Editorial Review

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Reviews (43)

Uncommon Honesty
Stracher debunks the lies told about 'big firm' practice throughout the whole of academia: namely, that the work is compensated at such a high rate because it is very intricate and demands the most talented lawyers in the field.Hopeful students are sacrificing their personal desires and passions on a daily basis in order to pursue this fabrication of a dream, and Stracher proves that there is no magical fulfillment waiting once the attractive offer of employment at a large, respected law firm is accepted.The illusion of nobility and purpose fades away, replaced by endless hours searching through thousands of documents in order to use the technical letter of the law in any way possible to advance nonsensical arguments.
A wooden swivel chair? Ouch! Bad for your back.
I was expecting a Tale Of Greed, Sex, Lies, And The Pursuit Of A Swivel Chair, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt. My thoughts on the book are simple. Please, do not mention [Stracher] your alma-mater throughout your debut, and then do it injustice by giving it a weak gramatical assesment. The timeline through out the 230 page (dripping wet) was blurry and at times, rushed.
So, you hate your job... Stracher sure does
I read this book for a book review in one of my pre-law classes, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I am an ASPIRING law student, the author appeared to have a pretty broad understanding about law school as he references law school throughout the book, relative to the context of the current point of discussion. For example, he always reminisced about his days in moot court and drew a comparison between this and his days as a legal analyst (junior associate), working for a famed corporate law firm, whose sole purpose was to read through a convoluted mess of papers and write a brief on the said papers which would eventually be radically modified by the associates and partners. (Oh, and did I mention that by the end of the book, Stracher has become a connoisseur for virutally every kind of takeout food?) This may occur as rather depressing, but do you really think that Stracher was actually depressed (what, with earning an $85,000 salary? Didn't think so). I have to admit, Stracher paints a relatively undesirable image of the law profession, a profession which doesn't seem very appealing to a reader who doesn't watch shows like "Law and Order" and doesn't read any John Grisham books. These books seem more action packed; Stracher's book, on the other hand, refers to the self-indulgent and selfish side of lawyers. (You know, the type that bill the client for everything including bathroom visits) Nevertheless, a pretty straight forward book. A MUST READ for anyone who has even a remote interest in attending law school and subsequently practicing law. I would not advise anyone who is already practicing law to read this as the piece might occur as a mere redundancy to their job. (A partner working at a firm, who makes a seven digit salary, might find the piece rather amusing, on the other hand i.e. Perhaps they can poke fun at the "little guys" in the field that only make "peanuts") ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Corporate    3. Corporate lawyers    4. Law    5. Lawyers    6. Lawyers & Judges    7. Legal Profession    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. New York    10. New York (State)    11. Practice Of Law    12. Law / Corporate    13. Modern fiction   

Reviews (1)

A Judicial Career
I must begin this review by admitting my biases.No, Iam not related to David Gallen.Roger Goldman, however, did teach me constitutional law at St. Louis University during Justice Brennan's service on the Supreme Court.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Brennan, William J    5. Judges    6. Judicial opinions    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. U.S. Supreme Court    9. United States    10. Central government    11. Courts & procedure    12. USA   

Reviews (2)

An inherently fascinating biography
Of Rats And Men: Oscar Goodman's Life From Mob Mouthpiece To Mayor Of Las Vegas is the inherently fascinating biography of Oscar Goodman, a man who deliberately became a pre-eminent defense attorney for alleged gangsters for 35 years. Accused but never proven of being more than a mouthpiece and defense attorney for organized crime, Oscar Goodman somehow managed to successfully defend his clients without becoming part of organized crime itself -- at least according to the voters of Las Vegas who eventually elected him as their mayor twice. Of Rats And Men is very highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the history of organized crime in America or who wish to avail themselves of a unique insight into the life and philosophy of an accomplished trial lawyer who specialized in defending members of established crime families.

More Insight from Smith � an eminent authority on the mob
The copious notes and eight pages of bibliography supporting John L. Smith's meticulously researched biographical look at Oscar Goodman, former mob attorney - presently the two-term mayor of Las Vegas, impressed me.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1939-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Goodman, Oscar Baylin,    7. Government - Local    8. History    9. Las Vegas    10. Lawyers    11. Lawyers & Judges    12. Mayors    13. Nevada    14. Organized crime    15. Political    16. United States   

Reviews (14)

Believer or Not--Great Story
I just finished this book.It gave me chills when reading of Cpt. Snow's serendipitous discovery of the hunchbacked woman portrait.His description of being awestruck was moving.
Looking for Carroll Beckwith - Proof Positive
I purchased this book after watching a show on Sci-Fi called "Proof Positive." On the show, three stories of strange phenomena were put to scientific testing, and only one was proven positive. On this particular episode, Robert L. Snow's story was tested through various means, including a polygraph test, and he was the one who was proven positive. It was because of this validation that I purchased the book, as I only want to read of actual experiences.
More Than Enough Evidence for Past Lives!
I just finished reading "Looking for Carroll Beckwith", and I must say that the research done by Robert Snow is absolutely exhaustive!How anyone could question his findings is truly beyond me.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Body, Mind & Spirit    4. General    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. New Age    7. Parapsychology - Near-Death Experience    8. Psychology    9. Reincarnation    10. Snow, Robert L   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Encyclopedias    6. General    7. Judges    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Officials and employees    10. Supreme Court    11. United States    12. United States.   

Reviews (2)

The Inside Scoop
In this insightful and yeomanly researched book, Karen Donovan paints a vivid picture of a man who has achieved iconic status among America's trial lawyers. Thanks to the access granted the author by David Boies, we get not only a ringside seat for some of the last decade's most high-profile trials, including, of course, the one that put the current occupant of the White House in office, but we're there for pre-trial strategy sessions and post-trial dinners as well. Throughout, Donovan maintains a keen-eyed objectivity and isn't afraid to deflate balloons of bravado when need be. All in all, it's a compelling read.

Author captures essence of multi tasking trial lawyer
Most of pieces of Boies border on idolatry. Donovan's work is special because although she clearly admires Boies and his work, she also points out his faults. The best reading in the book includes her digging behind the scenes to reveal what really happens in trials, settlements, and negotiations. While Boies is obviously one of the top trial lawyers in America, he often gets credit for things which areactually the result of other events. Donovan captures this wonderfully. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Boies, David    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Legal History    7. Litigation    8. Practice Of Law    9. Trials    10. United States    11. Current Events / Law   

Reviews (59)

An Unconventional Campaign Biography
Four Trials is an unconventional campaign biography from 2004 presidential and, later, vice-presidential candidate, North Carolina Senator John Edwards.Edwards reveals his philosophical approach to life and politics through four of the cases he handled as a trial attorney, each at a different stage of his life and career.
The Four Trials by John Edwards
This book was one that I simply could not put down until it was completed. I read it cover to cover in one day.Senator Edwards appears to share from the heart about his family life as a child, his marriage to Elizabeth, raising a family, and sadly the loss of his son, Wade, in a tragic car accident.He presents four trials, 2 medical malpractice, one wrongful death, and one product negligence.He appears to truly care about his clients and seems to get to know them.Some would say he appears to be "too good to be true", I am from the south and I see a lot of people that share his caring attitude, so he seems real to me.A must read if you enjoy legal drama, especially if you enjoy "true stories".He leaves out Senate information and never discusses an interest in the presidency, this book focuses entirely on the four trials with bits of his biographical information scattered among it.A non-fiction book that reads as easily as the best drama.Enjoy!

Four Trials
In Four Trials, John Edwards, presents four compelling cases of ordinary people with whom the reader can identify.Each story is a moving account of individuals who were terribly wronged who sought help through the justice system.Throughout the book Mr. Edwards interweaves his life stories and his feelings with the accounts of each trial, revealing his strong character and good heart.One statement that remains in this reader's mind is the opening one "I trust you".Trust is what needs to be put back into both our judicial system and our government. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1953 June 10-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Criminal Law    7. Edwards, John,    8. Lawyers    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Legislators    11. North Carolina    12. Political    13. Trials    14. U.S. Federal Government    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (3)

History-Makers as People
When contemplating "history" it's easy to forget that to the participants it was nothing of the kind, but simply their daily lives.The charm and delight of this splendid book is the intimate view of the lives its historic figures were living while they made history-at once instructive and highly entertaining.It's also a great continuing love story, all seen through the letters between John and Sarah Jay, plus a mix of letters to and from family members and other figures of historic moment like Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Franklin and Adams (John, Samuel, John Quincy and Abigail).It's tied together with just the right amount of editorial comment, never intrusive, always helpful and succinct, giving us background and amplification just when we need it, including illuminating details about the Jay and Livingston families and the times they lived in-all presented in a most readable format, illustrated with engravings and a wonderful color portrait on the cover of John and Sarah.
delightful
How fortunate we are that the correspondence between John Jay and his wife, Sarah Livingston Jay survive and are accessible.The selected correspondence between the two offers a glimpse into their personalities, their roles, their values as well as their hopes and expectations.Through the correspondence one can envision the daily lives of select individuals during this exciting and tumultuous period in our history.In addition one sees a seldom mentioned Sarah, as a devoted wife, mother and friend.A gentile woman who is powerful, independent and capable in managing her household as well as the family farm.The essays on slavery, the mail and medicine and health following the correspondence are concise, informative and as extra bonus.Great read+++++
Wonderful letters
This is a great little book:a selection of letters to or from John and Sarah Jay, carefully transcribed and thoughtfully introduced.Many of these letters have never been published before, and through them we get a much stronger sense of the Jay family than we have had before.Sarah, in particular, emerges page by page as a smart, savvy, capable woman, handling the family finances and politics in her husband's frequent absences.The only problem with this book is the steep price, probably too high to reach the wide audience it deserves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1745-1829    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Correspondence    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Jay, John,    8. Jay, Sarah Livingston    9. Judges    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Letters    12. Political    13. Statesmen    14. Statesmen's spouses    15. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    16. U.S. Supreme Court    17. United States    18. United States - Revolutionary War    19. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    20. Biography: historical    21. USA    22. c 1700 to c 1800    23. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (2)

Give me a break!
Bruce Cutler is a self serving loud mouth who spends an entire book telling us what a great lawyer he is.Given the allegations of jury tampering (which was the reason he was banned from representing Gotti a third time and may be the reason Gotti was acquitted the first two times) and his pitiful track record anywhere else where the true practice of law is required, it is no wonder he wrote a book - no one who values their rights and their freedom would hire this guy.

Courtroom Gladiator and Bare Knuckles Champ
The cure for everyone tired of slick lawyers whose business cards should say "Have Word Processor, Will Travel."Cutler is the Method Actor of the Bar.He tries cases from the inside out, with no cynicism, no patronization of the jury, and no distaste for the client hidden under a barrel of glib professionalism.Cutler lays his thoughts and feelings bare in this book, and it's an inspiration.If you're in law school, reading it may remind you why you bothered.If you're in practice, it will inspire you to try cases.If you're a gangster, it will make you check your address book to see if you have Cutler's number.For everyone else, a hugely entertaining, edifying book about America, the legal system, the System, and a guy who has the b--ls to buck it and often win. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cutler, Bruce    6. Defense (Criminal procedure)    7. Lawyers    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Mafia    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges   

Reviews (15)

Very Insightful Story
I took me a little longer than normal for this read but it was a very good narrative of a great american entrepreneur, regardless of his background. Although I am familiar with the accounts of the civil rights movements, the authors did a very good job of painting a picture to the reader of how those events were intertwined with Arthur G. Gaston's life. I appreciated the honesty in detailing his relationships with those close and even more interestingly, Martin Luther King, Jr. Very good book. Icon in our American capitalistic system.
Gaston is Rockefeller with both hands tied behind his back--Simply Amazing!
Carol Jenkins and Elizabeth Gardner Hines do an excellent job of documenting the life and times of one America's greatest, if largely unsung (at least outside of the black community), business heroes. Gaston built a great business empire in the Deep South of Birmingham in the Jim Crow, pre-Civil Rights, pre-Affirmative Action era. Imagine the wealth he could have achieved had his brilliance and work ethic not been shackled by racism and discrimination? And despite being lambasted as an apologist and Uncle Tom by many during the battle for civil rights, what would the fate of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement have been were it not for the financial resources, advice and intervention of Gaston? Black Titan is a great example of defining a man, the times he lived through and the broad impact left in his wake. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gaston several times during the last decade of his life. For those who didn't get that chance, Black Titan is the next best thing to meeting him in person. The book should be required reading not just for black America, but for all Americans. Also, this book is yet another reason why Carol Jenkins is deservedly idolized by an entire generation of black journalists--she is a titan of her profession, and a worthy heir of Gaston's legacy.

Sheds light on an important but neglected entrepreneur
By the 1960s, Arthur G. Gaston was probably the richest black man in America. He was the leading employer of blacks in Alabama and directly and indirectly gave substantial aid and comfort to the civil rights movement. In the decade after the Montgomery bus boycott, Martin Luther King Jr. and his allies used the A. G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham, Alabama, as a safe refuge to plan their activities. When Eugene "Bull" Connor, the notorious commissioner of public safety, had King arrested in 1963, Gaston put up the $160,000 bail money from his own pocket....
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Subjects:  1. (Arthur George),    2. African American businesspeopl    3. African American businesspeople    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Blacks In The U.S.    9. Business Organization    10. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    11. Gaston, A. G    12. Historical - U.S.    13. Lawyers & Judges    14. Millionaires    15. People of Color    16. Regional Subjects - South    17. United States    18. b. 1892    19. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (167)

would you buy a used car from this woman?
Clearly the mastermind behind Bill Clinton's rise to power, this book is a testament to Ms Clinton's intelligence and ambition. Unfortunately, the Clinton legacy will surely be viewed by presidential historians as tarnished by the same corruption, abuse of power and hypocracy that enabled him to be elected in the first place - due, in large part, to Hillary Rodham-Clinton.

You'll find what you want in this somewhat dated book...
If you are a Clinton hater you will find plenty to enrage you.If you are a Clinton supporter you will see a 'vast right wing conspiracy' to discredit them.Being neither, I found the book entertaining, if redundant and choppy, in parts (and now a bit dated).The author's language ('a national nightmare of scandal, sleaze, and acquisition of power') suggest somebody with an ax to grind rather than a unimpassioned biographer.Though others may disagree, I found the text not particularly well tied to the quotes of Saul Alinsky which began each chapter.

Be Afraid, America, Be very afraid
Barbara Olson died on one of the airlines hijacked on 9-11.She died because of policies make by Jamie Gorelick, an official from the Bill & Hillary administration.Basically, Hillary's policies got Barbara killed.Barbara was close friends of Ann Coulter and many other folks in the conservative circles.While lots of people will attack this book the bottom line is Hillary's pro-terrorist policies got Barbara killed.Barbara's parting shot is just to say some bad words about "Hitlery".
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Career in politics    6. Clinton, Hillary Rodham    7. Ethics    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Political    11. Political activity    12. Presidents' spouses    13. United States    14. Women    15. Biography & Autobiography / Political    16. Biography: general    17. Current Issues   

Reviews (16)

Nothing new here - move along
It is shameful that "Best Friend" Billy Noonan felt the need to dish about John Kennedy and his family.We all know that John valued his privacy and one would think that he would be horrified at this betrayal.
Boring, Screams, "I'M THE REAL BEST FRIEND", and Poorly Written
Carol Radziwill's book was a tribute to her husband, and wonderfully and warmly written.The mentions of John and Carolyn were in context of their relationship, and truly showed their personalities.The retelling of John singing a boyhood song to Anthony brought tears to my eyes.
Poignant and Humorous Story of Friendship
The author does summon up a particular demographic (affluent Irish-Catholic third-generation young men in the Boston/Hyannis/Cape Cod area) and epoch (those coming-of-age between the mid-70s and 1990s) in this tale of friendship set against a larger backdrop with regard to the identity of one of the friends and, of course, the ultlimate tragedy that overtakes them.Noonan is generous with the details and challenges in his own life, from testicular cancer (and apparently a recurrence a year ago made him all the more intent on sharing his own story with readers) to the loss of his own father to personal flounderings with regard to college and overall life-direction. Naysayers who regard this story as an "invasion of privacy" overlook the fact that this tale is an intensely personal one and that it is the privelege of a writer to share as he pleases. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    2. Historical - U.S.    3. Lawyers & Judges    4. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography   

Reviews (7)

Mediocre Fiction
Why was this book in the non-fiction section at the library? I can understand changing the names of people but counties? There is no Siletz County, Oregon. Why not make up the state too? As fiction there leaves a lot to be desired. The back jacket says"truth is stranger than fiction". Either write non-fiction with names changed to protect identities or write a compelling novel. This is neither.

Wonderfully entertaining story
Bill Merritt has written a wonderfully entertaining fable about young lawyers learning the ropes, a delightful cast of society's castaways, buried treasure and even a little bit of science.
or maybe a one...
i have a couple of problems with this book.but we'll get to them later.
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. General    7. Infamous Crimes And Criminals    8. Law    9. Lawyers    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Oregon    12. Practice Of Law    13. True Crime / General   

Editorial Review

Andrew L. Kaufman has, after 40 years of work, written what will be the definitive biography of Justice Benjamin Cardozo. Cardozo was one of the premier judges of the first half of this century, serving on the New York Court of Appeals as Chief Judge, the most influential state court in the country, and then on the Supreme Court. On the New York Court of Appeals, Cardozo rewrote tort law with his stamp; his characterizations of negligence, proximate cause, and assumption of the risk still dominate law throughout the land 60 to 80 years after his original decisions.Read more

Reviews (4)

The Definitive Biography
Professor Kaufman worked on this impressive biography of Benjamin Nathan Cardozo for over 35 years.There were times when one began to wonder if it would ever appear.Well, it did and it was worth the wait. This is a long book, running some 700 pages including notes.At times, it seems almost too detailed--but it is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Cardozo, the development of American law, and the Supreme Court.Kaufman strikes a nice balance between BNC's private and public lives, his 18 year service on the New York Court of Appeals and his 5 or so terms on the Supreme Court, the biographical details one expects and the legal doctrines and opinions that he authored. Along the way, the author covers BNC's significant books; his involvement with the ALI; his work in developing key contract and tort concepts on the Court of Appeals; his long period as Chief Judge there; and his methods of working and drafting opinions while on the New York court.
Extraordinary insights into an American judicial hero
Andrew Kaufman has written an engrossing account of the life of BenjaminCardozo, a judicial hero of the first third of the century.This bookshould prove especially useful for first-year law students, who read manyof Cardozo's most important decisions in their contracts and torts classes. But even non-lawyers with an interest in the legal system will find ithighly readable and informative.

An honest and insightful biography of a pivotal figure
Professor Kaufman presents his subject, first, as a man, establishing the personal background that shaped Cardozo's work as a judge.Kaufman then offers an insightful examination of the judicial work of Judge and Justice Cardozo, analyzing the development and maturation of Cardozo's thinking regarding the many legal principles which have become mainstays of American jurisprudence.The biography is well suited to lawyer and non-lawyer, and provides an extraordinary social history of the shaping of the American common law that governs our lives and liability today. This biography is a must-read primer for all soon-to-be law students, who will find in it an invaluable guide to the principles they are preparing to study.Professor Kaufman's honest analysis of the talents and faults of his subject is much to be commended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Constitutional    3. Historical - U.S.    4. Law    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Biography & Autobiography / General    7. Biography: general    8. Courts & procedure    9. Legal profession    10. USA   

Reviews (10)

Not worthy of the subject
The best part of the book: Introduction by Lisa Bloom, Allred's daughter. We got a glimpse of the woman behind the media. Second best was Chapter 1, Allred's own all-too-brief biography.
When does this marketer ever work?
This woman stands many inches taller on tv than she is in real life. She is a jesse jackson female counterpart and wannabe and wants to insert herself into every dispute. She forces herself into every controversy and conducts herself like ruth westheimer. She makes no sense and is always poised to give a liberal and feminist slant to every controversy and when there is no dispute she is ready to produce one. An agitator and media hound. What a joke! She should write a cookbook and perhaps she could mix up something other than the listeners and readers' brains.

allred is a legal thriller.
ms. allred is really inspiring. this book tells the stories of some of her most interesting cases. one gets a far greater understanding of her legal mind by reading this text. i recommend it to anyone interested in the law. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Civil rights workers    5. Feminists    6. Jurisprudence    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Practice Of Law    10. Psychology    11. United States    12. Women    13. Women lawyers    14. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (17)

I enjoy reading books about Watergate . . .
. . . as readers of my reviews have probably figured out.I have been familiar with this book for many years, but only recently have I taken the time to sit down and read it through.
Creative Writing
Colson's version of what happened during Watergate is a self-serving, sanctimonious whitewash of what he did and what he was responsible for. As the self-syled " Go-to guy" when something needed to be done. As Howard Hunt's boss, it defies belief that he was ignorant of what went on. He managed to get away without any responsibility for what he was surely guilty of and plead guilty to a crime of his choosing, which he hoped not to serve any time for.Surely to be "Born Again" he needs to tell the whole truth rather than this sanitized version.

Could anything good come of Watergate?
It's been 30 years since the events of Watergate started making history.A whole generation has grown up largely unaware, I suspect, of the significance of those events.I've followed Chuck Colson's work and writing almost since the beginning of Prison Fellowship and have developed a tremendous respect for the man.But only recently have I bothered to go back and read this book which tells how it all got started.I should not have waited so long.