There are books that we have read and added back on the shelf without giving much thought, and then there are books that we have read and remembered for the rest of our lives.
You will hear a lot about how important it is to learn about your subject to prepare for the industry. However, how do you decide what to read?
It is difficult to know where to begin with the subject of Law because it is often known to be complex and inaccessible. For this reason, we have come up with a list of 7 books that we believe every aspiring lawyer should read.
We believe it is essential to make things easy and enjoyable when learning about a subject. Therefore, we have avoided dry, dense, and complicated texts.
This list will focus on books that we think will help you understand the law without making your head hurt. We hope that after you have read them all, you will get a better understanding of what the law entails.
So, let's get started with number one!
1. About Law – Tony Honoré
'About Law' is arguably the most fundamental legal introduction available. Tony Honoré is a well-known legal expert who has condensed his expertise into a simple and fascinating introduction to the law. He discusses a variety of topics, including the purpose of the law, how it works (in layman's terms), and a basic summary of the English legal system.
We recommend reading this book first, you should read it even if you skip the others on the list. This short essay talks about the fundamentals of law, in a way that explains everything that you must know.
2. Landmarks in the Law – Lord Denning
Lord Denning's Landmarks in the Law is a fascinating account of some of the most significant legal events in the English history. The importance of which can be explained, both legally and historically.
Another reason to suggest this book is the author's skill and reputation. Lord Denning was undoubtedly one of the most influential judges in history. His main goal was to make the law understandable to ordinary people, and he succeeded admirably. His judgments are unrivaled, but if you can't get your hands on them, this book will suffice.
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3. Letters to a Law student – Nicholas McBride
This is a collection of fictional 'letters' to students detailing what it is like to study law, as well as a fairly basic overview of the legal system.
The main focus is on teaching you how to study efficiently. McBride provides a wealth of practical guidance, ranging from general themes such as; how much work you should be doing in a particular case and how to take notes on a case.
Even though the student in this book is fictional, the letters are written to all prospective law students, making it ideal for a spot on this list.
4. Bleak House – Charles Dickens
Reading should be both enjoyable and beneficial, so here's a fiction book on the list!Dickens is widely regarded as one of the greatest storytellers of all time, with Bleak House frequently cited as his finest work. The plot centers around a court battle involving several wills, with most of the action taking place in Londo
n's legal districts. It is not just one of the most well-written books but it is especially relevant to law students because it elucidates the nature and tradition of the legal profession.
5. Landmark Judgements that changed India – Asok K Ganguly
If you're from India, this is a must-read book. ‘Landmark Judgements That Changed India’discusses many landmark judgments that have occurred in India throughout the years and how they have influenced the country's trajectory.
Every law student should study this book because it discusses various theories and principles that constitute the foundation of the book's judgments.
6. Before Memory Fades – Fali S Nariman
Fali S. Nariman was a well-known jurist and a prominent supreme court lawyer.
Narimandiscusses a wide range of critical topics, including the sanctity of the Indian Constitution and attempts to tamper with it, as stated in his profile. The author outlines steps to restore the legal profession's now-dwindling credibility, as well as his role in several high-profile cases that have had a significant impact on the country, particularly on legal interpretation, the relationship between the political class and the judiciary, as well as the cancer of corruption and how to combat it. This is without a doubt one of the best legal books you'll ever read.
7. Winning Arguments – Jay Heinrichs
In keeping with the advocacy theme, you might enjoy Jay Heinrichs' Winning Arguments. The book's theme requires minimal explanation, although it is especially relevant to law students. Much of your work as a student and as a lawyer will entail developing arguments that look to be correct (even if they aren't) to fairly represent all sides.
Heinrichs' book is full of practical advice on how to organize your thoughts and employ clever rhetorical techniques, as well as being light-hearted and exciting to read.
This list represents simply the tip of the iceberg. There is a plethora of additional excellent and thought-provoking books available to law students! Rest the Case believes learning never stops, so we’d suggest you keep reading and learning.
Also Read: 10 Tips to Help You Adopt a Learning Mindset
