Review by Library Journal Review
Levit (Curators' and Edward D. Ellison Professor of Law, Univ. of Missouri, Kansas City; The Gender Line) and Linder (Elmer N. Powell Peer Professor of Law, Univ. of Missouri, Kansas City), both former practicing attorneys, have used current psychological research and interviews with attorneys to construct a practical guide to lawyer happiness. Addressing the large number of attorneys who are dissatisfied with the profession, the authors start with survey data showing lawyer dissatisfaction, breaking it down by income, sex, race, and gender. The most unhappy attorneys were the former associates of Michelle Obama, mid-level females of color at the nation's top law firms. The book addresses via checklists what law students and current lawyers can do to make themselves happier. Turning to employers, the authors argue that happier lawyers are more productive. Perhaps the best chapter is titled "Lawyers' Stories," in which practicing attorneys in different specialties and parts of the country give advice on finding career satisfaction. The book concludes with parting remarks on reaching life happiness. Verdict Well researched, positive, and clearly written, this is an important book for the bar. Essential for lawyers and law students.-Harry Charles, Attorney at Law, St. Louis, MO (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
