Essential Reads: A Law Student's Comprehensive Booklist
Navigating the complexities of law school requires more than just textbooks. Immersing oneself in a variety of legal literature can provide invaluable insights, sharpen analytical skills, and ignite a passion for the field. This article compiles a list of recommended books for law students, encompassing introductory guides, case studies, ethical explorations, and personal accounts, offering a well-rounded perspective on the world of law.
Introductory Texts
For those embarking on their legal journey, introductory texts offer a solid foundation in fundamental legal principles.
What About Law? by Catherine Barnard, Graham Virgo, and Janet O’Sullivan
Deemed "seminal" by one law student, "What About Law?" serves as a comprehensive introductory guide to the mandatory topics covered in a law degree. Each topic is illustrated with a case study, followed by a discussion of the underlying principles and their implications. This approach encourages analytical thinking and the application of legal principles to different factual scenarios. According to Jennifer, a final-year law student, it "begins with a captivating opening chapter, which really puts into sharp focus the relevance of law in aspects of everyday life." Lizzy, a third-year law student, notes that the book provides a "taster of a variety of subjects," with chapters on criminal and constitutional law being particularly interesting. Will, a first-year law student, adds that the book, written by Cambridge teaching staff, uses case examples to provide insight into various subjects studied during a law degree, "in the hope of helping the reader decide whether law is for them."
Learning the Law by Glanville Williams
Annabelle, a first-year law student, recommends "Learning the Law" as a "simple and interesting introduction to various areas of law."
Developing Analytical Skills
Law school demands a shift in thinking, requiring students to analyze cases, identify legal issues, and construct sound arguments. These books can help hone those skills.
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Deconstructing Legal Analysis: A 1L Primer by Peter T. Wendel
This book is helpful in breaking down the legal analysis required for constructing case briefs. It offers practice cases that test your ability to ascertain the core facts, issues, and rule statements. The book also recommends adding a "critique" section to your case brief, where you can add criticisms and analysis of the court’s opinion.
Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel
Jazreen, a second-year law student, suggests that this book "explores at great depth some of the most commonly debated philosophical and moral dilemmas such as affirmative action, utilitarianism and justice." It presents thought-provoking arguments for and against each topic, making it an excellent resource for "sharpening your thought processes!" A first-year law student agrees, noting that it "discusses ethical theories and morality, useful for developing reasoning."
Exploring Legal Practice
Understanding the practical application of law is crucial for aspiring lawyers. These books offer insights into the realities of the legal profession.
Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Histories: From Lady Chatterly’s Lover to Howard Marks by Thomas Grant
James, a second-year law student, describes this book as "partly dramatised" and reading "like a fictional novel," covering a broad range of exciting and (in)famous cases, including the trial of the spy George Blake, and the obscene publications trial of D.H. Lawrence’s ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. While this does not portray what it is like to study law, it draws out the drama of law in practice and demonstrates how the law can be shaped by political and sociological pressures.”
The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham
Guillermo, a first-year law student, recommends "The Rule of Law" as "a very accessible way of thinking of some of the fundamental issues surrounding law: when a law is fair, what we should expect from the legal system, what the law’s response to terrorism should be, etc." The book draws on cases decided by the author himself, making it "a very rewarding read both if one is thinking of studying law and when one has already spent some time studying the subject.”
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Five Ideas to Fight For by Anthony Lester
Jack, a second-year law student, describes this book as "a highly accessible and engaging exploration of the development of human rights in English law over the last 50 years." While not autobiographical, "the author draws upon his experience as barrister, a campaigner with Amnesty International, a special adviser to the Home Secretary and a member of the House of Lords to personalise and give colour to what is both a potted legal history and an argument for strong legal protections of human rights."
Understanding the Broader Context of Law
Law does not exist in a vacuum. These books explore the intersection of law with society, politics, and ethics.
Eve was Framed: Women and British Justice by Helena Kennedy
Steph, a third-year law student, recommends this book for its "stories that give insight into the way women are treated by Britain’s legal system."
The Hamlyn Lecture Series
Matthew, a third-year law student, suggests exploring "The Hamlyn Lecture series," a "long series of annual lectures given on topical issues of law (predominantly public law)." Given their nature as public lectures, they are "made to be very accessible (so no/little prior knowledge is required)," while effectively addressing "the policy concerns within specific areas of the law." Matthew recommends the whole series, but particularly John Laws’ ‘The Common Law Constitution’.
The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law by Albie Sachs
Micayla, a second-year law student, recommends this book, written by a South African judge who was an Apartheid activist and helped draft South Africa’s Constitution. "The book explores some of the complexities of post-Apartheid South Africa."
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“Whiteness as Property” by Cheryl Harris
Jessica, a first-year law student, recommends this article, which "examines how the notion of whiteness has taken property law characteristics throughout American history to systematically privilege whites and oppress blacks."
Personal Development and Well-being
Law school can be demanding, and it's important to prioritize personal well-being.
Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride
This book is "simply about learning law as a student in university." It is "very accessible and well-laid out."
1L of a Ride by Andrew J. McClurg
This book does a great job of demystifying law school and focusing on law school comprehensively, versus strictly the first year. It also discusses study strategy, how to give the best impression to professors and classmates, an explanation of your first-year classes, case briefing advice plus guidance in maintaining your physical and emotional health.
Juris Types: Learning Law Through Self-Understanding by Martha M. Peters and Don Peters
This book takes your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and then discusses your strengths and weaknesses as a law student and future attorney. It can be helpful for pointing out potential blind spots before starting law school.
Narrative Nonfiction
Narrative nonfiction has been shown to improve mental abilities and increase emotional intelligence. These books encompass works that are designed to stretch your legal education beyond your brain and into your heart.
One L by Scott Turow
“One L” is a memoir by Scott Turow detailing his experiences and emotions during his first year at Harvard Law School. Turow’s account sheds light on the challenging curriculum, Socratic instruction style and competitive atmosphere.
A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr
“A Civil Action” is a legal thriller that tells the true story of a complex water contamination lawsuit, Anderson v. Cryovac, in the 1980s. When leukemia becomes prevalent in Woburn, Massachusetts, affected families hire Jan Schlichtmann as their lawyer. This book offers a gripping narrative that brings to life the nuances of civil litigation, courtroom tactics and the legal process. Important ethical questions are raised, emphasizing the role of attorneys in pursuing justice and accountability. Harr focuses on the ramifications of legal decisions on people and communities.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
“Just Mercy” is a memoir by Bryan Stevenson about his life and career as a lawyer fighting for justice for disadvantaged clients such as Walter McMillian. In 1988, McMillian was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Ronda Morrison in Monroeville, Alabama. His conviction was based mainly on testimony from a police informant and three others coerced by police. The jury decided to give him a life sentence. Stevenson gives the reader a harsh, eye-opening look at flaws in the court system, especially when police and court officials lie, cheat and intimidate.
Reigniting the Passion
Reading for fun every once in a while can reignite the passion you once had for reading.
An autobiography of a famous attorney in your desired field
Pick someone you admire, and find out how they became so admirable.
A social justice issue book
Pick a topic that inspires you. Maybe you’re interested in the housing crisis, or education, or freedom of speech. Whatever it is, find a notable book in that area and dive in.
A legal scandal piece
Find a good balance between the two, and pick up a book on a legal scandal you want to know more about, whether it be the famous McDonald’s hot coffee case, Silicon Valley, Enron or the Trump White House.
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