what books should i read to become a lawyer

by Cleta Kutch 10 min read

10 Books to Read Before Starting Law School

  1. The Paper Chase by John Jay Osborn. This iconic law school novel was published in 1971 by real-life Harvard Law School graduate John Osborn.
  2. QB VII by Leon Uris. Published in 1982, QB VII is based loosely on a libel action brought against Leon Uris by a Polish physician who worked at Auschwitz.
  3. Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver. This novel about a former district attorney in Michigan who takes on a hard-to-read client accused of murder brims with the real-life ...
  4. Law School Confidential by Robert H. Miller. Law School Confidential is quite possibly the most comprehensive book written on the law school experience.
  5. America’s Constitution: A Biography by Akhil Reed Amar. No matter which law school you attend, you’ll take constitutional law in your first year. ...
  6. Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges by Antonin Scalia and Bryan Garner. ...
  7. One L by Scott Turrow. Most people know Scott Turrow as the fiction writer of legal dramas, but Turrow graduated from Harvard Law School in 1978.
  8. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin. ...
  9. Letters to a Young Lawyer by Alan Dershowitz. It’s entirely possible (and even likely) that you received a copy of Letters to a Young Lawyer as a graduation gift ...

10 Books to Read Before Starting Law School
  • The Paper Chase by John Jay Osborn. ...
  • QB VII by Leon Uris. ...
  • Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver. ...
  • Law School Confidential by Robert H. ...
  • America's Constitution: A Biography by Akhil Reed Amar. ...
  • Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges by Antonin Scalia and Bryan Garner.

What are books that every lawyer should read?

  • Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. ...
  • Oliver Wendell Holmes: A Life in War, Law, and Ideas by Stephen Budiansky (also available as an audiobook on Audible);
  • Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow and Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (both texts are also available as audiobooks on Audible);

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What books should you read before starting Law School?

Best Books for Pre-law Students – Summer Reading Before You Start Law School

  • Getting to Maybe. ...
  • Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About The American Legal System. ...
  • Law School Confidential: A Complete Guide to The Law School Experience. ...
  • 24 Hours with 24 Lawyers. ...
  • 1L by Scott Turow. ...
  • Anonymous Lawyer. ...
  • The Elements of Style. ...
  • An Introduction to Legal Reasoning. ...
  • Read a Book About the City You of Your Law School. ...

Which are the best books to read?

The Best Free Books to Read on Kindle and Apple Books

  • Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
  • Peter Pan (J. M. Barrie)
  • Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)
  • Dracula (Bram Stoker)
  • The Republic (Plato)
  • Dream Psychology (Sigmund Freud)
  • The Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka)
  • Hamlet / Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare)
  • The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle)
  • Pride and Prejudice / Emma (Jane Austen)

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What kind of books are better to read?

Science fiction & fantasy

  • Sci-fi poses the most important questions for all the humanity. People are often scared of them. What kind of future awaits us? ...
  • We can glance at people’s qualities and values from other sides. This is where ‘out of the box’ thinking starts, by the way. ...
  • Sci-fi boosts your erudition level. Many things were first introduced in sci-fi and only then invented. ...

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What book should I read before law school?

Brian Leiter, of the University of Chicago Law School, says: “The one book I recommend to students who ask what to read before starting law school is Ward Farnsworth's The Legal Analyst.” The author of the book, Ward Farnsworth, is Dean of the University of Texas School of Law.

What do law students read?

In law school, however, most of your reading assignments will be from casebooks, i.e., textbooks that are primarily made up of selected (and edited) court cases with some limited explanatory text. If you are like most law students, you will find that these reading assignments are often far from straightforward.

How many books do you have to read in law school?

Depending on the number of classes you have, I would generally say about 4–5 per semester (approximately 8–10 per year).

What books are used in law school?

GeneralMandatory: The Bluebook OR The ALWD Guide to Legal Citation. You will almost certainly be required to buy either the Bluebook or the ALWD Guide. ... Mandatory: Getting to Maybe. This is the classic book on how to approach law school exams.

How do Beginners study law?

How to Start Studying LawStart Reading the Constitution of India. ... Read the Indian Penal Code. ... Read the Criminal Procedure Code. ... Focus on the Civil Procedure Code. ... Carefully Understand the Indian Evidence Act. ... Other Important Acts. ... Additional Important Things to Focus On.

Do lawyers read a lot?

4. Most of our job is reading, writing, and paperwork. Seriously. There is a reason most trials are boring, and it's because all lawyers are taught to do in law school is read and then write about the things we read.

How do you get A's in law school?

How to Get A's in Law School [Gaille Energy Blog Issue 72]Avoid Study Groups. ... Read All Assignments the Day before Class. ... Attend All Classes and Take Detailed Notes of the Professor's Lectures (But Not Student Comments). ... After Class, Transform the Professor's Lecture Notes into a Computer Outline.More items...•

Is law easy to study?

An intellectual challenge. With such compelling benefits, it comes to reason that obtaining a law degree is not easy. The standards are high and outstanding academic performance is expected. Studying law is demanding and a truly intellectual challenge.

What should I know before studying law?

Here's a few of the skills essential to a career in Law: Critical analysis – being able to read, understand, analyse and make up your own mind. Writing – being able to draft a clear written argument. Research – being able to find relevant case law in support of a legal argument.

What are the 5 books of the law?

The Pentateuch includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The literary category of the Pentateuch reflects the traditional Jewish grouping of these books together as the Torah.

How can I study law at home?

7:139:07How to study law from home | Disconnected With Law - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you should have time slots for studying you should have time slots for acquiring a skill forMoreSo you should have time slots for studying you should have time slots for acquiring a skill for writing a research paper thing that you can indulge in is virtual internships.

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

Which ones made you take the leap to law school?

In a recent ATL post, Renwei Chung recommended several books that incoming law students should read. That prompted musing about books that I read back in dinosaur days that made me start thinking that I wanted to be a lawyer, and in those days, there weren’t a lot of women lawyers.

Introducing The Complete Legal Tech-To-English Dictionary!

Why would two brilliant students commit such a horrific crime? So many questions arising out of the same or similar conduct today remain unanswered.

What makes a good lawyer?

Good lawyers have the ability to tell compelling stories. No matter what the complexities of the case, they can capably explain a chain of events to judges and juries so that they understand. The best lawyers are also able to construct narratives that have an emotional impact on their intended audiences.

What is the book "Starting a Law Firm" about?

This book takes you through the practical side of running a business, and gives you the tools to put systems in place that will help you succeed.

How long is the anxious lawyer program?

The legal profession is inherently stressful, but it doesn’t have to harm your health. The Anxious Lawyer provides a straightforward 8-week introductory program on meditation and mindfulness, created by lawyers for lawyers.

What is the key to professional success?

This book proposes that the key to professional success is the ability to earn the trust and confidence of clients. The authors demonstrate the importance of trust through anecdotes, experiences, and case studies.

What is the E myth attorney?

While The E-Myth Attorney was popular, one lawyer recommended a different Michael Gerber book instead—The E-Myth Revisited—which focuses on the broader context of starting a small business, not just a law firm:

Who is Clio's lawyer in residence?

Want to get the fundamentals of running a law firm in one clear, concise guide? Clio’s lawyer in residence, Joshua Lenon, recommends this ABA bestseller as a great starting point.

What is client centered law?

Covering the what, why, and how of running a client-centered practice, with examples from law firms leading this revolution as well as practical strategies for implementation, The Client-Centered Law Firm is a rallying call to unlock the enormous untapped demand in the legal market by providing client-centered experiences, improving internal processes, and raising the bottom line. Although we may be a tad biased since Jack is Clio’s CEO, with the in-depth implementation strategies included in this book, we promise you won’t regret adding it to your reading list of best books for lawyers.

What is the most comprehensive book on law school?

Law School Confidential is quite possibly the most comprehensive book written on the law school experience. The book begins by addressing readers who are thinking about applying to law school and ends with a discussion about the bar exam.

Who wrote the book Anatomy of a Murder?

This isn’t surprising when considering the book was written by John D. Voelker, a former Justice of the Michigan Supreme (Robert Traver was a pen name). Anatomy of a Murder was later made into a film starring Jimmy Stewart. 4. Law School Confidential by Robert H. Miller.

Who wrote the paper chase?

The Paper Chase by John Jay Osborn. This iconic law school novel was published in 1971 by real-life Harvard Law School graduate John Osborn. The Paper Chase revolves around a fictional law student who attends Harvard Law School and is forced to contend with the towering professor, Charles Kingsfield, and his equally-demanding ...

How many lawyers does Jasper Kim have?

Jasper Kim’s book spends 24 hours with 24 lawyers so that you can learn about the possibilities that exist in the legal field.

What is the purpose of understanding the experiences of successful lawyers?

Understanding the experiences of successful lawyers so that one can learn from their wisdom and incorporate that in their own life and practice. Learning specific skills and techniques from non-law disciplines that can help a lawyer in his practice and life.

Who wrote the book "Never Eat Alone"?

Never Eat Alone. Lawyers keep talking about how important it is to network, but most struggle to do it right. This book written by Keith Ferrazzi , a former CIO of Mckinsey & Co and currently a consultant to CXOs of Fortune 500 companies.

Who wrote the book "The 4 Hour Workweek"?

The Four Hour Work Week. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich is a self-help book by Timothy Ferriss , an American writer, educational activist, and entrepreneur. Reading the Four Hour Work Week blog changed my life back in college. I consider that the most important turning point of my life.

Is being a lawyer easy?

Being a lawyer is not easy. You spend the day in the court, in client meetings, and come back at night to the chambers to do the real work for the next day. Lawyers almost always burn the midnight oil. They also have to be fast learners, quick adapters and always updated about the latest law. It is easy to be distracted, and to be shallow in a world where you are required to constantly respond to one crisis after another. How are you going to create powerful impact still on the legal industry, with the quality of your analysis, legal theory, or writing that can shape the future of the law in your area of expertise? Deep Work talks exactly about that.

Is personal finance the forte of lawyers?

Personal finance is not always the forte of lawyers. This simple book can change that forever. Babylon was the richest city in the world, that stood for thousands of years. Some say that Babylon is where money and even the discipline of finance was invented, just like they created the earliest laws.

Do lawyers like to read fiction?

Apart from these, lawyers also love to read fictions about lawyers and law firms as they can relate to such stories in a way non-lawyers do not. Depending on where you are in your life and developmental stage of your practice, your reading list should probably change.

1. Law School Confidential by Robert H. Miller

Widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive accounts of life during law school, Robert H. Miller sets you up to be a successful 1L by detailing what to expect during your first year. You'll also find tips on what to do in every first-year law school situation that will most likely happen to you.

2. 24 Hours with 24 Lawyers by Jasper Kim

Are you still in doubt over what kind of future the law industry has for you? Do you want to know more about law-related careers besides appearing in court? Or maybe you want to know how different kinds of lawyers across other industries go about their day? If this sounds like you, then you should take a peek at 24 Hours with 24 Lawyers.

3. Getting to Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams by Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paul

Exams in law school are different from those in high school or college. Some questions can be answered in a dozen different ways. Sometimes, there may be no correct answer at all.

4. The Legal Analyst by Ward Farnsworth

Speaking of thinking like a lawyer, if you want to have a toolkit of all the mental tools that lawyers use in their practice, then there's no better resource than The Legal Analyst.

5. Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About The American Legal System by Jay Feinman

If you want to familiarize yourself with the basics of the legal system to prepare for your first year of law school, be sure to grab a copy of Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About The American Legal System.

6. 1L of a Ride by Andrew J. McClurg

Your first year is arguably the most important period of your law school journey. It gives you your first insight into the world of law and sets your direction for the years to come. That said, it's also perhaps the toughest and most stressful year.

7. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin

The United States Supreme Court is the highest judicial entity in the country that influences and interprets the law of the land. Since you're about to enter law school, you must have a good grounding when it comes to this prestigious institution.

1. About Law – Tony Honoré

This is the first book I read when I decided I wanted to study Law. It’s also the only one I put on my personal statement when applying to Oxford. I think it proves that it’s better to read and enjoy a small number of high-quality books than to try showing off with hundreds of things you don’t understand.

2. Landmarks in the Law – Lord Denning

Another fairly fundamental book, Lord Denning’s Landmarks in the Law is a fascinating run-through of some of the biggest events in English law. Both legally and historically, it’s extremely valuable.

3. Letters to a Law Student – Nicholas McBride

This is a collection of ‘letters’ to a fictional student about what it’s like to study Law, and it also gives a basic explanation of the legal system.

4. Bleak House – Charles Dickens

Reading should be interesting as well as useful, so here’s the first fiction book on the list!

5. Learning the Law – Glanville Williams

Similar to About Law at number one, this book is a slightly more detailed explanation of the English legal system.

6. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

A second fiction book, Lee’s novel is about racism and society in 1930s America. Like Bleak House, it’s a classic in its own right. The specific relevance to Law students is that its main character, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer tasked with defending a man shunned by everyone else.

8. Winning Arguments – Jay Heinrichs

Keeping with the theme of advocacy, you might like to read Jay Heinrichs’ Winning Arguments. The theme of the book needs little explanation but has particular relevance to Law students.

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