Suggested Summer Reading List
What Can You Do with a Law Degree? A Lawyer's Guide to Career Alternatives Inside, Outside & Around the Law, Deborah Arron (Niche Press, Fourth Edition, 1999) (Paperback, $29.95 + $3 shipping and handling; call 1-800-359-9629, email at info@deboraharron.com or send check to Niche Press, P.O. Box 99477, Seattle, WA 98199). A wealth of career planning, self-assessment and job search advice, accompanied by extensive resource listings, including job research sites on the Internet. Get a taste at her Job Hunt series at her website, DeborahArron.com.
Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams, Kimm Alayne Walton, J.D. (Harcourt Brace, 1996) (Paperback $24.95; available in many major bookstores, or order by phone at 1-800-787-8717 or on-line at www.gilbertlaw.com). Law career counseling experts from around the U.S. share their best advice--an instant classic.
America's Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree, Kimm Alayne Walton, JD (Harcort Brace, 1999)(Paperback $24.95; available in many major bookstores, or order by phone at 1-800-787-8717 or on-line at www.gilbertlaw.com.) Kimm Walton scores again with a mammoth collection of fantastic jobs and practical advice on how to get hired and succeed on the job.
What Law School Doesn't Teach You...But You Really Need to Know, Kimm Alayne Walton, J.D. (Harcourt Brace, 2001) (Paperback $24.95; available in many major bookstores, or order by phone at 1-800-787-8717 or on-line at www.gilbertlaw.com.) The best advice collected from the nation's career experts on navigating the practical, professional and political minefields of legal practice. A treasure trove of 'inside information' on how law firms operate and how to make yourself a valued member of the legal team in any setting
Full Disclosure: The New Lawyer's Must Read Career Guide by Christen Civiletto Carey, Esq. (ALM Publishing, April 2001)($19.95; order from American Lawyer Media on their publications website at www.lawcatalog.com.
My First Year as a Lawyer: Real World Stories from America's Lawyers, Edited by Mark Simenhoff (Signet Reference, 1994) (Paperback, $5.99; available in major bookstores). Eighteen lawyers share stories from their first year of practice, revealing both the challenges and the rewards of the day-to-day life of a novice attorney.
Full Disclosure: Do You Really Want to Be a Lawyer?, compiled by Susan J. Bell of the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division (Peterson's Guides, revised 1992)(Paperback, $18; order from the National Association for Law Placement, by phone at (202) 667-1666 or by fax at (202) 265-6735, or by e-mail at info@nalp.org). Presents the collected experiences of more than two dozen lawyers, judges and law professors in witty and informative essays.
The Lure of the Law: Why People Become Lawyers, and What the Profession Does to Them. by Richard W. Moll (Penguin Books, 1990)(Paperback, available in many book stores). Interesting and revealing slices of life from attorneys in many different areas of practice.
Beyond L.A. Law: Break the Traditional "Lawyer" Mold (Harcourt Brace / National Association for Law Placement, 1997) (Paperback, $21; order from NALP by phone at (202) 667-1666 or by fax at (202) 265-6735, or by email at info@nalp.org.) All who are reflecting on their own dreams and goals will find the 47 profiles featured in this book compelling reading. Rethink your own ideas of what it means to 'use your law degreee.'
The Official Guide to Legal Specialties: An Insider's Guide to Every Major Practice Area (Harcourt Brace Legal & Professional Publications and NALP) (Paperback, $19.95; available in many bookstores, or order by phone at 1-800-787-8717 or on-line at www.gilbertlaw.com or www.nalp.org.) Summaries of practice areas written by attorneys and law professors from across the country, including typical types of assignments, preparation required for the field, and types of employers in the area.
Business Lawyer's Handbook, by Clifford Ennico (Paperback, $35; order from the National Association for Law Placement, by phone at (202) 667-1666 or by fax at (202) 265-6735, or by e-mail at info@nalp.org). Clearly written, comprehensive explanation of what lawyers who do not litigate for a living actually do--the nature of their work, the skills required, and an overview of career paths in corporate and business law.
Transforming Practices: Finding Joy and Satisfaction in the Legal Life, by Steven Keeva. (An ABA Journal Book, Contemporary Books, 1999).( $24.95). Written by the Senior Editor of the ABA Journal; contains an excellent bibliography