Learn How to Lawyer

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Congratulations! You’ve graduated law school. You’ve passed the bar. Now it’s time to really learn what lawyering is about.

Law School teaches the law. Sophisticated Lawyer teaches lawyering.

If you haven’t already, join your relevant local bar associations (even if you are still in law school). If you don’t have a mentor, get one. Want to be a trial lawyer, go see other trial lawyers in action. Courtrooms are open to the public. Attend continuing legal educations. Make checklists. Read. Keep reading.

Here is a list of some must-read books for any attorney new or old.

1. McElhaney’s Trial Notebook

A clear, practicable and knowledgeable book for litigators in all legal arenas. Written by Jim McElhaney, a professor at Southern Methodist University, what began as a small journal column discussing trial techniques evolved into this best-selling legal book. Having read many procedure and evidence books, few explain it as well.

2. Sun Tzu’s, Art of War

An ancient Chines military general, strategist and tactician, Sun Tzu’s theories and strategies are put to print in this text that has been applied by business men and women, politicians, lawyers and beyond. In fact, you won’t be long on the job before you hear a lawyer quote this book.

3. Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover

Renowned voice on money and business, Dave Ramsey brings his proven and trusted money management plan to print, providing a step-by-step playbook on ensuring your money has a purpose.

4. Ric Edelman, The Truth About Money

Similar to Dave Ramsey, Ric Edelman is a leading voice in the financial world and gives us this popular book explaining everything from personal finance to investments to life insurance. This book and Dave Ramsey’s above will give you the tools to ensure your worries are focused on clients, not bills.

5. McCarthy’s Cross-Examination

A must have for any lawyer serious about litigating, specifically cross examination.

Get Your Mind Right

Sadly, the country’s overall suicide rate is on the rise and the legal profession’s rate is increasing faster than the general population. If you are feeling hopeless, withdrawn or overburden. If you feel as if you’ve had enough, you are not alone. I repeat, you are not alone!

Text “Home” to 741741 if you are feeling depressed, upset or just need to talk and you will find a crisis worker on the other line. #yourenotalone

To see if it did in fact work, I tried it myself.