All lawyers, especially budding ones, should follow the latest developments in their respective fields, as it is the only way to keep improving in the long run.
This also means reading the best books from experienced professionals who can really teach you a lot through real-life examples.
Our blog is packed with top 10 lists, so here’s another one for you. Buckle up, as we are about to present you with the 10 most useful books for budding lawyers.
1. Learning the Law by Glanville Williams
The first book on our list is an all-time classic. Glanville Williams’ Learning the Law was originally published in 1945, but it still thrills readers with its in-depth explanation of the British legal system. The book does contain a few outdated details, but it doesn’t change the fact that Learning the Law remains one of the finest examples of a well-written legal book.
2. The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham
The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham is another classical work of legal literature. This book focuses on a famous concept that young lawyers seldom analyze to its fullest extent. The author is a former president of the UK Supreme Court, which makes him the best person to discuss the true meaning and importance of the rule of law. If you want to become an expert on this issue – and every budding lawyer should – make sure to read this one.
3. The New Lawyer’s Handbook by Karen Thalacker
Number three on our list goes to Karen Thalacker who wrote The New Lawyer’s Handbook. Unlike the previous two books on the list, this one is all about giving young lawyers useful tips on how to actually build relationships and engage in that much-needed networking action.
4. Order and Dispute by Simon Roberts
Recent law graduates tend to concentrate on classical works, but you should also consider reading a slightly unusual book such as Order and Dispute by Simon Roberts. The book promises to shake your viewpoint in terms of legal decision-making. Just like essay writing service reviews help you gain fresh insights on standard writing services, Order and Dispute also sheds new light on how to resolve a dispute on and off the court.
5. About Law by Tony Honore
If we had to pick only one book that represents a perfect introduction to law, it would surely be Tony Honore’s About Law. As a genuine legal expert, Honore manages to write a book that is both professional and interesting. It covers all of the basic concepts of lawmaking and helps you find your way through the British legal system with ease.
6. Landmarks in the Law by Lord Denning
Lord Denning was one of the most significant figures in the history of the British courts. His vision was to make the law understandable to real people, which is exactly what he was writing about in Landmarks in Law. The book describes some of the most important cases and events in Lord Denning’s career.
7. The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow
Clarence Darrow is known for quitting his profitable career in a railway company because he wanted to fight for a higher cause and help the trade union. As such, The Story of My Life represents a crucial law-related book for newcomers who want to protect universal ideals of lawmaking.
8. Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride
Nicholas McBride wrote an amazing piece of legal fiction in which he sends letters to a fictional law student. Letters to a Law Student give readers a very clear and straightforward explanation of how legal systems really function. Besides that, McBride’s book is packed with practical suggestions for beginner-level lawyers.
9. Winning Arguments by Jay Heinrichs
Is there a more significant lesson for a budding lawyer than learning how to come up with and present a winning argument? This is exactly what you can learn by reading Winning Arguments, a novel written by Jay Heinrichs. The book is focused on how to map your ideas and form a strong presentation structure. Add a dose of clever rhetoric to the equation and you will become a true maker of winning arguments.
10. Bleak House by Charles Dickens
We decided to end the list with a genuine fiction book, but rest assured Charles Dickens isn’t going to disappoint anyone! Dickens is a genius storyteller and Bleak House will show you why. The book features a court case and everything else that surrounds it, but we don’t want to spoil the fun – read the book and you’ll realize what makes it so good.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a successful lawyer is a challenging and time-consuming process, particularly because it requires a lot of experience and theoretical knowledge. Luckily enough, you can learn many lessons beforehand simply by reading books coming from renowned professors and legal practitioners. In this post, we shared with you the list of the 10 most useful books for budding lawyers. Do your best to read at least some of them as it will definitely help you to build your career more simply and conveniently.