Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly a Pre-Law Companion . . ., January 28, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Pre-Law Companion (Paperback)
If there is one thing I regret about Ronald Coleman's "Pre-Law Companion: What Law School Grads Wish They Knew Before They Started", it is that I didn't purchase it before making my decision to apply to law school. First, this book affords you, as the reader, a serious and applicable opportunity for introspection to assess whether you are really "right" for law school (and thus the legal profession) and whether law school is really "right" for you. In my view, this introspection is quite necessary and appropriate for any student considering the legal profession. After all, it would be just awful to invest three years of your life (and a whole lot of money) only to discover that you are not meant to be a lawyer. Second, this book offers very helpful and educational information regarding the various fields in law as well as the various roles lawyers play in our society. For example, if you are considering specializing in patent law, it is important to know that you should have a scientific background and interest. Finally, this book offers insightful information about the whole law school application process, which I found to be very instrumental and beneficial. It covers everything from choosing a law school to getting in. In addition, it offers invaluable advice about choosing a major (with respect to being pre-law), paying for law school, etc. Furthermore, it offers many alternatives to consider before applying to law schools (such as taking a couple of years off to work as a paralegal, etc.) which can only strengthen one's candidacy in the long run. In sum, not only was this book thoughtful, informative, relevant in every aspect imaginable, and extremely well-written, but it nailed all of my questions/concerns as a pre-law college student in a genuinely straight-forward and clear manner. It truly is a pre-law companion.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Asking the Tough Questions, September 19, 2000
This review is from: Pre-Law Companion (Paperback)
The strength of Mr. Coleman's work, The Pre-Law Companion, is its honest look at the legal profession from the point of view most useful to a potential law student: why you might NOT want to attend law school. The author is tough and unwavering in his approach to talking about the reality of life as a lawyer, and in asking the questions that most people overlook. However, his directness is tempered with humor, flair and personality as he provides a rather endearing look into his own journey through the process and shares some of the pitfalls he encountered along the way. By utilizing a healthy balance of instruction and wit, Mr. Coleman has successfully created this essential pre-law guide. In the first half of the book, the author leads the reader through a fresh and rigorous look at his or her individual strengths and weaknesses as a potential lawyer. Since obtaining a J.D. involves a significant commitment of time, money and other more intangible resources (like family support, toll on friendships or social life, the opportunity cost of lost income while in school, to name a few), the decision to invest these resources deserves a hard look. This investigation involves broaching the subjects of aptitude for the legal profession (it is not simply about showmanship or being a good arguer), the reality of life as a lawyer (beyond the glamour of "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice"), and what else you could be or would rather be doing with all of that time, money, etc. Ron helps each of his readers ask the questions fundamental to making the right decision about whether or not they should attend law school. The second half of the book provides practical insights into preparing for law school: first discussing appropriate undergraduate coursework and extracurricular activities, then looking at life between college and graduate school, and finally preparing law school applications, financing a legal education, and exploring various types of law jobs that might be available after graduation. While discussing job opportunities, Mr. Coleman provides a very extensive list of potential government positions for lawyers, and also looks at lawyering in the business world, lawyering for public interest, and of course, private practice. After reading this book, the potential law student will have examined the type of work lawyers do, and will have inquired frankly into whether he or she has what it takes to succeed, and also whether he or she will enjoy life as a lawyer. Above all, I enjoyed this book because while reading it I felt like I had a trusted, knowledgeable and funny friend spend a few hours advising me on the pursuit of my law school education. A rare treat, indeed! I highly recommend this book for anyone deciding whether to attend law school or pursue a legal career.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quick Read - Very Informative and Practical, June 13, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Pre-Law Companion (Paperback)
I'm 41 and seriously considering law school. This book was very useful in figuring out what qualities make a good law student and lawyer, the types of work available in lawyering, and practical tips for admissions. I read this in one sitting, had borrowed it from the library, and am considering purchasing. Highly recommend to someone wondering whether to pursue that law degree. Reading it was as painless as a conversation with a friend.
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