Did you know that reading is one of the most important things to do if you want to be a successful lawyer? That’s right. As a legal professional, your daily operations will rely on deep analysis and comprehension, and reading will help build analytical skills as well as broaden your perspective.
Now, obviously, as a prospective law student, reading books is often the first step to build a foundation for your career. It can also help to explore how the legal principles you read about are applied in today’s real world, and if you want to see an example of how the legal profession helps people navigate civil justice, for example, you can check Public Interest Lawyers’ website, which specialize in helping individuals pursue compensation claims in case of medical negligence, data breach, and so on.
Going back to what you should read as a prospective law student, the truth is that it can be challenging to figure this out. But don’t worry; we’ve drawn up a list of the top 5 books that are a fantastic read. In our opinion, you should keep it interesting and simple when you’re starting to explore a specific subject, so we’ve tried as much as possible to not include convoluted and dry texts in this list. Many of the titles that we recommend below are fiction books, but they will give you a solid understanding of law. Let’s get started!
#1: About Law by Tony Honore
This deserves to be first on the list because it’s likely the most basic introduction to the legal industry you could get. The author is a well-renowned legal academic, and he has successfully condensed his knowledge into an introduction to the law that’s interesting and simple at the same time. He talks about different kinds of topics, like the purpose of law and how it works, and it even dives into the English legal system. Even if you don’t read anything else on this list, we recommend reading this one, because it’s short, and by the time you’ve finished reading it, you’ll already be equipped with lots of knowledge!
#2: Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Reading shouldn’t be just useful but also interesting, and this book is definitely one that checks all the boxes. Dickens was one of the greatest storytellers to ever exist in the world, and Bleak House is considered his very best work, with the story happening in the legal areas of London. Interestingly, Bleak House is a murder mystery book surprisingly, because it involves obvious murder, suspicious deaths, missing people, and so on. It’s a hydra of a story, with countless characters, lots of secrets, various plots, and at least two narrators (the protagonist, Esther Summerson, and a relatively omniscient and unnamed one). This book is truly one of the greatest ever written, and it’s relevant for Law students in particular because it offers an insight into the character and tradition of the profession itself. You should definitely make sure to add it to your list!
#3: Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride
This is a “letters” collection, addressed to a fictional student interested in studying Law, and it answers all sorts of questions that law students might have at some point, like whether they’ve got what it takes for this profession, and what they can do to get the best marks in exams, as well as what makes an argument effective. It’s considered to be an absolute gem for anyone who wants to start a law degree, as the author’s style is honest, personal, and reassuring, and what’s most notable is that he doesn’t try to sugarcoat the effort required to succeed in the industry. You’ll find all kinds of useful (and sensible) advice, including on general topics but also specific ones, so it’s truly an excellent read. Sure, the student referenced in the book might be entirely fiction, but the letters are written to prospective students, so you’ll really feel like the author is talking to you.
#4: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is another great fiction book, which addresses racism and society in 1930s America. Just like Bleak House, this book is a real classic, and it’s the main character who’s relevant to Law students – Atticus Finch- who’s a lawyer given the task to defend a man that everyone else just shuns. Finch is the representation of justice and equality, and the book serves as excellent inspiration for everyone wondering why the law matters, and why it’s so crucial to protect laws. If you want a masterpiece in professional ethics, the system of prejudices that can cause courtroom corruption and the importance of empathy, this is a must-read. It’s really great because it emphasizes avoiding quick judgements, and mirrors how a lawyer must approach judges, witnesses, and opposing counsel and avoid bias.
#5: The Firm by John Grisham
This is another great book for you if fiction is your cup of tea. This 1991 read has spent 44 weeks on the New York Times’ bestseller lists, so it definitely deserves your attention and time. It outlines the story of Mith McDeere, who starts to work for the law firm of the Mafia. That’s how what he saw as his dream job rapidly became his worst nightmare, and he discovers how challenging it is to escape the mafia world. It’s an engaging (and unusual) story about the principles of law, and it will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end, as you follow McDeere juggle the good and the bad sides of the law. It basically highlights the dilemmas that lawyers often face when they deal with corrupt environments, and highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and ethics rather than pursuing financial gains no matter the cost.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the best books for law students, and they are meant to train you to identify complex legal issues, build academic knowledge, and prepare yourself for the profession. Obviously, they won’t replace real-world experience in the legal field, but offer a great first step in building a strong foundation and equip you with the necessary skills. Plus, we all love a good book with a subject that interests us, don’t we?
