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Take Charge: The Skills That Drive Professional Success
If you're thinking of going to professional school or if you're already there or if you have a friend or relative considering it, then read on.
If you are early on in practice and want to shape your career and control it, then read on.
If you want to know more about what becoming a lawyer is all about, before you pay all that tuition, you must read on.
Do you want to become a successful lawyer, business manager or accountant?
What professional school teaches isn't enough. It's just the basics. If you want to move ahead, there are all kinds skills you need to learn that no one is teaching in an organized way.
How to interview so you'll get hired, choosing the workplace most suited to you, how to be effective in communicating with clients and superiors, the secrets of service you need to master, how to set up a career plan and so much more.
I've taken the secrets of my own success as a prominent entertainment attorney and law firm leader, and I've interviewed countless other professionals who've succeeded against all odds, to boil it down for you into an easy-to-read instructional book.
This isn't another "how to" book written by a consultant who's never done it. This is practical advice from someone who has sat on both sides of the interview table, hired thousands of professionals, just like you, and helped them flourish.
Whether you are in college or just starting your career, this book is a roadmap to turbo charge your career.
If you are early on in practice and want to shape your career and control it, then read on.
If you want to know more about what becoming a lawyer is all about, before you pay all that tuition, you must read on.
Do you want to become a successful lawyer, business manager or accountant?
What professional school teaches isn't enough. It's just the basics. If you want to move ahead, there are all kinds skills you need to learn that no one is teaching in an organized way.
How to interview so you'll get hired, choosing the workplace most suited to you, how to be effective in communicating with clients and superiors, the secrets of service you need to master, how to set up a career plan and so much more.
I've taken the secrets of my own success as a prominent entertainment attorney and law firm leader, and I've interviewed countless other professionals who've succeeded against all odds, to boil it down for you into an easy-to-read instructional book.
This isn't another "how to" book written by a consultant who's never done it. This is practical advice from someone who has sat on both sides of the interview table, hired thousands of professionals, just like you, and helped them flourish.
Whether you are in college or just starting your career, this book is a roadmap to turbo charge your career.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 17, 2021
‘Imagine and think’ – practical wisdom from a successful icon
Canadian author Norman Bacal stands tall as both an attorney and an entertainment world advisor. A graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Law he joined the prestigious law firm of Heenan Blaikie, founding the Toronto office and propelling that firm as the national co-managing partner to become Canada’s most visible and respected law firms. His expertise as a tax attorney aided the financial foundations of Canadian films and television as well as his becoming an advisor for Warner Bros, MGM and Lions Gate Entertainment. Fortunately for the reading public, Norman has retired from these endeavors and devotes his time to writing first his superb BREAKDOWN, his account of the rise and fall of a major Canadian law firm. Now he uses his experience and expertise in coping with the innards of a major law firm in transposing his gut level story from Canada to New York. In TAKE CHARGE, Bacal becomes an invaluable coach for achieving success in law careers.
One of the many reasons this book is so uniquely valuable and an imperative adjunct to becoming a successful lawyer is Bacal’s down to earth manner of writing and teaching. His words flow smoothly, supported by his own career development stages, and his insights are remarkably strong and practical. ‘In this book I’ve tried to distil the lessons I and other legal professional learned along the way. They come from east and west, represent diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and have been on their own unique career paths. Each of them, me included, began as that unformed lump of clay, waiting to be moulded by experience, mentors, and trial and error. We appreciated the value of our law school education, but we each discovered, in our own way, the secrets that shaped our careers.’ ‘
With that level of honesty and clarity Bacal walks the reader through the aspects of achieving success with candor and realistic advice – such as “Clients who return to you time after time care about one thing only: quality service that delivers results.’ ’It’s not about how hard you work or how smart you are, it’s about how the client perceives your service. It’s about managing expectations.’ ‘When you’re taking oral instruction, either take notes in the meeting or, shortly afterward make a not of what you’ve been asked to look at. In either case, jot off a short memo to the person who commissioned the work, confirming your task.’ ’Do more than what’s expected.’ ‘Expand client base. Build on expertise. Market expertise to gain more clients. Develop expertise.’ ‘The combination of service and sales will make you remarkable,’ ‘Understand who you are, what you want, and what makes you tick so you can explain it in sixty seconds.’ ‘The three Cs: confidence, clarity, crispness...’
These are but a few of the light-igniting ideas and imperative qualities Bacal conveys in this exceptionally valuable book. Along with the qualities to develop he offers guidance in basic skills for expanding the practice, dealing with client visits during the pandemic, and many practical notes on creating a practice that thrives. ‘The easiest way to grow your practice is to help your clients grow.’ Case studies provide substantive support for his ideas, but in the end it is Bacal’s readily accessible information shared that makes this a stand out guide. Very highly recommended.
Canadian author Norman Bacal stands tall as both an attorney and an entertainment world advisor. A graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Law he joined the prestigious law firm of Heenan Blaikie, founding the Toronto office and propelling that firm as the national co-managing partner to become Canada’s most visible and respected law firms. His expertise as a tax attorney aided the financial foundations of Canadian films and television as well as his becoming an advisor for Warner Bros, MGM and Lions Gate Entertainment. Fortunately for the reading public, Norman has retired from these endeavors and devotes his time to writing first his superb BREAKDOWN, his account of the rise and fall of a major Canadian law firm. Now he uses his experience and expertise in coping with the innards of a major law firm in transposing his gut level story from Canada to New York. In TAKE CHARGE, Bacal becomes an invaluable coach for achieving success in law careers.
One of the many reasons this book is so uniquely valuable and an imperative adjunct to becoming a successful lawyer is Bacal’s down to earth manner of writing and teaching. His words flow smoothly, supported by his own career development stages, and his insights are remarkably strong and practical. ‘In this book I’ve tried to distil the lessons I and other legal professional learned along the way. They come from east and west, represent diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and have been on their own unique career paths. Each of them, me included, began as that unformed lump of clay, waiting to be moulded by experience, mentors, and trial and error. We appreciated the value of our law school education, but we each discovered, in our own way, the secrets that shaped our careers.’ ‘
With that level of honesty and clarity Bacal walks the reader through the aspects of achieving success with candor and realistic advice – such as “Clients who return to you time after time care about one thing only: quality service that delivers results.’ ’It’s not about how hard you work or how smart you are, it’s about how the client perceives your service. It’s about managing expectations.’ ‘When you’re taking oral instruction, either take notes in the meeting or, shortly afterward make a not of what you’ve been asked to look at. In either case, jot off a short memo to the person who commissioned the work, confirming your task.’ ’Do more than what’s expected.’ ‘Expand client base. Build on expertise. Market expertise to gain more clients. Develop expertise.’ ‘The combination of service and sales will make you remarkable,’ ‘Understand who you are, what you want, and what makes you tick so you can explain it in sixty seconds.’ ‘The three Cs: confidence, clarity, crispness...’
These are but a few of the light-igniting ideas and imperative qualities Bacal conveys in this exceptionally valuable book. Along with the qualities to develop he offers guidance in basic skills for expanding the practice, dealing with client visits during the pandemic, and many practical notes on creating a practice that thrives. ‘The easiest way to grow your practice is to help your clients grow.’ Case studies provide substantive support for his ideas, but in the end it is Bacal’s readily accessible information shared that makes this a stand out guide. Very highly recommended.
February 18, 2021
*Received through Goodreads Giveaway*
Norman Bacal has some great advice for future or current lawyers. If I was interested in the law profession I would take more of this book seriously and have more to review here.
I was able to gather some useful thoughts on developing my professional career, especially as it works to managing client expectations. There were some chapters I found myself nodding along the entire time. Others, irrelevant to any of my interests.
Probably a good book for any newly minted or aspirational lawyer in your life. Not as universal a professional development book as I thought when I entered the giveaway. Overall, probably just not the book for me and that’s ok.
Norman Bacal has some great advice for future or current lawyers. If I was interested in the law profession I would take more of this book seriously and have more to review here.
I was able to gather some useful thoughts on developing my professional career, especially as it works to managing client expectations. There were some chapters I found myself nodding along the entire time. Others, irrelevant to any of my interests.
Probably a good book for any newly minted or aspirational lawyer in your life. Not as universal a professional development book as I thought when I entered the giveaway. Overall, probably just not the book for me and that’s ok.
March 26, 2021
"Take Charge", by Norman Bacal, is a powerful guide to getting the edge in the business world, whether it be a legal firm, a business, or accounting office. You may know the basics, but the basics aren't enough. If you're ready to take your skills to the next level, Bacal offers his expertise and experience as a top law partner and founder of a prestigious law firm. As a lead entertainment advisor and tax attorney, he has gathered his knowledge and funneled it into this book to propel professionals forward. Some of the skills include effective communication, service to others, building your individual career plan, knowing how to ace an interview, learning how to negotiate with clients and bosses, how to manage your business during a pandemic, involving the client, taking command of public speaking, and that's just for starters. To round out the book, he has included takeaways from interviews with many professionals who dared to persevere, and gives it all to you in a simple yet informative way. It's hard wading through all of the self-help and instructional books on the shelves today, and everyone makes themselves out to be a financial guru, but Bacal has the real-world experience to back it up, as he's been both interviewer and interviewee, and has helped employees and employers thrive.
This book is perfect for all stages of your career, be it college freshman or would-be professional preparing for your first interview. I like the layout of the information, starting with the fundamental information and skills you'll need to have regardless of where you work or the career path you choose. Finding the proper fit is a key concept in the book, and knowing yourself well enough to make the right choices. It isn't just about the money, according to Bacal, it's about being in service to others, and this isn't an idea you hear a lot when it comes to the business sector or legal world. I like his emphasis on bettering your communication skills, both verbal and written. His sections on the psychology of success are particularly insightful and motivational. His individual approach can help almost anyone be a success, and not just in business--but in life too. Other topics he covers include inside information on networking, how firms work, knowing about working in-house, handling billing issues with clients, how to build clientele, how to smoothly switch careers, and how to overcome fear of failure, among others. His personal anecdotes and commonsense narrative create a personal relationship between author and reader, and you can't help but glean valuable information in each chapter. He's convincing when he tells you that you can rise from an insecure newcomer to a polished professional, just like he did. No one is born a success, it's something you yourself have to create, and this book gives you the tools and information you need. As the author says, it's never too late to learn. "Take Charge", by Norman Bacal, is the one book you'll want to read if you're seriously planning your career.
This book is perfect for all stages of your career, be it college freshman or would-be professional preparing for your first interview. I like the layout of the information, starting with the fundamental information and skills you'll need to have regardless of where you work or the career path you choose. Finding the proper fit is a key concept in the book, and knowing yourself well enough to make the right choices. It isn't just about the money, according to Bacal, it's about being in service to others, and this isn't an idea you hear a lot when it comes to the business sector or legal world. I like his emphasis on bettering your communication skills, both verbal and written. His sections on the psychology of success are particularly insightful and motivational. His individual approach can help almost anyone be a success, and not just in business--but in life too. Other topics he covers include inside information on networking, how firms work, knowing about working in-house, handling billing issues with clients, how to build clientele, how to smoothly switch careers, and how to overcome fear of failure, among others. His personal anecdotes and commonsense narrative create a personal relationship between author and reader, and you can't help but glean valuable information in each chapter. He's convincing when he tells you that you can rise from an insecure newcomer to a polished professional, just like he did. No one is born a success, it's something you yourself have to create, and this book gives you the tools and information you need. As the author says, it's never too late to learn. "Take Charge", by Norman Bacal, is the one book you'll want to read if you're seriously planning your career.
February 26, 2021
Take Charge of your professional future, today! A gold mine of insight from recognized and successful business leaders!
For years, Norman Bacal, founder of the Toronto law office Heenan Blaikie, was a leading entertainment attorney who represented and worked with studios such as Warner Brothers and MGM. Upon retirement from practice, he took up writing and is the author of the Globe and Mail bestselling memoir, Breakdown, as well as fiction novel Odell’s Fall and a soon to be released second novel, Ophelia.
Across the span of his career, Norman noticed a gap between what is taught in law school and academic institutions and the practical skills that actually make a difference in building toward and planning for a successful career. In Take Charge, Bacal draws lessons from his own career, as well as tips and philosophy from more than twenty other successful professionals to provide a guide that addresses this gap. “Learning how to manage your career is something that no one teaches in a comprehensive way,” he states. “Developing soft skills and having a strategic approach to your relationships are critical to your success.”
For Bacal, communication skills are essential. While a small percentage of people are natural born public speakers and communicators, most of us need practice to perfect this skill. Bacal shares his own struggles in this area, sources of inspiration, and how he practiced developing an engaging and natural speaking style. It’s also important to know oneself and have a good understanding of the psychological factors that can hold us back or that we can learn how to use advantageously to move forward.
I especially enjoyed Bacal’s idea of the “Perality Beast” and the balance involved in managing the differences between what a client perceives and the professional reality behind the scenes. Bacal pictures these factors combined into “Perality, the mythological two-headed-professional-slaying beast.” This great mental image helps the reader quickly and easily understand how the dual factors of perception and reality are a crucial component of success.
Bacal’s engaging and personal style never feels preachy or patronizing, but is motivating, encouraging, and refreshing. If you’re struggling with how to move forward in your career, regardless of whether you’re in business or almost any other field, this book is a strong reminder that “you can take charge of your future beginning right now,” and is full of realistic action steps that show how to do just that. Norman Bacal has written an essential manual for graduates, young professionals, and those who mentor them. Take Charge is a gold mine of insight, filled with treasure from the hard-won experiences of Bacal and other outstanding professionals. Highly recommend!
For years, Norman Bacal, founder of the Toronto law office Heenan Blaikie, was a leading entertainment attorney who represented and worked with studios such as Warner Brothers and MGM. Upon retirement from practice, he took up writing and is the author of the Globe and Mail bestselling memoir, Breakdown, as well as fiction novel Odell’s Fall and a soon to be released second novel, Ophelia.
Across the span of his career, Norman noticed a gap between what is taught in law school and academic institutions and the practical skills that actually make a difference in building toward and planning for a successful career. In Take Charge, Bacal draws lessons from his own career, as well as tips and philosophy from more than twenty other successful professionals to provide a guide that addresses this gap. “Learning how to manage your career is something that no one teaches in a comprehensive way,” he states. “Developing soft skills and having a strategic approach to your relationships are critical to your success.”
For Bacal, communication skills are essential. While a small percentage of people are natural born public speakers and communicators, most of us need practice to perfect this skill. Bacal shares his own struggles in this area, sources of inspiration, and how he practiced developing an engaging and natural speaking style. It’s also important to know oneself and have a good understanding of the psychological factors that can hold us back or that we can learn how to use advantageously to move forward.
I especially enjoyed Bacal’s idea of the “Perality Beast” and the balance involved in managing the differences between what a client perceives and the professional reality behind the scenes. Bacal pictures these factors combined into “Perality, the mythological two-headed-professional-slaying beast.” This great mental image helps the reader quickly and easily understand how the dual factors of perception and reality are a crucial component of success.
Bacal’s engaging and personal style never feels preachy or patronizing, but is motivating, encouraging, and refreshing. If you’re struggling with how to move forward in your career, regardless of whether you’re in business or almost any other field, this book is a strong reminder that “you can take charge of your future beginning right now,” and is full of realistic action steps that show how to do just that. Norman Bacal has written an essential manual for graduates, young professionals, and those who mentor them. Take Charge is a gold mine of insight, filled with treasure from the hard-won experiences of Bacal and other outstanding professionals. Highly recommend!
March 16, 2021
Nothing beats experience, and Norm Bacal, the author of this informative book certainly has plenty. During his career he was one of the leading entertainment lawyers in America. He is an entrepreneur, leader, and was the builder of a Canadian law firm success story, Heenan Blaikie, a firm which he led as managing partner for sixteen years.
Now retired, you, his readers can benefit from not only the wisdom he has gained through hundreds of legal and business transactions, but also the experience of over twenty other professionals who have contributed to the book, plus sample case studies, and links to podcasts.
From your application to a professional or business school, the myriad of choices available in size of business, and career paths, everything is covered. Questions like, should you work in-house for a corporation or business, or go into private practice? What are your long and short term goals? The author rises many questions, young and more mature lawyers may be, or should be asking themselves.
However, one thing is certain, whatever course you decide to take, there are two key elements which define the practice of law, and they are, service and sales. These are explained in detail, as are other important subjects, such as how to market yourself, make good impressions, learn writing and speaking skills, and master the four P’s, practice, process, patience, and perseverance.
“There’s no room for doubt if you need to succeed.” This quote says it all. The author, candidly gives insights into his own career, and in doing so explains that errors will happen, “The true test of a professional is not whether you never make a mistake—you most certainly will—but rather how you deal with the mistake once you discover it.” He emphasises the necessity to, and explains how you should provide the best service possible to your client, stressing the need to go that extra mile, and show you care about your client and their business.
In this insightful and thought-provoking book Norm Bacal empowers his readers. Although this is written from a law student and lawyer’s perspective, the wealth of information it contains is pertinent to anyone who really wants to succeed, and has the inner fire to achieve his, or her goals. Highly recommended!
Now retired, you, his readers can benefit from not only the wisdom he has gained through hundreds of legal and business transactions, but also the experience of over twenty other professionals who have contributed to the book, plus sample case studies, and links to podcasts.
From your application to a professional or business school, the myriad of choices available in size of business, and career paths, everything is covered. Questions like, should you work in-house for a corporation or business, or go into private practice? What are your long and short term goals? The author rises many questions, young and more mature lawyers may be, or should be asking themselves.
However, one thing is certain, whatever course you decide to take, there are two key elements which define the practice of law, and they are, service and sales. These are explained in detail, as are other important subjects, such as how to market yourself, make good impressions, learn writing and speaking skills, and master the four P’s, practice, process, patience, and perseverance.
“There’s no room for doubt if you need to succeed.” This quote says it all. The author, candidly gives insights into his own career, and in doing so explains that errors will happen, “The true test of a professional is not whether you never make a mistake—you most certainly will—but rather how you deal with the mistake once you discover it.” He emphasises the necessity to, and explains how you should provide the best service possible to your client, stressing the need to go that extra mile, and show you care about your client and their business.
In this insightful and thought-provoking book Norm Bacal empowers his readers. Although this is written from a law student and lawyer’s perspective, the wealth of information it contains is pertinent to anyone who really wants to succeed, and has the inner fire to achieve his, or her goals. Highly recommended!
March 15, 2021
Norman Bacal’s ability to take so much of what he has learned, as a successful Canadian attorney, and create an amazing self-book is worthy of high praise. Take Charge: The Skills That Drive Professional Success, while mainly about the world of lawyering, offer lots of advice that translates to other businesses and how to conduct one’s own personal life. Nuggets of universal truisms can be found on the first and last pages of a book I recommend to people of all ages.
One of the first sections concerning this business/personal duality is Bacal’s explanation of Perality, his word for Perception and Reality and how one must control both to be effective. Noting that “Perception always trumps reality,” he explains his Perality in doing a client’s work and then the client’s Perality in what they asked for and what they got. Perception and reality in one snapshot and this topic comes up throughout the book. In fact, Bacal introduces it as the “Perality Beast.”
Norman Bacal wants the reader to strive towards becoming a more effective lawyer, businessman or human being. I was reminded of my father’s friend who was a famous litigator and helped Peter Ueberroth organize the 1984 Summer Olympics. When writing about the process, Ueberroth praised Henry Steinman as one of his favorite kinds of attorneys “because he was a deal maker and not a deal breaker, like so many attorneys.” Bacal stresses this again and again throughout the book; don’t tell your client why they can’t do something but find and craft solutions for getting it done, then you will have no shortage of grateful customers.
Countless real-world examples, of his own and others, are spread throughout Take Charge and give real meaning to Bacal’s recipes for success. For lawyers this is a must read, especially the second half which is more concerned with the nuts and bolts of billing, time management, client communications, technology and more. He writes about how the current Covid crisis might change the way law firms and businesses operate as work from home gets more viable.
Get Take Charge and read it every few months to refresh your mind.
Brad Butler, Author of A World Flight Over Russia
One of the first sections concerning this business/personal duality is Bacal’s explanation of Perality, his word for Perception and Reality and how one must control both to be effective. Noting that “Perception always trumps reality,” he explains his Perality in doing a client’s work and then the client’s Perality in what they asked for and what they got. Perception and reality in one snapshot and this topic comes up throughout the book. In fact, Bacal introduces it as the “Perality Beast.”
Norman Bacal wants the reader to strive towards becoming a more effective lawyer, businessman or human being. I was reminded of my father’s friend who was a famous litigator and helped Peter Ueberroth organize the 1984 Summer Olympics. When writing about the process, Ueberroth praised Henry Steinman as one of his favorite kinds of attorneys “because he was a deal maker and not a deal breaker, like so many attorneys.” Bacal stresses this again and again throughout the book; don’t tell your client why they can’t do something but find and craft solutions for getting it done, then you will have no shortage of grateful customers.
Countless real-world examples, of his own and others, are spread throughout Take Charge and give real meaning to Bacal’s recipes for success. For lawyers this is a must read, especially the second half which is more concerned with the nuts and bolts of billing, time management, client communications, technology and more. He writes about how the current Covid crisis might change the way law firms and businesses operate as work from home gets more viable.
Get Take Charge and read it every few months to refresh your mind.
Brad Butler, Author of A World Flight Over Russia
April 4, 2021
Noted entertainment attorney Norm Bacal’s latest book is an indispensable and enlightening guide for anyone pursuing a career in the legal field or other professional career. This book attempts to fill in the blanks of what doesn’t get taught in law schools and gives the reader insight into all manner of professional practices. Using his own life experiences, along with interviews with others, Bacal guides the reader through every imaginable situation or challenge of professional life.
The Canadian author is a graduate of McGill University’s School of Law and founder of the Toronto office of the prestigious law firm Heenan Blaikie. In “Take Charge,” Bacal acts as a kind of coach for young aspiring lawyers, as well as others seeking practical wisdom in their individual endeavors. This book is extremely easy to read and tackles a myriad of situations that could arise in the course of a career.
Bacal begins this primer by stressing the importance of service and sales at all times. According to the author, nothing takes precedence over these two areas. He also looks at what he calls “practical survival,” which includes how to master job interviews and how to decide where to consider working. Next, he examines the various skills you must master, beginning with communication and public speaking. He also delves into many of the psychological issues that he says can hold a person back or propel them forward. The author’s experience working for a major law firm is next on the agenda as he describes what it’s like from the inside, including the billable hour and its impact on your life. He also covers areas that will impact the development of your career.
In his introduction, Bacal talks about how law school failed to prepare him for the practical realities of working at a law firm. This book successfully provides the missing information so that you’ll be prepared on day one of starting a new job. He notes that the learning process is a lifetime endeavor and this book is a great starting point.
The Canadian author is a graduate of McGill University’s School of Law and founder of the Toronto office of the prestigious law firm Heenan Blaikie. In “Take Charge,” Bacal acts as a kind of coach for young aspiring lawyers, as well as others seeking practical wisdom in their individual endeavors. This book is extremely easy to read and tackles a myriad of situations that could arise in the course of a career.
Bacal begins this primer by stressing the importance of service and sales at all times. According to the author, nothing takes precedence over these two areas. He also looks at what he calls “practical survival,” which includes how to master job interviews and how to decide where to consider working. Next, he examines the various skills you must master, beginning with communication and public speaking. He also delves into many of the psychological issues that he says can hold a person back or propel them forward. The author’s experience working for a major law firm is next on the agenda as he describes what it’s like from the inside, including the billable hour and its impact on your life. He also covers areas that will impact the development of your career.
In his introduction, Bacal talks about how law school failed to prepare him for the practical realities of working at a law firm. This book successfully provides the missing information so that you’ll be prepared on day one of starting a new job. He notes that the learning process is a lifetime endeavor and this book is a great starting point.
February 15, 2021
This is a long overdue guide for young professionals ; mostly for and about lawyers. Over the course of my career I have seen some great young professionals fail and other less talented lawyers succeed . Why is that ? This book helps to explain why and how you can have the best chance of being in the second group. The good news is that it's not just about working hard and not grumbling !
Clearly organized , plainly written and with page after page of solid practical advice is what makes this such an important book . There are many good real life examples and the author gets lots of help from many other successful professionals to help guide the reader . [Full true and plain disclosure including a bit from me for balance ] .
I highly recommend this book to anyone in law or even thinking about becoming a lawyer [it's not for everyone] . We all know the legal profession is changing rapidly in these COVID 19 times .Reading this small book however will be of great assistance in helping young lawyers safely through the start of their career journey .
Clearly organized , plainly written and with page after page of solid practical advice is what makes this such an important book . There are many good real life examples and the author gets lots of help from many other successful professionals to help guide the reader . [Full true and plain disclosure including a bit from me for balance ] .
I highly recommend this book to anyone in law or even thinking about becoming a lawyer [it's not for everyone] . We all know the legal profession is changing rapidly in these COVID 19 times .Reading this small book however will be of great assistance in helping young lawyers safely through the start of their career journey .
February 10, 2021
There is no doubt the best way to gain invaluable insight into what skills will really drive your success as a professional - at any stage of your career - would be to sit down and spend time with someone like Norm Bacal. The next best thing would be to read this book. It not only contains great insights hard earned through the myriad of Norm's experiences, and there are many. But, it offers them up with examples and comments from a breadth of others, bringing these insights to life from all aspects of a professional career and in an easily digestible manner. As to why you would want these insights. Well, the world is changing (even for professionals) and harnessing these skills is more critical to your success than ever. On top of this, not all these skills are obvious on the face of it. You'll enjoy the read and be better off for it.
February 8, 2021
This a really good book that provides practical advice on how people can take charge of their legal career. Rather than simply offering up general platitudes, this book provides real life examples of how others have found success in their legal careers and helps the reader understand how these learnings can applied to his or her career.
What is so special about the book is that it provides pearls of wisdom that can be used by all types of professionals at various stages of their career. This book also does a nice job in demonstrating that there are many paths towards success and more importantly highlights that what constitutes success differs amongst people and encourages people to follow their own path.
What is so special about the book is that it provides pearls of wisdom that can be used by all types of professionals at various stages of their career. This book also does a nice job in demonstrating that there are many paths towards success and more importantly highlights that what constitutes success differs amongst people and encourages people to follow their own path.
February 21, 2021
Fantastic. I went in expecting a useful source of guidance for my legal career (being a second year lawyer) and wow, was I surprised... almost the entire book touched on points relevant to me and my thoughts daily. From commentary on advice I’ve received in the past, from people mentioned whom I know of or have spoken with before and deep dives on important concepts like the billable hour and client relationships - it’s exactly what I needed.
Professionals, especially lawyers, owe it to themselves to read it.
Will be writing a post on my blog for this book.
Professionals, especially lawyers, owe it to themselves to read it.
Will be writing a post on my blog for this book.
February 9, 2021
Whether you are a law student planning out your career, a recent grad completing your articles, a junior lawyer starting your practice or a mid-level lawyer trying to make a mark in the legal industry, this book is a must have resource. The book is full of tips, advice and best practices that help answer many of the common questions raised throughout a lawyer's career. Mr. Bacal's experiences and his great writing style makes this an easy, but important read. I highly recommend this book!
Want to Read
February 16, 2021Great I won the giveaway, can't wait to start reading
March 13, 2021
Take Charge by Norman Bacal is an outstanding book for young professionals and particularly useful for young lawyers. I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2021
The book that teaches lawyers all they need to know to be excellent at the business of law. Take charge is now officially a mandatory read to all our law firm’s staff and future staff.
June 16, 2022
The book is very down to earth. Practical advice and a lot of insights from over 20 professionals.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews