Books for the Legal Minded

With 2023 approaching fast, I compiled this list of books, complete with short synopses, for anyone interested in law or learning more about the legal world. There’s a little something for every type of reader. Add one (or all!) to your reading list for the upcoming year!

Enjoy!

Kayla

*This post contains no affiliate links

• An Introduction to Legal Reasoning – Edward H. Levi

A classic text that examines legal reasoning in case law, statutes, and the constitution. This is a foundational text for lawyers, students, and the public when it comes to understanding the ways reasoning works within our justice system.

• The Bramble Bush – Karl N. Llewellyn

A leading publication that outlines the instrumental skills and provides expectations for law students entering their L1 year. With introductions ranging from how to prep for class, to the steps of a legal dispute, this is the perfect book for aspirational students.

• The Game Changing Attorney – Michael Mogill

Mogill, a marketing expert instructs attorneys on how to stand out from the crowd and connect on deeper levels with clients to create their own competitive legal business through actionable strategies.

• The Winning Brief – Bryan A. Gardner

Learn how to build concise works, filled with sound reasoning and an eloquent vocabulary with this guidebook to effective briefs and legal writing.

• The Elements of Style – William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Elevate writing and conversational skills with this book as it takes you through the foundations and elements of the English language to curate a better style of communication.

• Getting to Maybe – Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paul

Fischl and Paul teach students how to study well, argue for either side of a legal issue, and get through exams by eliminating doubt. This is an essential guide for law school success.

• How to be Sort of Happy in Law School – Kathryne M. Young

Young utilizes her own experiences with law school, along with extensive research, to teach students how to make their legal educations their own and change the norm of anxiety and depression for the next generation.

• One L – Scott Turow

Turow details all the ins and outs of his first year at Harvard law in this thrilling piece of writing. Worth the read for any student or graduate.

• Law School Confidential – Robert H. Miller

With advice from recent graduates across the nation, Miller compiles firsthand accounts into revealing and genuine advice for new law students.

• Women In law – Angela Han

This book examines 23 women attorneys, their path, and how they’ve created success on their own terms. A unique and inspiring collection for any woman as they pursue a legal career.

• Just Mercy – Bryan Stevenson

A truly harrowing tale detailing a miscarriage of justice, the desperate fight to free the accused, and the mercy that such a process requires. A true story turned best seller and major motion picture.

• Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster - Stephen L. Carter

This incredible true story uncovers the forgotten story of Eunice Carter, a black woman attorney in NYC during the 1930’s. This work uncovers how Mrs. Carter used her dedication and strategy to take down one of America’s most powerful mobsters, Lucky Luciano.

• The Lady in Gold – Anne-Marie O’Connor (TKK TOP PICK)

The Lady in Gold is a masterpiece by Anne-Marie O’Connor. During the Nazi occupation of Austria, a portrait of Viennese Jewish Socialite, Adele Bloch-Bauer, complete with real gold, was stolen by the Nazi’s and later became a national treasure of the nation. O’Connor tells the story of this incredible work, and the legal endeavors taken Adele’s last surviving relative and dedicated attorney E. Randol Schoenberg, to bring The Lady in Gold home. An incredible true tale of international justice – now a major motion picture.

• To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

A classic piece of legal themed literature. The narrative follows a young girl, observing her father, a lawyer, defend a black man who has been accused of a horrific crime, and their fight for justice.

• The Trial of Fallen Angels – James Kimmel Jr.

Set at the gates between life and death, this piece explores the often unconcsious connections of humanity through a complex story of survival, forgiveness and justice, even in face of horrific actions.

• Lawyer Life: An Adult Coloring Book – Papeterie Bleu

Just what it sounds like, an awesome coloring book full of legal themed sayings, statements, and drawings, perfect for coloring in any way.