Eleazer gives a realistic look inside law schools and courtrooms
581765
This is the best book written about law schools in a very long time. Eleazer's description of life in a law school, from faculty meetings, to student life, to administration is authentic and extremely enjoyable. The author calls on his experience in legal education and law practice to create a great story.

I. Richard Gershon, Professor of Law and Founding Dean, Charleston School of Law.
1374304
Jeremy Blachman delivers on the hype.  The book manages to play with the blog/email format without losing the plot and to create a delicate balance between a character you love hating and one you start to root for in the end.  The satire completely nails life at a big firm, summer associate programs, and the inner thoughts (tinged with appropriate sarcasm) of someone caught in the law world.  This book is the perfect gift for your friends in law school or law practice, and is pretty funny even if you have nothing to do with the law.
1639988
Good read; like watching behind the scenes trial.
4167605
The various characters were real and engaging. The sense of the nervousness a fledgling attorney would have in this courtroom situation was well-conveyed.
3058729
I really enjoy reading both legal thrillers and courtroom dramas (the latter being more about the trial and the mystery of what the verdict will be rather than characters in peril from a mystery bad guy).  Most of them are about the attorneys but this one was written by a judge with the protagonist being a judge.

As the author is a senior federal district court judge who has tried a death penalty case, he can add a lot of realistic detail to the story.  The decision to try murder cases in federal court in states with no death penalty has also been in the news lately with the announcement that the government will try the Boston Marathon bombing suspect in federal court in order to seek the death penalty.

The story in this book is about a drive-by shooting of a gang member that also kills a bystander who is a white lady volunteering at a neighborhood clinic -- and related to a member of the police department.  The one suspect who is arrested makes a plea deal to give up the shooter, who is rousted out of bed and arrested while his home is searched.

The judge in the case is not the "hanging judge" of the title -- he is a political appointee who appears to e a workman-like judge who cares about giving the accused a fair trial.  There are flash-backs to an early American murder trial (I'm not clear whether it is real history or created for the book) where prejudice against the Irish defendants resulted in an unfair conviction and hanging.

I enjoyed following the case from the early days, through the trial itself and wondering whether the defendant was  innocent or guilty and whether he would be convicted and given the death penalty or acquitted.

This book doesn't have the "flashiness" of some of the legal thrillers (it's definitely cut from a different cloth that your typical Grisham thriller) but is a solid and interesting book that I enjoyed reading.  I hope the author will write another book.
4440003
I found Law School confidential extremely interesting and compelling, but not really written for my demographic (non-trad); the metaphoric view of the law school process as a race or a ladder climbing contest with the prize "plum" job in a major city as the end point doesn't really fit with my personal goals. That said, there is a lot of useful strategy for any law student, and very detailed instructions of at least one way to do it. It seems to me that the industry has shifted a lot since this book was published (internet, outsourcing, slow-track positions in big firms for those who are willing to forgo the big bucks for a more reasonable schedule...) and I wonder how much longer this model Mr. Miller knows so well will continue to be relevant.
2760527
Embracing themes that are current in our society - immigration, student debt, and corporate malfeasance - this book traces the elaborate scheme devised by a wily group of 4th year law school students attending a less than prestigious institution in Washington, D.C.  They've racked up ruinous debts in a soft job market, with never a prospect of recovering; while the owners of the for-profit law schools are becoming staggeringly wealthy at their expense.  Everyone loves a story about the "little guy" overcoming the "villainous corporation"; and, if you can look beyond the means to the end, you'll be cheering for the brilliant scheme our three heroes devise and execute.  A fast and interesting read.
2229052
I am generally skeptical when it comes to reading legal thrillers, as many regurgitate a worn style masked with the guise of a new crime. This book decomposes this trend, in it the author, Grant Boshoff, uses a style founded on alternating between two plot lines, legal and life, that when paced as evenly as these are keep the reader focused, engaged, and curious.

To be fair about my rating this book is not perfect, as few truly are, but the flaws are not distracting. The plot is interesting and the transitions between the story of the copy and the original and the court room narrative are well timed. At the beginning of each chapter I would want to speed through to the next hoping to get back to where I left in the previous, and by the end I wouldn't want the current chapter to end.

Paired with relevant themes about modern values, morality, and political issues surrounding genetics the plot moved me and caused me to relook some of my own values in a way that is surprising to find in a pleasure reading novella. Ask yourself the question what would the me from eight year ago think of me now? Then you will understand why.
I received this product at a promotional price. My reviews reflect my personal experience.
131103
This book was recommended to me by a friend who recently graduated from law school. I had asked her about interesting reading material before my first year, and she felt that Turow's "One L" would be a good start for me. As soon as I picked up the book, I was captivated by the narrative and honest tone of Turow's account. Although the account itself is from the 70s, there is a timeless quality in Turow's writing that brings his law student experience to life. This novel is definitely worth reading, especially for those who are thinking about law school.
1786319
I enjoy history and expected a narrative of Americana about Lincoln; but this book is so much more.  In many ways, it is like being in that Springfield courtroom, especially since there is a transcript of witness testimony at a time when such were not procedurally required.  Great effort is made to describe what being a lawyer in Illinois was like in 1859.  All of these details paint a vivid and exciting picture that I appreciated.  This was not an easy case for Lincoln and his legal staff - professionally or personally.  The reader becomes well aware of the challenges from the beginning.  The explanations are direct and concise, adding to the building drama throughout.  It takes an accomplished legal reporter to make this as timely and vivid as if it were happening today.  It is a thoroughly enjoyable read up to the last page.  Lincoln's honesty, integrity, and respect for the rule of law shine through and provide a crystal clear contrast with what we experience today from our lawyers and those charged with carrying out our Constitutional mandates.  Dan Abrams has done a remarkable job!!
3593652
I was not sure of what to expect in this novel about a victim who learned that the legal system enforces a rule of laws, not justice.  The detail into the workings of the legal system. The system is broken and unfair ( Fair and Just are not the same as legal). Her book reminded me of many of John Grisham's works - but Liz's characters were more dimensional and likable.  Great detail into the back office view of the working of the legal department worthy of a TV Movie. Working through the case with the lawyer gave real insight in an interesting manner.
  As someone who has also had trauma in their life, I can say from experience that Liz Lazarus does a brilliant job of conveying the struggle of the return to normalcy with the periodic flashes of terror that convince you that you are losing your mind.  A bump makes your heart race, a shadow leaves you cringing and all the time you wonder am I justified in my reaction or crazy.  The trips to the therapist gave nice insights that fizzled out later in the story - lost a nice textural element  - especially liked the notes of the therapist being presented as handwritten on a notepad.
  The story is rich with suspects - even her husband is a candidate at one point. Begins to show some of the strain that can happen in a relationship after a traumatic event - I would have liked to see that developed a little more. The strain and recovery is a multi- year to a lifetime process. I am glad she wrote Free of Malice as part of her recovery. Anyone in an abusive relationship, who has gone through trauma,or is in a relationship with someone who had will find this well worth reading.

I was given a copy of the book by Liz Lazarus at a Sister's in Crime seminar. I will be recommending it to friends as I am recommending it to Amazon readers now.  Book is trade paper size with some printed illustrations inside and more than worth the price.
2841850
David Hoffman was a friend and classmate of mine at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and I have, in recent years, been his client in connection with some trademark matters.  So, let me begin with an assessment of the author before I get to the book.  David is whip-smart -- a real professional with marvelous insights into intellectual property law.  I not only have worked with him on my own trademark matters, but have read some of his briefs in connection with his practice before the TTAB and before the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and as a former litigator myself I can attest that his skills as an IP litigator are top-notch.

This book is a nice treat, and a great way for the layman, particularly, to learn about the core principles of trademark law.  The theme of the examples, all drawn from real-life trademark cases, is wine: a market in which brand identity and the protection against conflicting and confusing marks is of critical importance because of the many people and many names in that market.  By teaching these core trademark principles through example rather than by a more conventional treatise-style approach, but without dumbing-down the content, it breathes life into the subject and makes it much easier for the individual who may be thinking about registering a mark, or thinking about how to protect that mark, to relate the law to the kinds of circumstances he may run up against.

And this kind of treatment -- well, not only is it more fun to read, but it's what the law really is about.  While anybody can teach you that the law is about rules, and disputed facts, and the application of those rules to those facts, it's easy for the teaching of law by explication of mere doctrine to result in a kind of understanding of law which is superficial, and liable to run up against difficult facts.  All cases, whether in trademark or in any other field, are about the facts, the parties, their conduct, their motives -- these details inform the law, rather than the law being a mere inflexible set of rules to be applied to these details.  The result is that these stories, taught and focused by a skilled practitioner of the IP arts, convey a kind of rich understanding of the topic that a short treatise would not, with the side benefit of being downright entertaining to read.
2021205
I actually attended the book launch at Loyola Law School and bought this book there.  I was somewhat intimidated since I am not an attorney and thought that I would be lost in a bunch of legal terms, or that the book would be so much like a textbook that I would be bored to tears. I was happily surprised. The author, who I heard speak that night (she is also a professor at Loyola), has managed to write a book that is engaging, thoughtful and also feeds the need for juicy gossip with lots of case studies. "The Right of Publicity: Privacy Reimagined for a Public World", not only examines the history of Privacy and Publicity laws, but explores the impact that our new technology and social media have in present day. Whether you post pictures of yourself or of your children, are noticing more public cameras and the influx of more facial recognition software or are a public figure (athlete or performer), this book is a MUST in knowing not only your rights, but how to protect yourselves and loved ones. Here is a little tidbit from her book that should intrigue you(or at least scare you) into reading it:
"Social media sites already have claimed rights over photos and people's names and likenesses in their ever-changing and rarely read terms of service that their users all purportedly agree to in exchanger for use the sites. The profound and long-standing damage is perhaps most apparent when children are involved - parents can assign their children's publicity rights to third parties and neither the children (once grown) nor the parents can reclaim them." - Jennifer Rothman," The Right of Publicity: Privacy Reimagined for a Public World"
4909605
As a lover of books and movies that tell true stories, this book entertained me because it was real.

Based on years of everyday life in the courtroom, Amicus Curiae is a mix of shocking, funny, horrifying, anxiety-inducing, and inspiring. As a San Francisco Bay Area resident and attorney who has an interest but no courtroom experience in criminal law, the book provided a fascinating glimpse into the world I almost delved into after law school. Needless to say, if you are fan of the recent show The People v. OJ Simpson (I'm currently hooked) you will also enjoy this book. This is especially true for other Bay Area residents.

As with any true courtroom memoir, you may find yourself wanting to install that new security system or calling your loved ones and urging them to stay cautious - there are many tales here that demonstrate how the truth is often crazier than fiction.

And that's why I like stories like this. Hard earned observations from the front lines based on years of experience. We shouldn't shy away from telling or reading these stories. If you dive in, you will learn, laugh, shake your head, chuckle, sigh and hug your loved ones a little closer. I highly recommend this book.
1126733
Lindsay Cameron has penned an engaging, insider tale of life in a big, prestigious law firm in New York.  The main character, Mackenzie Corbett, works long, deadening hours in an office environment doing due diligence, document review, and other legal chores.  Young professional readers can easily sympathize with Corbett -- and root for her -- as she navigates the turbulent waters of office politics and tries to maintain her composure in the presence of bullies.  There are tons of legal thrillers out there, but there are only a few that provide a realistic view of legal culture within a broader context of young professionals in a big city.  With Cameron's sketching ability, I easily pictured them trying to slip away for just a few minutes to grab a drink in a watering hole nearby to discuss their hectic day and their love lives.  I especially liked her detailed descriptions of the characters, especially the lawyers-behaving-badly types.  Of course, the book is sprinkled with references to legal pads, briefcases, the obligatory Christmas party, and summer associates.  But that is what readers expect and love -- I certainly did.  On a broader front, I think Cameron does a splendid job of portraying that struggle in every young professional's life, whether its law or some other occupation: the pursuit of status within your profession while trying to retain some semblance of a private life.  The money is great.  The status is satisfying.  But at what cost?
3914286
Judge Posner's "Reflections" is a readable and witty overview of the challenges facing the judiciary and legal profession in a time of increasingly complex cases.

Judge Posner invites lawyers and judges to tackle the increased complexity of the law in at least three ways.  First, he urges lawyers and judges to use pictures and simplify their briefs and opinions.  For example, he writes that "seeing a case makes it come alive to judges," yet "[l]awyers' lack of a visual sense . . . is a striking professional deformity.  I do not understand it.  Information can often be presented more efficiently in pictorial than verbal form."  He also tells lawyers and judges to use "coloring book" facts, such as stories or other background material (even if outside the record) to help the reader understand "the technological or commercial setting of a case."

Second, despite his reputation as a legal theorist, Judge Posner has practical tips to improve jury trials based on his experiences from serving as a trial judge.  Among other things, he advocates time limits on trials and recommends that judges use more frequently their power to appoint neutral experts.

Third, Judge Posner presents his "Posner model" of avoiding excessive reliance on junior lawyers or clerks preparing briefs and opinions.  He correctly observes that the growth of associates in law firms and law clerks in the federal courts has contributed to the unnecessary lengthening of briefs and opinions.  He goes as far as to present an opinion from a federal appeals court that takes up several pages of text and compares his version, which takes a little more than a page.  The difference is striking.

In short, Judge Posner's "Reflections" should help lawyers and judges to argue and rule more effectively and with more style and more professional satisfaction.  Hopefully, in the process, this will improve the public's confidence in the judicial system.
1522072
Law of the Jungle is a sobering look at how lawyers can be their own clients worst enemies when they try to win at any cost.  Barrett makes no bones about the fact that Chevron is morally, if not legally, responsible for causing massive damage in the jungles of Ecuador through years of poor oil drilling practices.  Barrett also doesnt spare Chevron for its bungling of the case, including its strategic decision to have the lawsuitoriginally filed in the U.S.transferred to Ecuador, where it was expected to be dismissed based on Ecuadors lax environmental laws.  But the book also shows how the plaintiffs' lawyers turned to "the dark side"--as one of them admitted in his diary--when they adopted an anything-goes mentality to fight back against Chevron.  The plaintiffs obtained a colossal $19 billion judgment in Ecuador that has now been declared worthless back in a U.S. court.  Last March, District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan found that the Ecuadorian judgment was tainted by fraud, coercion, and even bribery.  Barretts behind-the-scenes look at the lawsuit is by turns fascinating, disturbing, and comical.  (The team invited a documentary filmmaker to record its secret strategy meetings, including one with judicial officials.)  The book is a cautionary tale for lawyers tempted to cross ethical lines in pursuit of worthy causes.