Barry Reed, 75; Trial Lawyer Wrote ‘Verdict,’ Other Legal Thrillers

Barry C. Reed, 75, the trial lawyer who drew on his courtroom experience to write “The Verdict” and several other legal thrillers, died Friday at a hospital in Norwood, Mass.

The story of a down-and-out lawyer who wins justice for the family of a seriously disabled girl, “The Verdict” was made into a 1982 film starring Paul Newman, James Mason and Charlotte Rampling. It was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Reed’s other books included “The Choice,” “The Indictment” and “The Deception.”

Born in San Francisco, Reed was the captain of the track team at Holy Cross College. He served in the Army at the end of World War II before returning to Holy Cross to earn his degree. In 1949, he competed in the U.S. Olympic decathlon trials but did not make the team.

Specializing in civil litigation, medical malpractice and personal injury cases, Reed won the Clarence Darrow Award for trial excellence. He also was a past president of the Massachusetts Trial Lawyers Assn.