What Law School Doesn't Teach You...But You Really Need to Know

I picked this up at the urging of my career services office, and I was not disappointed. Upbeat, friendly, straightforward, and accessible, the book is both helpful and encouraging. Some of the advice may not seem profound--most of us know to be nice to support staff and many of us know which water glass at a formal dinner is ours--but you are bound to learn a few new things. Considering how much is at stake, it probably isn't a bad idea to review even some of the basics either. I also think the book helped me secure my summer clerkship--especially the discussions of the economics of law firms and the insights into how hiring partners think.

I'm a starting 1L at Univ. of Houston Law this Fall and bought this book initially because the title got my attention. Boiled down, it's a refreshingly informal "How to" guide for summer internships and new associates. Some of the advice (e.g. on etiquette) might strike you as "Yeah, well of course...everyone knows that", but that doesn't mean we can't benefit from the occasional reminder! The bulk of the advice in the book though will be new information and most helpful in avoiding the common pitfalls...someone else has been there already and either done it very well or done it very badly - this book helps you benefit from their experiences.There's commentary throughout from practicing law firm recruiters, associates, partners, professors - seems that input is included from just about every facet of the legal world. The book is primarily of value (I think) for it's new associate centric advice (versus summer internship or while you're in law school). That being said, as a soon to be 1L it was definitely valuable to me to get a sense beforehand of how law firms do business (particularly before I even begin shopping for internships.I say buy it, it was definitely worth the time/cost, particularly because it's so easy to read.

If you plan on working for a major firm this summer, GET THIS BOOK! It was my guide for the summer. If you follow the instructions in this book, it will be like a senior partner telling you how to perform in the firm throughout the summer. It includes everything from; speaking, writing, dressing,eating, partying and dealing with every title in the firm. Good Luck.

Although I was very skeptical when I first bought this book, I was pleasantly surprised. I want to work in a law firm but was very disappointed with my first summer associate experience (and the outcome). I turned to this book to offer a fresh perspective and insight. I found it.In this present climate of law firm cut-backs and recession, law students need all the help they can get. This book is very informative and offers great tidbits to keep the summer associate on his/her toes. It offers great stories (some ridiculous and others sad), humor, and a easy to read style. It also presents a multitude of information about a young associate's life in the law firm. Most importantly (for a law student), the book gives the reader the inside scoop on what law firms want and how to best go about showing your best side at all times and to keep your eyes on the "prize" (a job offer).This book does not offer jobs and it is not a cure-all for personality problems or adverse attitudes. But it does offer the reader insight into what law firms want out of their summer associates and young associates. It also gives insight into the reality of work and play at a law firm.Listen, the book is not expensive - but it could be costly if you don't read it and want to work in a law firm. I have given the book to friends and they have all stated that they wished they had read it LAST year! I strongly encourage 1Ls, 2Ls, and (especially today) 3Ls to read this book and to take a fresh look at the way they handle themselves.

This is yet another in a long line of important contributions from this author. As a frequent commentator on the law business both on television and in print, I am often asked to read new pieces in this regard. While humour is a repeat touchstone in Ms. Walton's works, it is by no means an end in and of itself. This indispensable guide is replete with important (and conspicuously elusive) lessons for the aspiring attorney, which could have saved me (and thousands like me) a tremendous amount of time, energy, and ill humour. Quite simply a must read.