is as informative as it is disturbing. Prologue : Donald J. Trump, plaintiff (and defendant) in chief -- The first lawsuit : how Trump was baptized in litigation -- Trump takes Manhattan : the voyage across the East River -- Atlantic City takes Trump : how Trump bankrupted his casino empire and emerged with millions -- Litigation for lunch : how Trump used the lawsuit to preserve and protect his brand -- Empty threats : how Trump used the threat of litigation to intimidate his foes -- Trump and the mob : Trump's ties to the mafia -- Trump and his women : Trump's misogyny -- The professor of fraud : Trump University and other frauds -- The closing bell : life in the president's litigation bunker Donald Trump's political worldview was molded in the courtroom. He sees law not as a system of rules to be obeyed and ethical ideals to be respected, but as a weapon to be used against his adversaries or a hurdle to be sidestepped when it gets in his way. Zirin shows how Trump has weaponized the justice system throughout his career, and he has continued to use these backhanded tactics as president. He reveals Trump's lengthy litigation history as an indication of his character and morality, and his findings are chilling. -- adapted from jacket