The Business of Being a Lawyer (Career Guides)

Based on the successful law school course, The Business of Being a Lawyer, this book is designed for use as a course book, as a supplement in ongoing related courses such as legal professions or law office practice, and as a resource for law school auxiliary programs such as Career Services, Student Support, and Financial Aid and Counseling.

This book addresses three topics essential in today’s legal education: (1) economic trends in the legal profession, (2) emotional intelligence issues relevant to the practice of law such as managing stress, maintaining balance, building resilience, and using one’s strengths, (3) personal financial planning basics. This book recognizes that lawyers of the future will be “free agents” throughout their careers, changing jobs multiple times, and constantly having to demonstrate the value they add. To be an effective free agent will require all three tools: an understanding of the economic topography of the legal profession, good EQ skills, and financial management savvy.

Incorporating legal scholarship on the economics of the legal profession, science from field of psychology, and financial planning made fun and engaging by following two hypothetical law students throughout their forty-year careers, this book includes case studies and specific advice. It is engaging, informative, practical and cutting edge. It is the first to bring these complex and interrelated topics together in one resource and relate them to the world facing today’s law students.