Three Degrees of Law

by Harlan York

Three Degrees of Law has been acclaimed by professors nationally, not merely as a book for attorneys and law students. The concise guide focuses on how to be a happy and successful professional. Students will appreciate candid advice from highly regarded attorney Harlan York on how to determine if law practice is for them, and why law school has great value, even if they never "practice" law. Investment in legal education has lifelong benefit in a type of thought process. That training carries over to many fields, not just law. York - who Former World Chess Champ Garry Kasparov calls a "street fighter" - explains that contribution to law school is not merely financial. Devotion, particularly in one practice area, needs to occur. Many attorneys have jobs they hate, not due to external factors, but because of attitude. One of the biggest mistakes lawyers make is improperly measuring the bottom line. They calculate the short term. Law is a cross-country run. You climb mountains and fly downhill at breakneck speed. Great runners win, like Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Rono, who praises York. Also, Law Review does not always result in success. Enthusiasm is crucial while certain habits hurt advancement. Three Degrees of Law spells out secrets for success and enjoying law. York also details how women frequently become better attorneys than men while defeating sexism. As for the belief that a Juris Doctor predisposes one to working long days with little joy, York rejects this as myth. He explains how to find genuine passion for law. A vocational approach with concern for clients will allow you to build a career you love and will sustain you for life.

120 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Santorini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very positive outlook on the practice of law and what it means to be a lawyer. I found this to be so incredibly refreshing. Throughout most of my undergraduate career, I feel like I have heard a lot about how tough it is to make it as a lawyer in this economy, how tough law school, how the hours can be awful, and how tough work-life balance is. These are all valid points, but it seemed as if some would prefer it if they could convince everyone not to go to law school.

Harlan York does an excellent job of highlighting some of the benefits to a law degree and presenting ways to improve one’s approach to their practice. I found his anecdotes and suggestions to be insightful. He emphasizes truly caring for your clients and working hard in a way that emphasizes a love of the law, which is something I think I really needed to hear. As I go through law school and my career, I will definitely come back to this book for both inspiration and advice.