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As a lawyer, staying informed and inspired is key to growing your career. This is where books become incredibly valuable.
Whether you’re looking for the best books for legal professionals, essential reads for sharpening your legal skills, or inspiring stories about justice, we think this list has you covered. These must-read books for lawyers include a mix of non-fiction and fiction to deepen your understanding of the law, enhance your professional knowledge, and offer a story to tell for every legal mind. Here’s VXT’s curated list of 15 non-fiction and 15 fiction books for lawyers.
Non-fiction books for lawyers
1. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Memoir
A compelling look at systemic injustices in the American legal system and the transformative power of mercy.
2. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin
Legal History
An exploration of the inner workings of the U.S. Supreme Court and the relationships between its justices.
3. A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr
Legal Case Study
A riveting account of a water contamination case that sheds light on environmental law and litigation challenges.
4. The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking About the Law by Ward Farnsworth
Legal Skills
A practical collection of tools for enhancing legal reasoning and analytical thinking.
5. Tomorrow’s Lawyers by Richard Susskind
Legal Innovation
Tomorrow’s Lawyers explores the future of legal services and the profession in a rapidly changing world.
Recommended by Sam Burrett on the File Notes Podcast.
6. Letters to a Young Lawyer by Alan Dershowitz
Professional Guidance
Letters to a Young Lawyer offers personal advice and reflections for young lawyers navigating their careers.
7. The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham
Legal Philosophy
A thoughtful exploration of the importance of the rule of law in maintaining a just society.
8. The Innocent Man by John Grisham
True Crime
A detailed account of a wrongful conviction that exposes flaws in the justice system.
9. Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner
Legal Skills
Practical guidance on effective advocacy and courtroom persuasion.
10. Ultimate Punishment by Scott Turow
Legal Ethics
Reflections on the moral and legal complexities of the death penalty.
11. Built to Sell by John Warrillow
Business Strategy
Essential for lawyers starting or building their law firms, this book focuses on creating a scalable and saleable business.
Recommended by Angus Grant on the File Notes Podcast.
12. The Client-Centered Law Firm by Jack Newton
Practice Management
A guide to transforming your legal practice by focusing on client satisfaction and modern technology.
Written by Jack Newton, CEO of Clio and guest on the File Notes Podcast.
13. Seven Figure Law Firm by Caralee Fontanele
Business Growth
Practical advice on building a profitable law firm while maintaining balance and clarity.
Written by Caralee Fontanele, CEO of Scalable Law and guest on the File Notes Podcast.
14. Tiger Tactics: Powerful Strategies for Winning Law Firms by Ryan McKeen (and others)
Business Strategy
Proven tactics and insights for lawyers seeking to grow and improve their law firms.
Written by Ryan McKeen, founder of Connecticut Trial Firm and guest on the File Notes Podcast.
15. Handbook of Legal Tech by Colin Levy
Legal Technology
An essential resource for understanding and leveraging technology to enhance your legal practice.
Written by Colin Levy, Director of Legal at Malbek and guest on the File Notes Podcast.
Like the sound of these books so far?
Then we think you’ll love the File Notes podcast. File Notes dives into the tools, strategies, and career stories of modern lawyers. From must-read book recommendations to expert advice on building a successful practice, we think it’s a go-to for insightful and actionable career focussed content.
Fiction books for lawyers
16. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Fiction
A timeless exploration of justice, morality, and prejudice in the American South.
17. The Trial by Franz Kafka
Fiction
A haunting narrative about bureaucracy, powerlessness, and the quest for justice.
18. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
Legal Thriller
Presumed Innocent follows a prosecutor accused of murder in this gripping courtroom drama.
19. A Time to Kill by John Grisham
Legal Thriller
A young lawyer defends a father accused of avenging his daughter’s assault, tackling themes of justice and race.
20. The Firm by John Grisham
Legal Thriller
A young attorney uncovers sinister secrets about his prestigious new law firm.
21. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Legal Thriller
A defense attorney operating out of his car navigates morally ambiguous cases.
22. Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver
Legal Thriller
Anatomy of a Murder is a courtroom drama that delves into the intricacies of a murder trial.
23. Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Fiction
A satirical critique of the British legal system centered around a never-ending court case.
24. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe
Fiction
A biting satire of greed, class, and the justice system in 1980s New York.
25. The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk
Fiction
A naval officer’s court-martial raises complex questions about authority and duty.
26. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Fiction
A tale of betrayal, justice, and revenge that examines the limits of morality.
27. Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Fiction
A dramatic retelling of the Scopes Monkey Trial that debates science, religion, and justice.
28. 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose
Fiction
An incredibly famous book. 12 Angry Men is a powerful examination of jury deliberations and the search for truth.
29. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
Legal Thriller
A law student uncovers a conspiracy tied to the Supreme Court.
30. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fiction
A philosophical exploration of crime, guilt, and redemption.
There you have it, 30 legal stories and lessons alike that offer a mix of practical advice, insights, and engaging narratives, making them perfect additions to any lawyer’s bookshelf.
They include essential legal books for professionals, best novels for lawyers, and must-reads for anyone in the legal field.
Got a book in mind that is worth reading? Let us know on our LinkedIn, either send us a DM, or tag us in your post!
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