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A trial lawyer who parlayed his years of courtroom experience into the successful novel The Verdict (later adapted into a multiple-Oscar-nominated film), Barry Reed's prolific career in law also resulted in a Clarance Darrow Award for Courtroom Excellence and his co-founding of the American Society of Law and Medicine. Born in Alameda, CA, Reed was educated at Holy Cross and Boston College Law School. Later moving on to become president of the Massachusetts Trial Lawyers Association and governor of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers, Reed penned four novels concerning law, including The Verdict. Translated into a 1982 film starring Paul Newman, the film version, directed by Sidney Lumet and scripted by David Mamet, compelled audiences and was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. On July 19, 2002, Barry Reed died of undisclosed causes in Norwood, MA. He was 75.