In Search of Atticus Finch [Hardcover]

Mike Papantonio (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1996

This novel explores how lawyering sometimes takes a heavy toll on our overall quality of life. Being a slave to our law practice becomes easier than fostering relationships, challenging our creativity, or allowing ourselves to widen our horizons and grow intellectually. This book is about living and lawyering.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I wish In Search of Atticus Finch had been required reading for me when I was in school." -- Michael Maher, Past President, American Trial Lawyer's Association

"This insightful book will be looked upon in years to come as the trial lawyer's guidebook to life." -- John F. Romano, Editor, Trial Diplomacy Journal

Readers of TRIAL may have seen the advertisements for In Search of Atticus Finch and wondered whether it fulfills the promise of its enticing title. It does.

Many motivational books have appeared over the years, each offering a road map to the Holy Grail of a life that is balanced and morally satisfying. The fact that this book is written from the perspective of a lawyer gives it special credibility and persuasiveness with its intended readers . . ..

One might well wonder whether Finch himself, if allowed a glimpse into the future that is the present, would consider himself lucky to have lived when he did. Papantonio's response to this criticism might be that Finch's fundamental qualities are timeless, and, whether or not lawyers can attain them in today's world, their lives will be made more satisfying by the attempt. -- TRIAL, October, 1997

This book "shows how we can all be Atticus Finches, both as lawyers and people." -- Morris Dees, Southern Poverty Law Center

From the Author

I am not certain when it first became apparent to me that being a trial lawyer brought with it certain unique versions of stress or posed a greater potential for "burnout" than most professions. After my first 10 years of practicing law, it was easy to recognize the price we pay to be the best we can be in our profession is sometimes steep. Most have few regrets about those trade-offs, but many in the process of lawyering recognize that sometimes this price is too high. I believe we can do a great deal to make our lives as lawyers both more meaningful and more productive by addressing personal and professional issues in a more Atticus Finch like way.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 257 pages
• Publisher: Seville Pub (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964971100
• ISBN-13: 978-0964971103
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #579,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great prsent for a young person interested in the law, April 15, 2011

By 

Cynthia Berger (Santa Cruz, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In Search of Atticus Finch (Hardcover)

Not just for lawyers, this book discusses the philosophy of life as a lawyer in the modern USA, using Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" as a role model. The writer is a very empathic, intelligent and caring person, unlike the majority of lawyers who go into the profession for the money. The book helps lawyers get a healthy perspective on their profession in relationship to the rest of their life outside of work. Many, many quotes from interesting lawyers and judges.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, September 2, 2009

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C. Greer - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In Search of Atticus Finch (Hardcover)

This is a great book, especially for younger lawyers, and even those older lawyers who would like to regain some of their sanity. I've been practicing for almost ten years now, have owned the book for several years, and find myself referring to it regularly. Mr. Papantonio cuts to the heart of the matter. One of the big problems with the practice of law is that most attorneys are too focused on getting rich and on telling the world how good they are at their jobs. The focus should instead be on the client. The focus should be on service to your community. The focus should be on helping others.

Mr. Papantonio also does a great job of explaining why Atticus would be a great lawyer today. He would have been confident enough in his skills that he would not have had to put up a fight for every little thing, which has become the standard in modern litigation. Atticus "does not internalize conflict. Unlike many of the bellicose 'litigator' types in our profession, he is not afraid of being milder, easier, and more of a peacemaker. He is not fearful that by being less rigid, less 'in your face,' he will encourage other people to take advantage of him. He obviously believes the risk is very slight."

This book shows us how the practice of law should be.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Title makes it seem more relevant than it really is., August 4, 2008

By 

Mae Doe - See all my reviews

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This review is from: In Search of Atticus Finch (Hardcover)

I didn't like this book. It is a good concept but it is delivered poorly, and I found myself regretting paying for this book at full price.