Why we wrote this book -- The divide between law school and lawyering -- The core concepts of lawyering -- Understanding the importance of law school rankings on your future -- Classic coursework (what is it good for?) -- Choosing proper electives -- What should you get out of law school? -- Be a fiduciary -- A short primer on negotiations -- Preparing for the job hunt -- The bar exam -- You got the job--there is no time for rest -- The fourteen commandments for new lawyers (Okay, how about "strong suggestions"?) -- Common mistakes new lawyers make that limit careers and anger clients -- Relationships, difficult personalities, and being the calmest person in the room -- Understanding current technology -- Words from the wise -- What clients want -- Law school as a "second career" -- How to be a happy lawyer -- What if you don't want to be a lawyer anymore? -- Let's sum up.
Summary:
"'It's law school, not lawyer school.' Many junior lawyers have heard this cliche from their more senior colleagues when they observe that the lessons learned in law school seem to have limited application to the daily realities of practice. But that doesn't mean there aren't effective strategies to make practical use of your education. In How to be a lawyer: the path from law school to success, accomplished lawyers and entrepreneurs Jason Mendelson and Alex Paul deliver an intensely practical blueprint to translating your years of training and education into a running start in real-world practice. In the book, you'll find a bridge between the largely theoretical world of law school and the client-driven world of private or public practice. Whether you've already started your first job at a large firm or you're still in school and dreaming about a role at a small nonprofit or government agency, you'll find the concrete advice you need to succeed in this book. It's filled with relevant, digestible advice you won't get from your professors, but unfortunately your employers and clients will expect you to know on your first day. How to be a lawyer offers case studies and guest chapters from accomplished lawyers who successfully transitioned from school to a wide variety of law practices, from criminal to tax, corporate, litigation, and more. The authors explain how you can radically improve your performance at your first job and avoid the most common career pitfalls and client service mistakes that can slow your progress. Ideal for all aspiring and current law students, this book is also an essential read for early-career lawyers looking for a reliable and insightful roadmap to navigating a legal career." -- Jacket flap.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.