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And... Just like That: Essays on a Life Before, During and After the Law
Forty-one years of a life in the law, and then, one day, no more law. Just like that.
Many people spend their lives exploring ways to leave their current employment. Did I always want to be an attorney? Once I became an attorney, was I satisfied with the law firm life? Heavens, no!
With humor and self-deprecation, poignancy and bite, this audiobook presents observations on my life before the law, my forty-one years in the law, and my life after I left. If you are considering a career pivot, you will find that these essays are both funny and on point; and you will experience a sense of community—you are not alone.
If you’re a law student or an attorney, if you know an attorney, if you live with an attorney, if you are friends with an attorney, if you are curious about attorneys, and if you hire attorneys, you will find this audiobook an entertaining story of how one attorney finally dreamed his way into his law afterlife.
Many people spend their lives exploring ways to leave their current employment. Did I always want to be an attorney? Once I became an attorney, was I satisfied with the law firm life? Heavens, no!
With humor and self-deprecation, poignancy and bite, this audiobook presents observations on my life before the law, my forty-one years in the law, and my life after I left. If you are considering a career pivot, you will find that these essays are both funny and on point; and you will experience a sense of community—you are not alone.
If you’re a law student or an attorney, if you know an attorney, if you live with an attorney, if you are friends with an attorney, if you are curious about attorneys, and if you hire attorneys, you will find this audiobook an entertaining story of how one attorney finally dreamed his way into his law afterlife.
Audible Audio
Published February 24, 2025
6 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Mark Shaiken
7 books35 followersMark lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver, Colorado. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for almost forty years before moving on in 2019 to write, volunteer, travel, and play music. He is the author of the following books in his award-winning 3J Legal Thriller Series, all set in Kansas City, with a backdrop of Jazz, BBQ and history: Cram Down, Unfair Discrimination, Automatic Stay, and Fresh Start. He is also the author of And . . Just Like That - essays on a life before, during, and after the law (a memoir of a not famous lawyer). Connect with Mark at http://markshaikenauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 13, 2025
After more than 30 years practicing law, author Mark Shaiken finally steps away. Reflecting on his career, gracing the pages of “And…Just Like That” is humor, knowledge, insight, and his own brand of survival. From PITs, PICs, and PRICs to interviews, secretaries, and the need for a dog, Shaiken shares all in his debut collection of essays.
Beginning with a hilarious FAQ, “And…Just Like That” takes readers from life before the law, law school, working in the industry, and finally the afterlife. Detailing wild stories from his own journey to law after unsuccessfully driving a forklift, to eventually taking the bar exam, many times, Shaiken has embraced his former career as he drives forward into his new chapter as an author. Included in this collection are his stint as an associate, in the cursed window office, to a midlife crisis, and the fragile balancing act of it all.
“And…Just Like That” is a brilliant collection of essays. Penned successfully by someone that has survived 30 years in law and emerged from the other side hilariously scathed. Through trial and error, moves and bar exams, teaching and music, Shaiken shares with readers the various exhibits of his life. Compiled before, during, and after, life behind the law desk, with a clean-shaven face and buttoned up attire, “And…Just Like That” is an enjoyable foray through Shaiken’s impressive career and life.
Told like the new friend Shaiken becomes after this intimate foray into his life, “And…Just Like That” is a whirlwind of reflection, the law profession, and self-deprecation.
Beginning with a hilarious FAQ, “And…Just Like That” takes readers from life before the law, law school, working in the industry, and finally the afterlife. Detailing wild stories from his own journey to law after unsuccessfully driving a forklift, to eventually taking the bar exam, many times, Shaiken has embraced his former career as he drives forward into his new chapter as an author. Included in this collection are his stint as an associate, in the cursed window office, to a midlife crisis, and the fragile balancing act of it all.
“And…Just Like That” is a brilliant collection of essays. Penned successfully by someone that has survived 30 years in law and emerged from the other side hilariously scathed. Through trial and error, moves and bar exams, teaching and music, Shaiken shares with readers the various exhibits of his life. Compiled before, during, and after, life behind the law desk, with a clean-shaven face and buttoned up attire, “And…Just Like That” is an enjoyable foray through Shaiken’s impressive career and life.
Told like the new friend Shaiken becomes after this intimate foray into his life, “And…Just Like That” is a whirlwind of reflection, the law profession, and self-deprecation.
August 18, 2024
A Hilarious, Eye-Opening Journey Through Big Firm Law
I’m not a lawyer, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Going in, I half-expected it to be like being stuck at a dinner party with an insurance salesman—dry and tedious. Instead, I found myself laughing out loud as Mark shared his rollercoaster of a journey through the world of Big Firm bankruptcy law.
Mark’s witty and candid storytelling pulled me right in. His ups and downs, doubts, and decisions really struck a chord, making me reflect on my own life choices. Whether you’re considering a career in law or just looking for a fun, worthwhile read, this book is a fantastic reality check to balance any romanticized notions you might have about the legal profession.
I’m not a lawyer, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Going in, I half-expected it to be like being stuck at a dinner party with an insurance salesman—dry and tedious. Instead, I found myself laughing out loud as Mark shared his rollercoaster of a journey through the world of Big Firm bankruptcy law.
Mark’s witty and candid storytelling pulled me right in. His ups and downs, doubts, and decisions really struck a chord, making me reflect on my own life choices. Whether you’re considering a career in law or just looking for a fun, worthwhile read, this book is a fantastic reality check to balance any romanticized notions you might have about the legal profession.
September 3, 2020
The “Eat Pray Love” for attorneys
This book is essentially a spiritual memoir from an attorney who practiced bankruptcy law in various “Biglaw” settings. I am the perfect audience for this book. Like the author, I am a retired attorney having practiced for 38 years (Family Law). I am a Baby Boomer (born in 1955). I am Jewish. And I have one child—a son.
Overall an enjoyable read. The book is very heartfelt.
A minor impressive point was the number of Bar Exams in different States that the writer took. Apparently, he took them at different stages through his career. And he passed them all. From one old lawyer’s perspective—that’s a heck of an achievement!
This book is essentially a spiritual memoir from an attorney who practiced bankruptcy law in various “Biglaw” settings. I am the perfect audience for this book. Like the author, I am a retired attorney having practiced for 38 years (Family Law). I am a Baby Boomer (born in 1955). I am Jewish. And I have one child—a son.
Overall an enjoyable read. The book is very heartfelt.
A minor impressive point was the number of Bar Exams in different States that the writer took. Apparently, he took them at different stages through his career. And he passed them all. From one old lawyer’s perspective—that’s a heck of an achievement!
January 30, 2023
Super great nonfiction book if you are interested in reading about the life and lessons learned of a lawyer! The only thing that threw me off was his contempt for his career. I am interested in going into law so it kind of freaked me out, but the ending left me with one of those warm, fuzzy feelings about life. pretty good book and I found it very helpful not only about the law career, but also about lessons that could be used in life.
May 6, 2023
I am the author
April 11, 2021
I thought it was going to be "dry" essays about practicing law. It is so much more! Imagine making it fun to read about the law.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews