Books to Read Before Law School

[@Learnlawbetter]

What other books do you recommend to future law students?

[@elliottclark6547]

Learn Law Better 1984 and animal farm

[@Learnlawbetter]

Both of these books were required reading for me in high school. Certainly books that every educated person should read.

[@stevenland9431]

Two Boys: Divided by Fortune, United by Tragedy

[@derekwilliamson5386]

Learn Law Better The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald has beautiful prose

[@anthonymalik9952]

I would recommend Thinking Like a Lawyer: A New Introduction to Legal Reasoning by Frederick Schauer. I'd also recommend carefully studying (not merely reading) a good textbook on basic critical thinking and reasoning.

[@emilylee7634]

1. Getting to Maybe by Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paul 2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 3. One by Scott Turow 4. The Bramble Bush by Karl N. Llewellyn 5. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White 6. Gideon's Trumpet by Anthony Lewis 7. A History of American Law by Lawrence M. Friedman 8. The paper Chase by Jay Osborn Jr. 9. Miracle at Philadelphia by Cathterine Drinker Bowen 10. Yankee from Olympus by Catherine Drinker Bowen

[@Pranijatimalsina1]

Thanku

[@maxjammer47]

Emily Lee rocks!!!!!

[@georgeramos3437]

Thank you Emily LEE!

[@wintersnow1766]

Thank you 😀

[@stanleytemai4833]

Thank you.

[@richien1677]

I’m 39 and just went back to collage . I don’t know why but all of a sudden I have a desire to go to law school. I can’t stop thinking about it.

[@itsme-pu8bf]

I'm 26. I got out of the army 3 years ago and thought I would be too old to do anything by the time I got my degree. Now I know that's foolish and I'm back in school. My goal is to practice family law and help with other dads trying to get custody of their children

[@poppyharloh2936]

Keep your dream alive - it’s a noble one.

[@garrymoss8021]

I'm 65 and just starting law school. It is my understanding that the average age for law students is about 42.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Nationally, at least in the US, the average is much lower-mid 20’s. But maybe 42 is the average at your law school?

[@jeffdamayanti]

Never to old, myself I am 36 years old and going back to school full time in 2 months, I have no previous degrees. I know with a little hard work and daily dedication, I will achieve this goal. I plan on going to law school after my undergraduate, but I’m putting most of my focus on my present circumstances.

[@sajinisenaratne7935]

@@jeffdamayanti That is very inspiring and courageous! I too am 26 and have no qualifications at the moment but just recently I started doing a degree in fashion and later once I have completed this degree I am thinking of doing an LLB degree( I will probably be in my early 30s) because I love to be a lawyer as well....thank you for the inspiration! I wish you the very best in life and your career!!! 🙏🙏🙏❤

[@doviefood]

Judges on Judging! It’s a collection of essays from Supreme Court justices, district court judges and appellate judges from conservative, liberal and moderate backgrounds. If you don’t read all of the essays it’s good to read a few to learn how judges think and why they have the views they do.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Great suggestion. Thank you.

[@stanmckay1236]

An excellent list but there is another book I would put at the very top of the list, really an article. In my first semester of law school I, by accident, ran into Oliver Wendel Holmes article, "The Path of the Law," The ideas in this article helped sweep away so much foggy thinking and helped in law school and throughout my career. I remember having the opportunity to talk to a state Supreme Court Justice in my first year. He asked me, "what is the law?" I began to stammer out something about a system of social norms, etc. more appropriate for a sociologist. He waved for me to stop and told me, "The law is whatever I say it is." Legal realism helps clear thinking. If you are interested, this article is easily googled. It is not really long. Read it slowly, carefully and thoughtfully.

[@JanelAcheampong]

Please how can I get it

[@stanmckay1236]

@@JanelAcheampong A Google search for “Holmes Path of the Law” should work.

[@alanahmonya6719]

These videos are BEYOND helpful for a perspective law student like myself.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thank you. Glad I can help.

[@queendoss8118]

Awesome information, thanks for sharing.

[@tylko_do_pracy1083]

I wish this channel was a thing before I went to law school, some great advice.

[@polinabel2788]

1.Getting to maybe - Jeremy Paul 2.TO KILL A Mockingbird - Harper Lee 3.One L - Scott Turow 4.The bramble bush - 5.The elements of style - William Stank 6.Gideon's Trumpet 7.A history of American Law - Friedman 8.The paper chase 9.Miracle at Philadelphia 10.Yankee from Olympus

[@JB-jh3pf]

"A Civil Action" is a very good nonfiction book written by Jonathan Harr. I highly recommend this book to read prior to law school start.

[@sufy3677]

Can you give more information about this book please?

[@Learnlawbetter]

I haven’t read it.

[@ivanristic5512]

apsolutely; a great book based on a true story

[@thakeshianthoney3509]

I read this book last month it’s actually a great masterpiece

[@claywright6649]

Just finished this book a few hours ago. Great read. Finished it in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down.

[@markkennedy5479]

For what it's worth, a friend of mine who became a successful lawyer was inspired to go to law school by reading Louis Nizer's My Life in Court. My own opinion, as a retired reverence librarian, is that if you want to brace yourself for the discipline and intellectual rigors of good, legitimately challenging law school courses, it wouldn't hurt to first try reading Husserl's Logical Investigations, or Randall Collins' The Sociology of Philosophies, and see how far you get. That will at least acquaint you with the level of tenacity that true thinking requires.

[@iammisscrystal]

Definitely "To kill a mockingbird" every pre-law student at my alma maters read this book. I would definitely recommend it and the movie. 👍

[@Learnlawbetter]

The movie is one of the best lawyer movies ever made.

[@Onmysheet]

Don't forget Better Call Saul. It probably perfectly depicts what the law system is like.

[@marsmurderer9868]

@@Onmysheet big probably, but I imagine it does a better job than shows like Law and Order

[@googleisgay471]

Tbh, I read this book at age 23 cause I didn’t care about school before. Holy crap. There’s so many life lessons put into the chapters and it’s beautifully explained

[@futurekillerful]

A history if American law was amazing and helped me develop a proper way or looking at law. Was already a fan of the author before seeing this video (read his intro to law book) and was glad when I saw this video realizing that the author was credible went on to read his history book

[@sreehariytb]

1.getting to maybe 2. To kill a mockingbird 3.one L by Scott 4 The bramble Bush by karl 5. The elements of style byvwilliam strunk 6. Gideon's Trumpet by Anthony 7. A history of American Law 8. The paper chase -by Jones 9. Miracle at Philadelphia 10. Yankee from olympus

[@Teller3448]

'Introduction to Jurisprudence' by Dennis Lloyd

[@shanny2down]

Can’t wait to start my journey and read all of these

[@edwardjames2655]

I would suggest the Law 101 book by Jay A. Feinman as it introduces several different law topics

[@ClearWayFamilyLawyers]

I really enjoyed the book 1L and the movie The Paper Chase. The book "The Firm" isn't about law school, but occurs pre-bar exam.

[@athomewithfrancsicio]

Yes both of those 👍🏼I'll look into the firm.

[@ricocori8108]

I wanted to be a lawyer and read all those books you have mentioned can't afford to do so thanks for your recommendation

[@Teller3448]

'Straight and Crooked Thinking' by psychologist Robert H. Thouless.

[@mykellayne]

Good list of books, I would like to check out Getting to Maybe, I'm reading Law 101 right now, out of the list you have To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite, Atticus Finch is one of the reasons I want to be a Lawyer, I can't wait for you to make new video, I would like to see a video of what you should to prepare for Law School, while you're in Highschool.

[@TanNguyen-xn6mp]

Read Montesquieu: The Spirit of the Laws

[@tristianculps699]

This channel is a godsend. Thank you!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Glad I can help.

[@junkduelist7171]

Thank you very much for this

[@danj338]

How do you reconcile recommending “Getting to Maybe” while advocating IRAC? The authors are pretty clearly opposed to using IRAC

[@forever_golfer1981]

As much as I’d like to be a lawyer, I can barely get my head around the LSAT much less law school.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Knowing one's limitations is important. Though I would suggest that you also learn more about what it means to be a lawyer as most people begin the journey without knowing much about what they are going to find at their destination.

[@Learnlawbetter]

One of my students took a course from him when he was still operating out of the basement in his home.

[@Cyrus0w]

Thanks for your insightful recommendations!!! 🎉❤😊

[@davidsoto4394]

I want to read getting to maybe and 1L.

[@harryhorton5415]

Probably the leading authority on karmic law from Eckankar, my top 5 books from that Far eastern philosophy: (1) Soul travelers of the Far country.- Sri Harold Klemp (2) the Tiger's Fang- Paul Twitchell (3) Keys to the Inner world --title was something like that -maybe secret worlds? can't remember.(4) Past lives, dreams and soul travel - Srii Harold Klemp (5) the Far Country - Paul Twitchell.

[@davidsoto4394]

You should do book reviews for the casebooks that students use in law school.

[@amansantosh767]

I recommend the Firm

[@bettina7478]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful interesting books to read for people who are starting in Law School. Thank you for your light ☺️

[@reginaldcharles1133]

Such a great video Professor...Thank you

[@arttoegemann]

Getting to Maybe, Fischl, Paul; To Kill a Mockingbird; One L, Turow; Bramble bush, Llewwllyn; The elements of style, Strunk, White; Gideons Trumpet, Lewis; A History of American Law, Friedman; The Paper Chase; Miracle at Philadelphia, Bowen; Yankee from Olympus, Bowen; Two by Bowen. I've read two, Mockingbird and One L; I like Turow in general. He writes psycological novels and he wrote a short book that ended capital punishment in Illinois. My state law library had a list of recommended books that included The Bible, Crime and Punishment, and The Karamatzov Brothers. I have read those too. Did you publish another list that included The Art of War? I recommend Walden II, by B.F. Skinner; The Politics of Experience, by R.D. Laing I have read Brian Stevens Just Mercy; Francis Wellman, The Lost Art of Cross Examination; Great American Trials, Knappman If we include television, I must add Boston Legal.

[@violenceislife1987]

i read the Louisiana Notary book

[@michaelbeamer1777]

Learning The Law, by Glanville Williams, although this is really aimed at UK law students.

[@RevelationMinistries114]

I recommend "The Federalist Papers ."

[@violenceislife1987]

seconded

[@jellybro-zl7xw]

Lol

[@EmmanuelGoldstein74]

John Grisham’s The Rain Maker, the book or the movie.

[@Learnlawbetter]

That was a great story--I love Grisham.

[@ECO473]

One L is an absolute classic!!!

[@gustavodominguesdemoraes151]

What about "The Apology of Socrates"?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Great book.

[@kkobejohnsonj]

Scalia's Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts

[@calmingtune9498]

You should look into Just Just Mercy by Stevenson Bryan

[@bupechiti6489]

Seen it, good movie.

[@AA-tb7jm]

@@bupechiti6489 movie was shit, the book was outstanding.

[@denielle4eva]

That book erased all doubts in my mind about going to law school, I’m starting in the fall!

[@ramsarnasingh1805]

Thank you so much for this books

[@treepocket2834]

Do you think, audible books offer the same benefit as physical books?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Great question. Just saw an article that tested this and found physical books resulted in better learning.

[@r.p.8906]

@@Learnlawbetter visual memory is a thing

[@pioneer3729]

What types of books do Law students read IN Law School?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The primary book used in law school is the “case book.” This is a book full of edited judicial cases, along with notes about a topic. A typical case book is about a thousand pages in length.

[@violenceislife1987]

Pioneer 37 thanks

[@violenceislife1987]

@@Learnlawbetter thank you!

[@ECO473]

I read One L for the first time seven years after I graduated from law school. If I'd read it prior to law school, I'm not sure I would have gone.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thankfully law school has changed a bit.

[@ECO473]

@@Learnlawbetter Yes sir!!! I had Perini-type teachers all through high school; that's why I eventually dropped out. A school cannot impose mental cruelty every day, call it academic instruction and expect students to succeed under such dystopian conditions. Law school was much more fun.

[@precillakamei127]

I am 19 years old i really want to become a lawyer please help me from where to start and which books must I prefer for my carrer???

[@Teller3448]

'Making your Case' by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

[@stegofuego1285]

Hey Mr. Baez, awesome video as always. So recently I changed some of my upcoming courses and picked up a few philosophy classes as you recommended and am trying out for speech and debate tomorrow. Would having a high gpa in political science with some philosophy classes seem good to law schools? I checked and apparently polisci is one of the most predominant majors in law school along with history English and criminal justice. Is there any extra advice worth giving? I’m highly interested in criminal law. Thanks

[@Learnlawbetter]

Law schools don’t care about your major-only GPA and LSAT. So make sure you take classes where you can earn A’s. One of my two B’s in college was in a philosophy course called symbolic logic. That is not the kind of philosophy course I would recommend.

[@frederickwalzer5555]

What do you think about philosophy of law books? I am reading Philosophy of Right by Hegel and Legal and Moral Obligation by Saint Thomas Aquinas.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I enjoy reading philosophy, and have spent the last few years exploring the writings of Aquinas. I didn't recommend a book, because you need to attain a certain level before certain authors make sense. But for the typical law student, who is just beginning to think about great ideas, I would recommend "Six Great Ideas" by Mortimer Adler. I'm generally not a fan of modern philosophy, which include Hegel, because it is almost always based on positivism. Or if you prefer, the might makes right approach. Compare that to Aquinas, who begins with the first precept that we should do good and avoid evil. His philosophy is rooted in the natural law.

[@frederickwalzer5555]

"Thank you for your quick reply to my question. The information was valuable to me." I will definitely read "Six great Ideas"

[@soniaakter1932]

Merci beaucoup 😊

[@cmuniyasamy4872]

Sir, I am willing to study law, and also I am selected in government law college, I want know the basic laws, what kind books should I read, please suggests some books sir

[@wshang5921]

The court and the world

[@forever_golfer1981]

Any John Grisham book

[@Learnlawbetter]

I hadn’t read one of his books in a few years and decided to read his latest: The Rooster Bar. Boy, was I disappointed. Every lawyer in the book was a crook and the ending was a bit unrealistic. But his earlier books are good.

[@manavsridharan3811]

His recent books are more commercialised. The older ones were more plot-oriented.

[@forever_golfer1981]

Learn Law Better I liked The Rainmaker and The Firm.

[@cevachanadona9171]

Where can you find hard copies of these books?

[@Learnlawbetter]

You should be able to get them on Amazon.

[@cevachanadona9171]

Okay

[@khatulistiwarimba]

I would recommend John Grisham series. There's many of em you can choose and all about fictional character of a lawyer in other branches of laws. Very interesting

[@dimadekhtiarov8874]

There is a book perhaps even literally called "Firm" It was an amazing book. It does not really reflect law environment, but would be really interesting for those who like detectives.

[@سارةالشهرياللهيحفظبلديوحكومتها]

Hi do you advise any books for LLM student? i am international student and i am little worried, thank you

[@Learnlawbetter]

English skills. The vast majority of LLM students who fail don’t have strong enough English skills to succeed. Specifically, US law school exams are timed and require students to write an essay. This is often too hard for many.

[@olivercooke1798]

Hi, hello, I’m in sixth grade nearing seventh and am doing anything and everything possible to prepare to be a personal injury lawyer. I know there is still a lot of time until I really need to make the decisions of bigger things but I’ve been looking through the internet for things to help prepare and haven’t found much. Do you have any like, beginners law books? Or anything of the sort you would recommend?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The Understanding Series by Carolina Academic Press is good. Maybe read Understanding Torts to give you a flavor of one area of law. But at your age, focus on reading great books to expand your mind.

[@kevincarter7633]

Do not read elements of style. Read steven pinker's style book

[@alaaalfadhel1938]

Hey, pls I am non-native speakers, a postgraduate student of law, your recommendation to improve my Legal English?pls

[@Learnlawbetter]

Read English magazines. The more you read, the better your overall English will become.

[@alaaalfadhel1938]

@@Learnlawbetter thank u I will, general magazine?!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Yes, maybe a news magazine like Time or Newsweek. Something with good writing.

[@alaaalfadhel1938]

@@Learnlawbetter, you are great, thank you too much,

[@stella_blu6291]

@@Learnlawbetter I was about to ask this question. I take English composition classes aside from my core classes. I get discourage because it makes my progress go slow but I think I is worth it. Thank you for your advises.

[@NobodyNN659]

What do you think about audio books instead of reading? Do you feel like you get the same knowledge by just listening audio book if you read it?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Studies I’ve seen indicate that reading is better than listening.

[@louellalanan8386]

Where do you buy these books?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Amazon

[@Abdulmalik773]

Plz can you give us books in international law ? Thanks

[@0ros]

Are these books also advisable for law students in other countries, sir?

[@LifeSavingDefense]

I have @ 280 law books I’m thinking of selling. Most are the ones behind you in your pic and the others are the blue Corpus Juris Secundum. Do you have an idea of their value in this age of computer?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Basically worthless. I got a thousand volumes for free, which I use as a backdrop. Also heard about people getting them for free, only to use as target practice.

[@hothotcold6306]

Ig I’m the only 11 year old who wanted to be a lawyer since the age of of 2 and I still do.

[@Learnlawbetter]

At this point, expand your mind by reading great books for your age. If you haven’t read it yet, The Hobbit by Tolkien is an excellent book.

[@hothotcold6306]

@@Learnlawbetter thank you for the tip I’ll be sure to read it when I have the time

[@blackrose3601]

Great vid!!!

[@Lamar7UpTownsell]

awesome video new subscriber here.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Glad I can help.

[@sharmakeabdullahi3159]

I read some of these books but when I can get number 7

[@stevensanders2761]

I've read two out of the ten books mentioned, I must add one similar to 1L it's called "law school confidential", by Robert h. Miller

[@christinacatalano]

What about “These Truths” by Jill Lepore? Granted it’s mostly for historic retelling, the narrative paints a picture that contradicts most of what Americans are taught or perceive about our country’s foundation. Being presented with facts that can sink one’s conditioned beliefs would be an asset (in my opinion) to training the mind to almost expect your own foundation to be rocked as a lawyer. And to keep your personal narratives out of it. Hope that all made sense?😂 Edit: sorry I’m 2-3 years late to this video haha.

[@tso4510]

Hi I am from India .can I read this book at India for law study in India ?

[@shariecebrewster5962]

I am there and get tip a about law

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

My daughter is in 6th grade and I was going to give her “The elements of style.” Is that age appropriate to start using that resource? Thank you for another great video!

[@Learnlawbetter]

It’s a fairly basic book, so it should be fine for her.

[@lesliemackenzie7448]

leonard peltier, jack r coler,

[@negbefla6956]

Read three: elements of style, to kill a mockingbird, miracle at Philadelphia

[@loganirambabu8721]

I am 9th class and i want to study law what books would you recommend

[@smolmichal8812]

The subtle art of not giving a fuck is a good book I feel like people who want to be lawyers stress to much it’s a good book for your mental health

[@FutureRCRIM1997]

Hellow good morning..CAn I read books even if I'm not law student or college degree??. I just want to learn ang practice my rights...☺️ Thank you

[@Learnlawbetter]

Yes! The law is for everyone. So read and learn more about the law.

[@utkarshajoshi3644]

good day

[@kotavibes1598]

Hii sir presently i m an mbbs student but i just want to know just for some additional knowledge in LAW on situation basis like .. What if this ......... happen what are the charges like what will happen situation Can u recommend something for me ... Plz 🙏🙏

[@GlamFameKen555]

Is it possible to balance a job as a teacher and go to law school? I

[@Learnlawbetter]

Not full time, but possibly in a part time program. If you are disciplined you can do it.

[@modene9920]

I’m 19 years old who has a dream to be a musician and a footballer however due to justice and human rights law I want it to stand no matter what happens in this world today I don’t believe in such dramatic changes in a way it harms the world. I want to go into litigation to protect people who have lost money huge money, also personal injury youth being attacked, not just that but criminals that injure people.

[@mdmasudrana9443]

For being a lawyer in future what's subjects should I have for my IGCSE exam? Cassidy Schwartz ZIVA 🏝️🎸🎻

[@liameneuk]

How about giving law professors some vocational training before teaching? Law isn't easy but it also isn't more difficult than other subjects. While professors from other disciplines are able to set exam questions in (relatively) more precise terms, law professors, despite their supposedly better language ability, almost always phrase their questions in vague terms (I know, these are the forks in the road they intentionally set...) Worse still, some professors like asking questions such as "X once said blahblahbalh" and then just state "Discuss." (and then in the exam reports, they blame students for not being able to directly answer the questions!) Again, law is not easy but neither are other subjects. When a client walks into a solicitors firm, s/he is not asking for a painstaking legal analysis from "ratio" of common law judges since, say, 300 years ago, all they need are just proper options. There are much better ways to test law students' legal concepts such as MCQs. Even subjects which require the highest intellectual ability such as Maths and Physics can test concepts by MCQs, why can't law do the same?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Some fair criticisms. There is no formal training for law professors, and little accountability for poor teaching. And at some law schools, great scholars who can’t teach are given small classes to teach-value scholarship over teaching.

[@fauzianezam246]

I want those pillows

[@taufiqinamdar2863]

Can Indian should read this books

[@Learnlawbetter]

These books are more for US law students.

[@melanasrin1751]

Knight Sahara book gallery halima

[@criminallaw9573]

Given the gross oversaturation of the job market for JD's that has been getting worse every year for the last two decades or so, perhaps reading the classified section and finding a job, instead of wasting a few hundred grand and three years of your life getting a worthless JD, would be wise. . .

[@kattetivikram1862]

How to enter the best law schools in europ and united states

[@Learnlawbetter]

In the United States you need a perfect or nearly perfect GPA. Next, you need a great LSAT score.

[@aerielletilloeucogco1833]

yay

[@dcenizuuuh]

💗💗💗

[@evanarroyo1384]

I’m 14 but wanna start of early. Because I was encouraged by myself, and my dad to go to the moon, no matter how difficult the task may seem. I do not only want to be a lawyer but a writer as well. I’ve noticed that I have a massive imagination that has too many ideas to put into only one book. I’ll get there one day!

[@davidsoto4394]

All of the comments and questions that I post on Learn Law Better,s Channel are not legal advice of any kind whatsoever, is not intended to be, was not intended to be, and is not, to be, and should not be interpreted as such. I am not a lawyer. I have never and would never claim to be one. Professor,

[@anthonywurst2548]

24 hours with 24 lawyers is a good recommendation for those considering a career in law.

[@master7ashesh]

What you think I should do to prepare for studying law as a 15 year old man?

[@davidsoto4394]

All of the comments and questions that I post on Learn Law Better,s Channel are not legal advice of any kind whatsoever, is not intended to be, was not intended to be, and is not, to be, and should not be interpreted as such. I am not a lawyer. I have never and would never claim to be one. Professor, would it be unlawful discrimination if a college student who had a disability who tried to apply or applied to medical school were to be denied admission to medical school only based on the fact that the student might not have the manual dextarity or physical strength to do tasks like CPR, intubations, or administering injections? I am asking because I guess that these are things that medical students learn about ,and I would imagine they might get tested during medical school, and I would imagine that medical students are expected to do these skills under the direction and supervision of their professors during medical school. Disclaimer number two: what is writen here is a legitiminte question. What is writen here is not medical advice of any kind whatsoever. It is not intended to be medical advice, was not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as medical advice of any kind. I am not a doctor. I have never and would never claim to be one.

[@bonbon3871]

🙏🏿

[@shariecebrewster5962]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤