The best inspirations come from books. Oftentimes, it is not the best books that bring us comfort and inspiration but those that we need at the moment – whether we are desperate, curious or lost. We read books because we want to get deeper into what happened to us or to understand something we have not experienced. Lawyers are not an exception. They need guidance and source of motivation in their practice. In fact, the best thing to get motivated as a lawyer is to read the stories of others. In this article, I am going to recommend 10 books 5 of which are fiction and 5 are self-motivation books. Read the one that your heart clicks most at the moment.
Fiction Books
The Trial by Franz Kafka
Kafka wrote The Trial in 1914 during the first months of World War 1. It is the story of a man who is arrested without having done anything wrong and continually persecuted and finally executed. Not only does it represent what injustice can do to individuals but also shows the fate of the victims of the legal and political injustice of the time.
Billy Budd by Herman Melville
This novel raises questions about the relationship between law and justice. It is a story of a sailor who fatally injures one of his shipmates. While the moral justice of the sailor is vividly shown in the novella, he still has to face a court-martial. This piece of writing raises the question of the conflict between the justice system and morality.
Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
The developments around this case which is a real-life case brought to a campaign which led to the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal in 1907. Quite an entertaining and educational piece of writing about how the justice system developed.
Njal’s Saga by Anon
The book displays how disputes can be settled by agreement and shows that awful things can happen in society if revenge is the guiding force. This book can be easily applied to modern times where revenge is a way to solve issues in many groups and communities.
Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy
This book is an excellent piece that gives thoughts about the effects of man-made laws. The main hero, a nobleman, comes to realize that there are much oppression and injustice in the golden aristocratic world and that the criminal justice system lacks fairness and humanity.
Self-motivation Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
As a lawyer, you need to develop habits that will guide you to a more successful path. This book will teach you to adapt to changes and take advantages of opportunities.
Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner
If you are an attorney, you must speak and write persuasively and this book teaches exactly that. While you might think that persuasion is an innate quality of a person, the fact is that a lot can be learned by reading. The authors write in an entertaining way which keeps you reading the book to the last page.
The E-Myth Attorney: Why Most Legal Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber
Want to know the common mistakes why legal practices don’t work? This is the book to read to build on existing experience. This is one of the most recommended books for lawyers. It tells you how to build your practice with forward thinking in the 21 century. It shows strategies that can make your work more systematized and coordinated.
First Things First by Stephen Covey and Roger Merrill
The book is about how to build a healthy work-life balance – something that lacks in the lives of many lawyers. Sometimes emergencies are really not emergencies. All you need to do is assign proper priorities to tasks.
How to Start & Build a Law Practice by Jay Foonberg
A pretty good source to get resourceful ideas and shape your business from planning to growing a successful practice.
This book provides practical advice and guidance for attorneys who are looking to start and build their own law practice. Jay Foonberg, an experienced attorney and consultant, shares valuable insights on various aspects of establishing and growing a successful legal practice.
One of the key highlights of this book is its comprehensive coverage of the business side of running a law firm. Foonberg emphasizes the importance of developing a business plan, setting financial goals, and implementing effective marketing strategies. He provides practical tips on attracting clients, managing finances, and building a strong professional network. Foonberg’s advice is based on his own experiences and success in the legal industry, making it highly relatable and applicable to aspiring and established attorneys alike.
“How to Start & Build a Law Practice” also delves into the essential skills required for running a successful law firm. Foonberg emphasizes the importance of client communication, time management, and effective delegation. He provides valuable insights into managing staff, handling client expectations, and maintaining a positive reputation in the legal community. Foonberg’s practical guidance helps attorneys develop a client-focused approach and create a supportive and efficient work environment.
Furthermore, this book addresses the challenges and obstacles that attorneys may encounter throughout their careers. Foonberg offers advice on dealing with difficult clients, managing stress, and maintaining work-life balance. He emphasizes the significance of self-care and personal well-being, encouraging attorneys to prioritize their mental and physical health. By incorporating these principles into their daily lives, attorneys can improve their overall job satisfaction and long-term success.
Practical advice for attorney books
In addition to practical advice, Foonberg includes inspiring anecdotes and success stories from prominent attorneys who have implemented his strategies. These real-life examples serve as motivation and encouragement for readers, highlighting the potential for growth and achievement in the legal profession. Foonberg’s engaging writing style keeps readers captivated and eager to learn more, making “How to Start & Build a Law Practice” an enjoyable and informative read.
Another noteworthy aspect of this book is its updated content and relevance to the modern legal landscape. Foonberg acknowledges the evolving nature of the legal industry, particularly with the advancements in technology and changing client expectations. He provides insights on leveraging technology, implementing efficient workflows, and adapting to the digital age. By embracing these changes and staying ahead of the curve, attorneys can position themselves for long-term success in a competitive market.
Overall, “How to Start & Build a Law Practice” by Jay Foonberg is an indispensable resource for attorneys at any stage of their careers. Whether you are a recent law school graduate venturing into solo practice or an experienced attorney looking to enhance your business acumen, this book offers practical advice, valuable insights, and a wealth of knowledge. By incorporating the strategies and principles outlined in this book, attorneys can build thriving law practices while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance.
