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Is anyone aware of a good book for new lawyers, specifically targeted at those entering "big law?" I'm finding stuff that's been written by new associates ("Jagged Rocks" by Morten Lund) or stuff that reads more like a 300 page "pep talk" (Messinger's "The Young Lawer's Jungle Book," written 15 years ago). But is there anything out there written by a senior associate or partner, who has a more "top down" perspecitve?

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Not a bad read, but it should be renamed "The Curmudgeons Guide for Young Litigators in Biglaw".

There's "Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks." Although it's an easy read, I wouldn't say it's mind-blowingly informative.

I'll look into both of these. I just hate it when books of this nature try to be "cute" or "funny." Don't give me analogies to jungles, sharks, and rock climbing. Just say it like it is: here's how partners think, here are the economic considerations that underpin law firm culture, and here's what YOU need to do to thrive amidst all that.

NewHere wrote:There's "Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks." Although it's an easy read, I wouldn't say it's mind-blowingly informative.

Going to read this one soon. Written by a biglaw partner I think.

A family friend (biglaw partner) gave me a book called "What Law School Doesn't Teach You...But You Really Need to Know" (or something like that). The partner said that his firm gives the book to SAs before they start. I've read some of it, and it seems to be pretty informative (full of quips and anecdotes from biglaw partners, associates, etc...). As I haven't read the entire thing (only part I did read was like last summer), I make no guarantees. It might be worth checking out, though.

nigelfrost wrote:I'll look into both of these. I just hate it when books of this nature try to be "cute" or "funny." Don't give me analogies to jungles, sharks, and rock climbing. Just say it like it is: here's how partners think, here are the economic considerations that underpin law firm culture, and here's what YOU need to do to thrive amidst all that.

Aside from the title, the Baby Sharks book isn't of the analogizing kind. It's about what the author thinks "YOU need to do to thrive," but it's all along the lines of "ask for work when you are low on work," "don't be afraid to ask for feedback," "proofread everything you send out," etc. La-di-da.

If it makes you feel more confident, by all means read one or two of these books, but really a lot of it comes down to common sense or stuff you already know.

For serious though, you should be reading Adam Smith Esq.

NewHere wrote:If it makes you feel more confident, by all means read one or two of these books, but really a lot of it comes down to common sense or stuff you already know.

You're probably right; most of this stuff just comes with experience anyway.

Veyron wrote:For serious though, you should be reading Adam Smith Esq.

Lol...which reading of Adam Smith -- the labor cognizant one or the management friendly one?

nigelfrost wrote:

NewHere wrote:If it makes you feel more confident, by all means read one or two of these books, but really a lot of it comes down to common sense or stuff you already know.

You're probably right; most of this stuff just comes with experience anyway.

Veyron wrote:For serious though, you should be reading Adam Smith Esq.

Lol...which reading of Adam Smith -- the labor cognizant one or the management friendly one?

The blog one.

Veyron wrote:The blog one.

Oh. Hence the "esq." Now, I feel stupid.

nigelfrost wrote:

Veyron wrote:The blog one.

Oh. Hence the "esq." Now, I feel stupid.

Well, read it and you should feel less so. It gives you the top-down perspective you want, though it may not be as heavy on tips for young associates as you would like.

Reading it now...This may have been what I was looking for. Thanks.

nigelfrost wrote:Reading it now...This may have been what I was looking for. Thanks.

Npbm.

nealric wrote:

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Not a bad read, but it should be renamed "The Curmudgeons Guide for Young Litigators in Biglaw".

+1. Good quick read though.