Ever wonder what information you need to do the best possible legal practice? There are a million books on business, law, and the business of law, so how do you know you’re reading the best books for lawyers?
A great place to start is to check out what your peers in the legal industry are reading.
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We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the 51 best books for lawyers based on recommendations from clio’s resident attorney, joshua lenon, and recommendations from the clio community. The list includes some old favorites, as well as exciting new picks you may not have heard of in the legal industry.
Continue reading for an overview of the 51 best books for lawyers. we have also included quotes from the legal professionals who recommended them. Happy reading!
best books for lawyers starting and running a law firm
1. The E-Myth Lawyer: Why Most Legal Practices Fail and What to Do About It
by: michael gerber
This is one of the best books for lawyers because it teaches you how to get your business up and running as quickly as possible, using the tools and strategies necessary for 21st century law firms. this was the most recommended legal book by our community of lawyers. this is what some of them said:
“it is the standard for business owners in terms of how to grow their business by working on it and not on it!” -berta b.
“is a great book that gets you thinking about how to make your practice relevant and forward thinking.” -alicia i.
“This book really highlights the importance of fully systematizing your practice.” – matthew t.
2. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Fail and What to Do About It
by: michael gerber
While the e-myth lawyer was popular, one attorney recommended a different book by michael gerber (the e-myth review) that focuses on the larger context of starting a small business, not just a law firm:
“This book really helps you understand the importance of compartmentalizing your duties as a business owner, like running the business itself versus doing the actual work that sells the business. it’s a staple…the electronic myth review, while aimed at business owners in general, is an easy read and relates well to attorneys anyway.” -jeremy n.
3. how to start & create a law firm
by: jay foonberg
This legal book, part of the American Bar Association’s Career Series, offers a guide to planning, launching, and growing a successful practice.
“Although some of the advice is outdated, others are critical. Your idea of keeping photos of your loved ones or things you really want (vacation home, sailboat, Paris vacation) on the wall behind potential clients is very effective. you can look at the potential client juxtaposed against loved ones or things they want while determining if the client resisting the quoted rate is more loved than their children, pets, spouse, cottage, etc.
makes you wonder if you’d rather spend unpaid time working on this person’s case or playing with their dog.” -jennifer s.
Want more tips on starting a law firm without breaking the bank? download our free guide, how to start your own law firm.
4. A lawyer’s and law firm’s guide to the business of law: planning and operating for survival and growth, third edition
by: edward survey
Do you want to know the basics of running a law firm in a clear and concise guide? Clio’s resident attorney, Joshua Lenon, recommends this ABA bestseller as a great starting point.
Whether you’re starting a legal practice from scratch or already have a practice and want to expand, this book contains the information you need to be successful.
5. alternative fees for litigants and their clients
by: patrick j. lamb
This book takes a look at how attorneys can implement and evaluate alternative non-hourly fee arrangements when working with clients.
Written by a trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience, this guide provides lessons, insights, and practical advice based on the author’s long-term experiment with alternative fee arrangements.
6. by choice alone: how to be the lawyer you always wanted to be
by: carolyn elephant
The heart wants what the heart wants. If you’re thinking of going it alone but are hesitant to take the big leap, read this book to gather your courage and do it the right way.
This book is intended for any lawyer who has ever wanted to start their own practice, but is worried about committing career suicide, stressed about setting up the office, and nervous about finding clients. He will learn best practices and hear stories from other attorneys who have had success starting their own practice.
Do you want to start your own practice? Here are 15 helpful ways to invest in your law firm’s future, based on some of our most popular clio blog posts.
7. marble and the sculptor: from law school to the practice of law
by: keith lee
Just out of law school and trying to figure out what your next step is? Lee’s The Marble and the Sculptor is one of the best books for lawyers who are new to the field. shares his advice in the form of a “clear and sensible path from law school to the bar.”
Tips include everything from what classes to take during law school to the importance of being able to write well and developing relationships with clients. This book is the go-to guide for all young lawyers, regardless of law school or area of practice.
Do you want to start your own law practice as a young independent lawyer? Here are some tips for being successful as a young solo practitioner.
8. intelligent collaboration: how professionals and their companies succeed by breaking down silos
by: heidi gardner
Your clients face increasingly complex problems. everything from regulatory compliance to data security. You can’t be the expert on everything, so your team should include a variety of multidisciplinary experts. this book offers advice on best practices for collaborating with other professionals
Heidi K. Gardner, a former McKinsey consultant and Harvard Business School professor, demonstrates that law firms earn higher margins, achieve greater client loyalty, and attract and retain top talent when specialists collaborate beyond the functional limits.
9. The Client-Centric Law Firm: How to Succeed in an Experience-Driven World
by: jack newton
covering the what, why and how to conduct a client-centric practice, with examples of law firms leading this revolution, as well as practical strategies for implementation, the client-centric law firm is a called to unite to unlock the huge amount of untapped demand in the legal market by providing customer-centric experiences, improving internal processes and elevating results. Although we may be a bit biased since Jack is the CEO of Clio, with the detailed implementation strategies included in this book, we promise you won’t regret adding it to your reading list of the best books for lawyers.
10. Law is a buyer’s market: build a law firm that puts the client first
by: jordan furlong
The Law is a Buyers Market covers how lawyers can respond to an increasingly competitive landscape with cost-effective solutions.
jordan furlong, leading strategic forecaster of the global legal market. explains how to create a law firm designed to succeed in this new buyer’s market, starting with being client-centric.
best books for lawyers on productivity and time management
11. first things first
by: stephen covey and roger merrill
Lawyers and other legal professionals are high achievers by nature, which sometimes wastes time spent on personal life. This ranks as one of the best books for lawyers because it gives you the tools to help you focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance.
“[read this book] to help figure out how to prioritize things correctly and to remind [yourself] that [your] client’s emergency may not really be an emergency.” -todd v.
12. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons for Personal Change
by: stephen covey
A business bestseller for over two decades, this book takes readers through a shift in perception regarding productivity, law firm time management, positive thinking, and more. . is a must-read for any business professional, including lawyers.
“Even though it’s older, I still use the principles to keep me on track. I would recommend The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to those who haven’t read it. if you read it some time ago, maybe you will read it again. staying in quadrant 2 is an important stress prevention technique that works.” -marc j.
Looking for a solution to help you stay organized on the go? Built for attorneys, Clio’s legal calendar software keeps you connected to your cases, clients, and work.
13. Brain Rules: 12 Principles to Survive and Thrive at Work, Home, and School
by: juan medina
Do you want to be more efficient in managing your practice? start with a view of how your brain works. dr Molecular Biologist John Medina explains how each brain is wired differently, why exercise improves cognition, and how sleep is powerfully linked to the ability to learn.
“It should be mandatory for everyone entering law school and it continues to be a boon to lawyers.” -john g.
14. who moved my cheese?: an amazing way to deal with change in your work and in your life
by: spencer johnson
If you’re looking for a big change like changing practice areas or starting your own law firm, this book can help you prepare.
“a very simple, yet wise little book, it literally changed the way I looked at my career and life… I know, you’ll probably roll your eyes, but when I left my big law firm after 16 years , and at 40, to start a new firm with a group of lawyers and co-workers, this book confirmed that I was making the right decision.two elements in particular: ‘what would you do if you weren’t afraid?’ and ‘if you don’t change, you can become extinct'”. -rhonda o.
Starting your own practice but need guidance on where to start? Check out our dedicated resource section on the clio website to learn how to start your own law firm.
15. dropping your bananas
by: daniel drubin
In the legal profession, you often run the risk of taking on too much. this book will remind you that sometimes less is more.
“a book on how to become more successful by getting rid of everything that is rotten in your life. Very short, easy to read and I think it’s a good “review” book to read from time to time. -heath m.
See Also: [Guide] The Settlers I History Edition
In the legal profession, burnout can overtake you faster than you think. We’ve put together a list of apps that will help prevent attorney burnout.
16. how to do more in less time: the complete guide to increase your productivity and improve your results
by: allison shields and daniel j siegel
Written specifically for busy lawyers, this law firm time management book helps you focus on the activities that matter most so you can be more productive.
“great tools to make your practice more efficient!” -alicia i.
best books for business lawyers
17. lean startup: how today’s entrepreneurs use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses
by: eric ries
Want to thrive in an ever-changing legal market? Start by reading this book. Inspired by lean manufacturing lessons, the author focuses on rapid scientific experimentation and various other counterintuitive practices to shorten product development cycles, measure progress without being distracted by vanity metrics, and meet customer demands.
“lean startup, by eric ries, should be mandatory for all of us. Whether we like it or not, we all operate startups, which RIES defines as human institutions that operate in times of extreme uncertainty. the legal market, and the future of our profession, makes lean startup tools critical.” -greg mclawsen, clio cloud conference 2016 speaker
18. unleash the warrior within you: develop the focus, discipline, confidence and courage you need to achieve unlimited goals
by: richard machowicz
another business book for those lawyers who are considering starting their own business.
“Starting and running a business is not an easy undertaking and I appreciated your thoughts on focus, concentration, goals and not accepting failure as an option.” -jodi w.
19. selling the invisible: a field guide to modern marketing
by: harry beckwith
At times, it can be difficult to communicate the value of your legal services to clients. selling the invisible can help, from start to finish.
“an easy read, and the author’s other books on service providers are well worth a look, too.” -jeremy n.
Whether you plan to bill by the hour, use flat rates, or have contingency arrangements, you need to know how much your time is worth. we’ve written a whole article on how to calculate your hourly rate.
20. purple cow: transform your business by being remarkable
by: seth godin
Do you want to stand out from the competition? purple cow is one of the best books for lawyers because it gives you the advice you need to get started.
“This book explores the importance of standing out in a sea of others selling the same thing as you. godin has written many other books on marketing (permission marketing, tribes, etc.), and you can find excellent takeaways from each one.” -jeremy n.
Do you want to learn more about marketing? check out the lawyer’s guide to marketing your business online
21. the generosity factor: discover the joy of giving your time, talent and treasure
by: ken blanchard and s. truett cathy
Building strong relationships with clients can go a long way in building a successful practice.
“great book anyone in a service industry should read to remember how to treat people, give back and succeed without being ugly.” -elizabeth t.
Loyal client relationships are key to building a successful law firm. To help you get there, we’ve put together a list of 8 tips to help you improve your attorney-client relationships.
22. hardball: how to play politics, told by someone who knows the game
by: chris matthews
Politics plays a role in all aspects of our lives, whether in business or in the world. hardball gives an idea of how it is played at its highest level.
“weaves together general political theory with anecdotes from the days of lbj about how people handle problems and advocate their causes to the general public. it is extremely helpful with respect to the politics of being a lawyer rather than the practice.” -walter d.
23. the go-giver: a little story about a powerful business idea
by: bob burg
If you’re eager to reach potential clients, this book is for you.
“This helped me understand customers better, be more patient, be a better referral partner, and be less wary or afraid of ‘selling’ or reaching people in general. people who have never been in sales tend to be very hesitant about communicating with people or don’t want to appear ‘pushy.'” -shreya l.
Whether you’re networking with fellow attorneys or attending non-legal networking events relevant to your practice area, here’s a list of the best legal networking tips to help you succeed.
24. zero to one: notes on startups, or how to build the future
by: peter thiel
If you want your company to stand out from the rest, it has to be different. this book shows you how to get started.
“a good read with practical thoughts on running/organizing a business. sometimes we forget that while we are a profession, we also run businesses, and we need to make sure we stay on top of things so we don’t become irrelevant.” -todd v.
25. how to win friends & influencing people
by: dale carnegie
One of the most innovative and timeless bestsellers of all time, this book will help you build relationships with clients, attorneys, and others in the legal community.
“has excellent basic principles about dealing with people and establishing business relationships”. -mike b.
26. brain: how to think like sherlock holmes
by: maria konnikova
Wouldn’t it be helpful to be able to think like Sherlock Holmes when examining the evidence? this book could help you get there.
“how to think like sherlock holmes” by the amazing maria konnikova is a must read on how our minds work and how our minds should work. She explores and elaborates a lot about what is in thinking, fast and slow by comparing ‘Watson’s brain’ and ‘Sherlock’s brain’. incredibly engaging author and very useful book.” -jordan c.
27. how to become a rainmaker: the rules for getting and keeping customers and clients
by: jeffrey j. fox
For lawyers who simply want to be the best, this book promises to “help readers outperform the competition in any business and in any field.”
“if we talk about professional books, I think being a rainmaker is extraordinary”. -barbara l.
28. selling is human: the surprising truth about moving others
by: daniel h. pink
As a lawyer, you may not think of sales as a major part of your job. However, a large part of any business is sales, including the business of running a law firm. This book offers an amazing look at the art and science of selling. pink outlines the six successors to the elevator pitch, the three rules for understanding another person’s perspective, and the five ways to position your message more clearly and persuasively.
“I would recommend almost everything you write.” -jeff m.
29. Profits First – Transform Your Business From A Cash-Eating Monster To A Money-Making Machine
by: mike michalowicz
Written by the founder of two multi-million dollar companies, this book turns the traditional profit formula on its head: it makes expenses dependent on sales and profits.
With dozens of case studies and practical, step-by-step advice, michalowicz demonstrates that by taking profits first and allocating only what’s left to expenses, you can transform your law firm so that it generates sustained profitability.
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30. what color is your parachute?: a practical manual for job seekers and career changers
by: richard n. balls
Thinking about changing your practice area? Read this timeless classic on choosing a career to help inform your decision.
In addition to providing tips on social media and search tactics, Bolles demystifies the entire job search process. this includes resumes, interviews, and networking.
31. the 4-hour work week: get away from 9 to 5, live anywhere and join the nouveaux riches
by: tim ferriss
Love the law, but want to put long days at the office behind you? This book may have some insights that, combined with the latest legal technology and insights into an ever-changing legal industry, could help you get the best of both worlds.
32. the checklist manifest: how to do it right
by: atul gawande
The Checklist Manifesto is a book written by a surgeon on the importance of checklists. It really fits the narrative of getting things done and delegating effectively for a professional.
Through storytelling, Gawande reveals what checklists can do, what they can’t do, and how they can lead to significant improvements in a variety of fields, from medicine and disaster recovery to careers and jobs. business.
33. traction: control your business
by: gino wickman
See Also: Exam Book Bundle 2022 – Certification Exam Bundle – AAPC
Starting a law firm is one thing, but setting up day-to-day processes is an entirely different challenge. This book takes you through the practical side of running a business and gives you the tools to implement systems that will help you succeed.
34. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t
by: jim collins
what makes or breaks a business? Jim Collins did extensive research to find out, studying a set of companies that achieved excellent results and maintained those results for at least 15 years. Their findings may be useful to those looking to grow their law firms.
35. start with why: how great leaders inspire everyone to take action
by: simon sinek
This book focuses on a fundamental question: why are some people and organizations more innovative, influential, and profitable than others? sinek delves into why companies can generate greater customer and employee loyalty than others.
“‘People don’t buy what you do. they buy why you do it. This is the most powerful sentence in that book for my business.” – michelle n. ogborne, ogborne law plc
36. the trusted advisor
by: david h. teacher, charles h. Green and Robert M. galford
This book proposes that the key to professional success is the ability to gain the trust of clients. The authors demonstrate the importance of trust through anecdotes, experiences, and case studies.
“I read this when I was a traveling software implementation consultant, but this book can (and maybe should) be read by anyone in a business role to learn how to better serve their customer base/group/team. because regardless of whether you’re a business owner or a secretary, each person has a customer base that they answer to or are trying to help.” – Margaret Cullen, Accounting Manager at Wood IP LLC
37. go back to work
by: jason fried and david heinemeier hansson
Instead of spending time planning, this book proposes that what you really need to do is stop talking and start working. you’ll learn how to be more productive, how to get exposure without breaking the bank, and other counterintuitive ideas that will inspire and provoke you.
“[This book is] essential for firm owners and lawyers seeking to become unique business owners and striving to create unique approaches to this long-standing profession.” – devika carr, owner, d. carr law
38. Producing Legal Work: Providing Legal Expertise at Scale (Aspen Casebook Series)
by: gabriel h. teninbaum
offering an interesting dialogue about the changing legal market and the role of production within it. this text also provides relevant discussion and examples of how the services developed fit into a changing legal workplace.
39. Legal data and information in practice: how data and the law interact
by: sarah a. sutherland
This book provides readers with an understanding of how to facilitate the acquisition, management, and use of legal data in organizations such as libraries, courts, governments, universities, and startups. making it a staple for lawyers everywhere.
best books for lawyers on mental health
40. The Anxious Lawyer: An 8-Week Guide to a Joyful and Fulfilling Legal Practice Through Mindfulness and Meditation
by: jeena cho
The legal profession is inherently stressful, but it doesn’t have to harm your health. The Anxious Lawyer offers a simple 8-week introductory program on meditation and mindfulness, created by lawyers for lawyers.
The program includes practical tools, including access to guided meditations and worksheets that allow the reader to track their progress.
Lawyers often work under a great deal of stress. Learn how to take care of your mental health while working at a law firm with this webinar on mindfulness and meditation for lawyers.
41. the buddha brain: the practical neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom
by: rick hanson and richard mendius
learn how your thoughts can change your brain. you will set yourself up for success in life and in your practice.
“being a lawyer is stressful and we must learn to balance our lives and be more positive and productive”. -dana j.
42. the power of positive thinking
by: dr. norman vicente peale
This book has been “written for the sole purpose of helping the reader achieve a happy, fulfilling, and worthwhile life.” With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life and the lives of your clients.
Depending on your area of practice, you are likely to help clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives. positive thinking can make a big difference. Read about how you can help in this book.
43. awaken the giant inside you
by: tony robbins
trying to motivate yourself, but need one more push? pick up this book, read it, and you’ll be ready to go.
“it will motivate you to change everything, your relationships, your work habits, your finances and your life.” -john s.
best classic books for lawyers
44. kill a mockingbird
by: harper lee
A list of the best books for lawyers would not be complete without this classic work of American literature. The book’s main character, Atticus Finch, has become a role model for many lawyers; There is even a monument in his honor at a courthouse in Monroeville, Alabama.
45. point made: how to write like the nation’s leading defenders
by: ross guberman
Want all your writing and movement to shine? The author of this book carefully analyzed the arguments of distinguished lawyers and distilled his findings into advice to help you write like them.
Each highlight chapter focuses on a specific challenge you might face during your client’s case. guberman provides a strategic roadmap, practical advice, and annotated examples of the successes of leading lawyers.
46. how to discuss & win every time: at home, at work, in court, everywhere, every day
by: garry spence
garry spence believes that everyone is capable of presenting the winning argument. as one of the most successful trial lawyers in the us. uu., it is worth following her advice.
This book is not about how to make a winning argument, provide the best evidence, or provide the best case. it’s about getting what you want by communicating effectively with others.
47. storytelling for lawyers
by: philip meyer
Good lawyers have the ability to tell compelling stories. no matter the complexities of the case, they can skillfully explain a chain of events to judges and juries so they understand. the best lawyers can also build narratives that have an emotional impact on their intended audiences.
Like the previous point, this book is full of advice on how to build a compelling narrative based on (sometimes) dry facts.
48. presenting your case: the art of persuading judges
by: antonin scalia and bryan a. barn
This book covers the essential elements of sound legal reasoning and discusses how to develop effective arguments, whether spoken or written. You’ll learn the basics of writing legal briefs and giving oral arguments, as well as presenting successful oral arguments in the courtroom.
49. 100 days before trial: a preparation and strategy guide for a family lawyer
by: steven nathan peskind
Learn how to start early and stay disciplined when it comes to trial preparation. In this book, Peskind offers an alternative to the mad dash model of trial preparation. instead, he focuses on how to start early, develop a plan, and maintain self-discipline to get the results you want.
best inspirational books for lawyers
50. Lawyers as Agents of Change: The Global Integrative Law Movement
by: j. Kim Wright
the integrative law has to do with a fundamental change in our vision of the world. This book helps the reader to think more broadly to imagine what might be possible. it is based on many disciplines, such as philosophy, science, psychology and spirituality.
“this offers great insights into all the powerful and creative ways that lawyers go out and really help people and society.” – nancy retsinas, nancy retsinas pc
51. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
by: bryan stevenson
Just Mercy is a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the most influential books of the decade by CNN. is an unforgettable coming-of-age tale of an idealistic and talented young lawyer.
“This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read and it shows how badly the scales of justice are tilted against those accused of crimes, especially in certain segments of society. I would recommend it to all attorneys, not just defense attorneys.” – erika mcfee, attorney, mcfee law office pc
best books for lawyers who like to write
52. eat, shoot & leaves: the zero tolerance approach to punctuation
by: lynne truss
a misplaced comma can make all the difference in a contract or argument. eat, shoot andamp; leaves makes a powerful case for understanding and applying proper punctuation.
53. the elements of the legal style
by: bryan a. barn
A legal-specific take on the style elements of strunk and white, this is one of the best books for lawyers because it covers everything lawyers need to know about word choice, grammar, mechanics, and more.
garner clearly explains the full range of what legal writers need to know: mechanics, word choice, structure, and rhetoric. he also highlights the special conventions legal writers must follow, including the use of headings, defined terms, citations, and many other devices.
We published this blog post in September 2017. Last update: .
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