careers

I just finished my first year of law school, and let's just say that I'm having major doubts about whether law school is really for me (and I know I'm not alone here). I went into law school because I didn't really know what else to do with myself and lately I've been looking for books that might candidly address this issue (i.e. what to do when you've come to the realization that you don't want to practice law.) I hadn't found any until I read this one.

What really appealed to me about this book was that from the get-go the author doesn't assume that you're necessarily going to use your law degree to practice law. She points out all the other great uses of a law degree besides the traditional practice of law in a chapter about alternative legal careers and in other places throughout the book. Since my law school's career services office doesn't really cater to people who have a non-law firm inclincation, this book was really helpful in pointing me in a whole new direction!

This book is the only law school guidebook that's earned my 5 star rating. If you're looking for the most realistic information about what being a law student is all about, you need to look at this book. Each chapter impressed me because it didn't "sugar coat" the truth like many other law school guidebooks do. For instance, in one chapter about exam prep you'll find out why study groups have their pros and cons. In another, you'll learn that working on a law journal/ law review isn't all fun and games. And in the non-traditional careers chapter, you'll find out the benefits and drawbacks of an alternative career.
I found this book in my career services office but I'm going to get my own copy because it's a book I'll refer to in law school a lot.

I bought this book based on the previous reviewers' comments, so when I was disappointed, I figured I should give my two cents. While practical and straightforward, the advice in this book can be gleaned just as well by communication with admissions/financial aid/career placement offices at your law school. At least I find this to be the case with my school. For a more in depth treatment and advice you won't get from these sources, I would recommend Law School Confidential by Robert H. Miller instead of this book.