Must
Read for Prospective Law Students. (Equally Relevant for Law Students and Recent
Graduates)
The
legal education is one of the popular choices on the undergraduate level
students in recent years. The increasing number of students, law school and
changing perspective towards the legal studies clearly indicates that going to
law school is the thing now. There are various factors that have an influence
in making any decision relating to an academic pursuit. Through this write-up,
I am bringing into discussion the few books that might be helpful for the
prospective students and freshmen to better understand legal studies and expand
their thinking beyond the textbook and conventional lectures, obviously.
The
listed readings are where we can start, it does not follow any hierarchy, and
the list is based on my personal opinion. The listed readings are equally
relevant to anyone who enjoys a good book and is not an exclusive read for
someone in the legal fraternity.
i)
On Being a Happy, Healthy, and Ethical Member of an
Unhappy, Unhealthy, and unethical Profession by Patrick J. Schiltz
This
is a journal article publicly available in
http://faculty.law.miami.edu/mcoombs/Schlitz.htm
This
article is in the top of the list because of the subject matter and its
relevance. This is a plain, simple and short article which discusses the
discontent in the legal profession and offer bits of advice to overcome it. The
article is divided into three parts which discuss the wellbeing of the lawyers,
the Poor Health and Unhappiness of Lawyers, the Ethics of Lawyers, and being a
Happy, Healthy, and Ethical Lawyer respectively.
The
article is very well written and offers invaluable insights for anyone in and
planning to get into the legal profession.
ii)
Tomorrow's Lawyers: An Introduction to Your Future by Richard
Susskind
This
book is not easily available in Nepal but is a must-read for law students,
graduates and essentially everyone in the legal fraternity. This book explains
how the legal profession is changing and how can that changes be adopted by legal
professionals. This book explains what a future lawyer can expect in form of
opportunities and challenges.
The
simplest way to explain the book, "The legal profession is changing in an
unprecedented way. Fellow young lawyers, want to time travel and see what
FUTURE is going to look like? Do read this amazing book."
More information and reviews about
the book on: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16673373-tomorrow-s-lawyers?ac=1&from_search=true
iii)
Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas Mcbride
This
book can help a law student from day one to graduation and beyond. This book
comprises a series of letter to an imaginary law student, Alex. The books gives
very practice advice on various issues of legal education including but not
limited to how to study law, how to write legal essays/dissertation, and how to
revise for exams.
The
book includes chapters very relevant to those considering studying law and
those doing a law degree. The book will help you do better in law school as it
teaches various skills required to succeed in law school. This book undoubtedly
is the best book that gives orientation on legal education. It also is must have
book throughout law school. This book can teach you what you exactly need to
know about legal education in your early days.
More information and reviews about
the book on: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2139878.Letters_to_a_Law_Student?ac=1&from_search=true
iv)
What About Law? Studying Law at University by
Catherine Barnard, Janet O'Sullivan, and Graham Virgo
To
get into a law school is a huge career decision. This book offers insight on if
you really want to make that decision for yourself or your child. This book
authored by those having long experience in teaching law gives the best advice
and insight to prospective law students.
This
book also provides an introduction to the main subjects taught in the law
degree. This book is can be considered as a trailer of a law degree or a must read
before pursuing a law degree. The book will also be very hand for parents and
those seeking to understand the legal education in general. The book also has
made a brief analysis of significant cases for prospective students to have a
taste of it.
This
book obviously helps a prospective student to decide if or not to enroll in a
law degree.
More
information and reviews about the book on:
v)
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Yes,
the book is about an architect and revolves around the peripheral issues. This
is a 700+ page novel which vividly shows how being different and authentic in a
profession where compliance with conventional standards is an easy way to
flourish. The books reflect on difficulties of being honest, dedicated and
unconventional in a particular profession. The courtroom, case and presentation
of the case before the jury by the lead character Howard Roark is fascinating.
The adaptation of the book into a movie came in 1949.
And
to the prospective law students, if you think the book is too bulky and
complicated, maybe you need to revisit your career options. The book offers the challenges faced in a
profession when you are not a mainstream follower.
More information and reviews about
the book on: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2122.The_Fountainhead?ac=1&from_search=true
vi)
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden
Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner
This
book has the capacity to redefine the way we view the world. The cause and
effect relationship might be lot different than what common mind can comprehend.
The book sets the new height to reasoning and shows how fragile and false
conventional wisdom might be. Upon answering each question, the book leaves you
in awe!!! The beauty of reasoning beyond conventional wisdom is the essence
reflected in the book.
This
book helps in developing the critical thinking approach and tells us not to
rely on comfortable conventional wisdom. This lesson is a much-needed lesson
for prospective law student and practicing lawyers.
More
information and reviews about the book on:
vii)
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan
Stevenson
Yes,
finally a book about a lawyer, and No, it is not "To Kill a Mocking
Bird." This book offers a true story of a real-life Atticus Finch. The
story simultaneously shows have huge difference can a lawyer make, and how
frustrating it can be at times. The book is move along with the story of Bryan
Stevenson (one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of our time), from
law school to the unparallel feat of legal reform in the US through
litigation.
If
you wish to have a career in the pro-bono area and human rights area or
something close this books offers how it looks likes in real. The book will
reshape your understanding of criminal justice system in the US and gives you
an answer to a basic question i.e. As a lawyer who to do you look up to?
More
information and reviews about the book on:
u
viii)
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
You
wish to become the best and the brightest, the book tells you how. The book
examines how success is attained and how good become great. This book provokes
the thought process and challenges the conventional wisdom. The answer to
simple questions may actually resemble a pattern and know which might be in
your favor.
The
inclusion of the story of Joe Flom, the last living named partner of one of the
most prestigious law firms in New York, “Skadden, Arps” makes the book more
interesting for prospective students and lawyers. This is the book you cannot
afford to miss. The book will expand your thinking to a new horizon.
More
information and reviews about the book on:
In closing, these reads will help you
understand important things regarding the career choices you are making and about
to make. There can be better books which might not have been listed but these
books are where we can start with. These books can help you understand your
decision in a better way and provide you information to make an informed choice.
Happy Reading!!!
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