Subjects:  1. Law    2. Legal Profession    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Legal assistants    5. Paralegal Services    6. Paralegals & Paralegalism    7. United States    8. Courts & procedure    9. Law / General   

Reviews (3)

Eye-opening and compelling
Doug Litowitz's book on young lawyers is a must read for lawyers, law professors, law students, and potential law students.Although Litowitz occasionally overstates a point--for example, I disagree that all, or most, law professors were unsuccessful lawyers and that all, or most, law professors employ the Socratic method to demoralize students--authors are permitted poetic license if the general message they are trying to convey is important and true.Litowitz's message is both of these things:the systems through which we train and employ young lawyers is broken and needs to be fixed.Litowitz's book is also extremely well-written, and holds the reader's attention from start to finish.I recommend it unreservedly and I commend Litowitz for his brave and profound book.

Litowitz on unhappy lawyers
Douglas Litowitz is an attorney, law professor and former associate at a large law firm.In this book, he describes the emotional, spiritual and financial pressures that have made many young lawyers desperately unhappy with their line of work.Litowitz makes many good points about the kinds of stresses that result from structural factors that are fairly new to the profession.While some of his recommendations are unnecessarily radical, he does seem to have a sound grasp on the malaise that faces the American legal profession at the dawn of the twenty-first century.
A mediocre treatment, but for now a must-read
We have long been in need of a book that addresses difficulties and pitfalls of the legal profession on a personal, rather than societal, level.The law school experience is treated well in One-L (although many schools have at least to some degree altered their curricula and pedagogy since that book was written), but it seems that many, many people just do not know what they are getting themselves into before embarking upon -- and even during -- the arduous and expensive process of law school.This book tells it like it is.And also like it isn't.
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Subjects:  1. Law    2. Lawyers    3. Legal Profession    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Practice of law    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Reference    9. United States   

Reviews (3)

A must for legal libraries
Skadden is an excellent history of both the rise of the modern law firms as well as one of those firms which epitomized that movement. Lincoln Caplan uses an indepth analysis of the practice, politics and people of Skadden Arps to analyze how and why law firms, which had traditionally been small parterships have since grown into businesses as large and competitive as many of the corporations they represent. The story is very well written and insightful and it is obvious that Caplan did extensive research both inside the firm and in legal libraries. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in legal history and it is a good insider's guide to people who do not have experience in a law firm, but are considering working in one or are simply curious what goes in them.

Doodle Joe
There's usually something important to be learned by the absent minded habits of the great and powerful.This book includes one about Joe Flom:He likes to fill themargins of his notes with tightly wound, intricate geometric patters that are uniquely his own design.The author doesn't read much more into it, but there's no reason we readers can't.According the author, Mr. Flom can also be a little brusque in private. Lincoln Caplan is a phenomenal legal historian.
Mr. Caplan has gracefully provided readers with an exquisite portrait of the life and times of a twentieth century law firm.Compelling and balanced, the book joyfully tracks the highs and lows of a group of"young turks" who have defined what it means to be a lawyer incorporate America.I am grateful to Mr. Caplan for the time he put intothis project, as it gives tremendous insight to law students as to how alaw firm operates and what the culture of a law firm embodies.This bookis worth reading, worth printing and well worth recommending.Caplan'sTenth Justice, his recording of the Office of Solicitor General isbrilliant as well.Joe Flom and Sheila Birnbaum and the rest of theSkadden crew can rest easy as the bard who records their triumphs andtribulations does so with zest and intelligence. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Corporate & Business History - General    4. Legal Profession   

Reviews (2)

Adequate but lacking
I purchased this book for an undergraduate psych course, "Psychology & the Law". As I have a BA in psychology, I've read quite a few psychology textbooks in the past few years, and this might possibly be the worst of the bunch. Good for students, but lacking in some vital areas
I bought this book for a course entitled Psychology and the Law, which I am taking as an elective course, and not as part of my areas of concentration. Although I am a Sociology and Women's Studies major, you don't need to be a feminist (or even a sociologist for that matter), to see where this book is lacking vital information on the criminal justice system, and on rehabilitation techniques used in North America.Read more

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Justice, Administration of    3. Law    4. Legal Profession    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Legal System    7. Practice of law    8. Psychological aspects    9. Psychology    10. Social Psychology    11. United States    12. Civil law (general works)    13. Education    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    15. USA   

Reviews (4)

A must for new lawyers!
This book is, in my mind, a must for new lawyers.It is very helpful in showing first hand accounts of what is awaiting female attorneys, and can be an education for male attorneys as well.Every law firm in the countryshould make this required reading for hiring partners who might notunderstand the issues women in law are dealing with.If you know a womangraduating from law school, you should get her this book!

Just a superficial summary
This book would have been more worthwhile if the authors had truly analyzed the responsesin order to evaluate potential trends across the profession. Instead, those responses were simply reported, so that one hasto slog through the reportage on all the firms to discern trends.

Excellent source of information for women and men
Although I am a man, I found this book extremely useful as I was considering offers from several large NYC law firms.For one thing, I was eager for any source of information, and the authors' surveyhelps giveone a sense of the distinctive culture of each firm.I also was notinterested in becoming part of a firm that discriminates against women (andsome of the behaviour described was frankly disturbing).Balancing workand family are not solely women's issues, although women have led the wayin demanding a healthier balance.As firms (as they surely must, even ifit comes slowly) become more accommodating to women, men will benefit aswell. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Gender & the Law    3. Job satisfaction    4. Law    5. Law and legislation    6. Legal Profession    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. Sex discrimination against women    9. United States    10. Women lawyers   

Reviews (15)

Thoughts from Down the Road...
OK, it has been a while now since this book came out, and sinde i read it cover to cover. (in the interests of fulkl disclosure, i am in the book. But if you begin this book, you to will be compelled to keep reading!Honest!) A flawed but very valuable work.
Steven Keeva (who is not a lawyer but has spent many years observing and writing about them) here provides an assortment of advice, tips, and real-life examples to help you become a better lawyer and a better person.While I found much of the book to be old news, every 10 pages or so Keeva says something eye-opening, memorable, and truly instructive.The chapters on listening and service were, for me, the real pay-off, and I know I will be going back to them frequently.By contrast, his portrayal of litigators, trials, and especially corporate practice struck me as simplistic and a bit stereotyped.In addition, those who are unreceptive to the touchy-feely approach to problem-solving should be warned that this book is nothing if not touchy-feely.That said -- and notwithstanding my other qualifications -- this book is an *important* contribution to the literature of professionalism and lawyers' "mental hygiene" (as Prof. Stone of Harvard has called it).Since this book is also a quick read, every lawyer and law student who even suspects it may be helpful should give it a try and then keep it close at hand.

Staying in the practice, and enjoying it!
Transforming Practices truly is a gift to lawyers, like me, who have been practicing for many years and want to continue practicing law in a satisfying and meaningful way.This book has been one of my best investments, and I keep it on my desk at work.Reading, or in my case rereading, Steven Keeva's inspirational words provides a much needed boost in spirit, and a new way of looking at the legal life, even on a difficult day!My colleagues who have read this book wholeheartedly agree! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - General    4. Ethics & Professional Responsibility    5. General    6. Job Satisfaction    7. Labor    8. Law (General)    9. Lawyers    10. Legal Profession    11. Legal Reference / Law Profession    12. Legal ethics    13. Moral and ethical aspects    14. Practice of law    15. Advice on careers & achieving success    16. Economics, Finance, Business and Industry    17. Law / Professional Responsibility    18. Legal skills & practice    19. Reference works   

Reviews (2)

Great Book
This book is a must-read for all law students and young lawyers, most of whom do not have a clue about what it takes to succeed in a law firm.The step-by-step, how to do it approach is very helpful.

Nothing you don't already know
I was deeply disappointed with this book. To save you the $40 I foolishly spent on this book, I will summarize its advice below:
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Subjects:  1. Industries - General    2. Law    3. Law firms    4. Law partnership    5. Legal Profession    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Partnerships    8. Practice Of Law    9. United States    10. Law / Reference    11. Legal skills & practice   

Reviews (2)

Small Size, Huge Impact
I, too, was startled at the small black and white book that I had received for my $83.I had expected a glossy book full of wonderful illustrations.
Big price, little book...plenty of value
Originally hesitant about ordering this book, mainly due to sticker shock, I went ahead after previewing the table of contents.None of the other books I had searched on courtroom graphics seemed to cover the aspects I find to be most challenging- organizing the information, budgeting and estimating a realistic time-frame.Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Evidence, Demonstrative    3. Evidence, Real    4. Law    5. Legal Profession    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Microcomputer Graphics    8. Practice Of Law    9. Trial Practice    10. United States    11. Visual communication    12. Law / Criminal Law    13. Legal skills & practice   

Subjects:  1. Ethics & Professional Responsibility    2. Law    3. Legal Profession    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Law / General   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Legal Profession    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Legal Research    8. Legal assistants    9. Paralegal Services    10. Paralegals & Paralegalism    11. Research    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / General    14. Legal skills & practice   

Reviews (1)

The Law of Corporation, Partnership, and Sole Proprietorship
I felt that this textbook was very educational.It explained to you indetails the way business are developed and run.It explains how different business have different amount of owners.It talk about different types of business for example agency, partnerships and limitedpartnerships, limited companys, and corporation.It explains the certainlaws that are needed to be followed. I would recommend this textbook toanyone who is interested in opening a type of business. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business enterprises    3. Business/Economics    4. Corporate    5. Corporation law    6. General    7. Law and legislation    8. Legal Profession    9. Legal Reference / Law Profession    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / General    12. Business & Management    13. Company law    14. Law as it applies to other professions    15. USA   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Law    3. Legal Profession    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Legal assistants    6. United States    7. Vocational guidance   

Reviews (2)

Named Best Legal Publication by Lawyers Weekly USA
Lawyers Weekly USA says "For any lawyer looking to succeed in the competitive world of personal injury, it's an invaluable resource..." "This is a primer that will give you an excellent foundation forsuccess."(March 23, 1998)

Too expensive; not sufficiently helpful
This book is wildly overpriced for the quantity and quality of information it has.In fact, the book offers little that you can't get from much cheaper sources.I suggest "Winning Your Personal Injury Claim"or even "How to Start and Build a Law Practice."Questions:tkbaird@prontomail.com. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Civil Law    3. Law    4. Legal Profession    5. Personal Injury    6. Small Business - General    7. Business & Management    8. Criminal law   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Civil procedure    3. Courts    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Law    7. Legal Profession    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Legal assistants    10. Litigation    11. Trial Practice    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / General    14. Courts & procedure   

Reviews (1)

New Students, or just out of school.. Great for Scopists too!
I just got this book and couldn't put it down! It's easy reading.. Written extremely nice.. Dana is extremely thorough.This book is a MUST for anybody looking into Court Reporting or just out of school.. It's also a MUST for any scopist.Great job Dana! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. General    4. Law reporters    5. Law reporting    6. Legal Profession    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. United States    9. Business & Economics / General    10. Press & journalism   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Law    3. Legal Profession    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Legal Writing    6. Legal composition    7. Legal research    8. United States    9. Business & Economics / General    10. Jurisprudence & General Issues   

Reviews (11)

An interesting look at the big law firm experience
I'm investigating careers in the legal field, and I got this from a friend of mine. The book is honestly written and straightforward. However, it must be approached for what it is: a first-job perspective from a 26-27 year old student, fresh out of a grueling 7 or 8 years of law school and academia in general, with no real-world job experience and some highly idealistic preconceptions of how things should work.He gets a job in a top-flight high paying law firm in NYC (apparently, a Hollywoodesque big-time scenario for a lot of young lawyers) and documents his work experiences, interaction with fellow workers, and life in general in an engaging journal-entry style. This is definitely a one-sitting read.
OK - but if you WANT to be a lawyer, see Keith Evans book
An excellent book for lawyers who WANT to be lawyers and effective advocates is "Common Sense Rules of Advocacy for Lawyers," by Keith Evans.Great book for new associates and 3Ls. Read this book to make an informed decision about the law
This book does a great job of informing people in high school, college, and anyone else thinking about going to law school what practicing law in a prestigious law firm is actually like.The book is an easy read because each chapter begins with an entry from the author's journal, and then focuses on a particular aspect of a large-firm legal practice.The journal entries provide startlingly personal and realistic insights into a top lawyer's lifestyle, while the chapters describe what lawyers really do on a daily basis.The book effectively offers the information that people need in order to make an informed decision about whether to go to law school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Careers / Job Opportunities    3. Diaries    4. General    5. Keates, William R    6. Law    7. Lawyers    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Legal Profession    10. Practice Of Law    11. Reference    12. United States   

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Law    3. Law Office Administration    4. Law Office Education    5. Legal Profession    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Legal assistants    8. Reference    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / General    11. Organizational theory & behaviour   

Subjects:  1. California    2. Criminal Law - General    3. Criminal Procedure    4. Criminal law    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Law    8. Legal Profession    9. Legal Reference / Law Profession    10. Legal assistants    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / General    13. Courts & procedure   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Career And Vocational Guidance    3. Career/Job    4. Careers - General    5. Careers - Other Specific Fields    6. Careers / Job Opportunities    7. Legal Profession    8. Practice Of Law    9. Reference    10. Business & Economics / General