The Slacker's Guide to Law School: Success Without Stress (Paperback)

~ Juan Doria (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The title of this book, 'The Slackers Guide to Law School,' might strike some as irreverent. 'Slacker' is a term of pride and even endearment among the latest generation of student, however, this book gives prospective law students a realistic idea of what exactly they are getting into. This book is not about laziness, but about succeeding on one's own terms. Thus the subtitle: Success Without Stress.

Students should: (1) set their own goals and not get caught up in the hype of what everyone else is pursuing; (2) establish methods of study, fine-tuning one that works best; and (3) maintain a healthy life balance. For the careful 'slacker,' it is possible to make time for hobbies, socializing, dating or even starting a family. This reduces stress, makes law school more enjoyable, and as shown in this book can boost performance in class.

From the Publisher

This book is not about laziness, but rather is about succeeding on one's own terms. Thus the subtitle: Success Without Stress. Both are important, and neither should be seen as the negation of the other. It is possible to be successful as a law student and lawyer without giving up your soul, and it is equally possible to enjoy a healthy and balanced life without giving up success.

Students should: (1) set their own goals and not get caught up in the hype of what everyone else is pursuing; (2) establish methods of study, fine-tuning one that works best; and (3) maintain a healthy life balance. For the careful "slacker," it is possible to make time for hobbies, socializing, dating, or even starting a family. This reduces stress, makes law school more enjoyable, and can even boost performance in class.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Fine Print Press (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888960523
• ISBN-13: 978-1888960525
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,047,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Read" For Prospective Law Students, June 29, 2008

By	Rising 2L - See all my reviews

So, you're thinking about going to law school. Good for you. But, before you go any further, pick up a copy of this book and read it cover to cover. This book is a "must read" for prospective law students. It earns such a status primarily because it forces the reader to grapple with the following question, "WHY DO I WANT TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL?"

The sad reality is that too many people choose to pursue a law degree for all the wrong reasons. The author of this book, Juan Doria, admits that he himself was one of these people. So that readers can learn from his mistakes, Doria dedicates the first chapter of his book to distinguishing invalid motivations for going to law school (e.g. "I don't know what else to do.") from valid motivations for going to law school (e.g. "I genuinely enjoy conducting legal research.").

Doria takes the time to dispel many of the unfounded rumors and myths that surround legal education and the process of becoming a lawyer. Once you're exposed to such information and you take some time to study why exactly it is that you feel compelled to invest the great amounts of time and money that a legal education requires, you'll be in a position to either: (a) decide that law school is not for you and proceed to avoid Doria's past mistakes, and the mistakes made by thousands of eager and uninformed prospective law students year after year; or (b) decide that law school is for you, and confidently approach the fall semester, and the rest of your professional life, knowing that you're in store for an invigorating intellectual challenge.

Doria's book is also a "must-read" because it is unique. Every year, bookstores are stocked with dozens of newly-published law school prep books promising their readers a systematic approach to outwitting their competition, getting straight A's, making law review, and earning a six-figure salary immediately upon graduating. Some (although not very many) of those books offer honest and useful information and are good investments for the 1L to-be. Most of them, however, are garbage. The mistake most of these books make is that they propose that: (a) There exists a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all, method for achieving success in a law school environment; and (b) The students that work the hardest get the best grades. Neither of these contentions are tenable. Fortunately, Doria's book is quick to point out the grave deficiencies in approaching law school with such a mentality, and refreshingly, Doria advises his readers to steer clear of any such strategy when approaching their legal education.

Additionally, Doria's book differs from its competition in that it is actually funny and fun to read. Doria, perhaps to his detriment, approached his time in law school as a sociological experiment of sorts. Doria was the pariah amongst his peers. His role amongst the law school crowd was almost that of an "outsider looking-in." His vision of the law school process was captured through a layman's lens, in spite of the fact that he was enrolled in the classes, took the exams, and earned the J.D. As a result, Doria's insight on the behaviors and personalities of the law school community (e.g. stressed-out students, dictatorial professors) are honest and hilarious.

Above all, Doria's on-page personality is likeable and evokes a "larger-than-life" quality. Through carefully-crafted metaphors, the art of self-deprecation, and an barrage of pop-culture references he gives you a rundown on law school life--from the application process to the bar exam, and everything in between. Particularly rewarding is Doria's take on law school nightlife, social functions, and the law student party scene (or lack thereof). This section had me laughing out loud.

You may be wondering who I am and why I wrote this review. I just finished my first year of law school at a top 100 school. Recently, I was browsing through the legal section of my local bookstore when I stumbled upon this title. Before entering law school, I had read almost every book on the market whose back cover promised to confer to me a competitive advantage in my first year at the law. Now that I have a year of school under my belt, I can confidently say that most of these books were poorly-written and offered awful advice. In all honesty, I initially decided to flip through Doria's book only to see what kind of irresponsible information it was conveying to its readers. To the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised. The book got my attention almost right away. I ended up taking it home and reading it cover to cover. I enjoyed it. I think you will too.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most accurate portrayal of law school, September 20, 2008

By	Recovering Attorney - See all my reviews

As a recovering attorney, I can attest that Juan Doria's book is a fairly accurate description of law school. The book describes the entire process of law school - from deciding to pursue a JD to taking the bar exam. I would consider myself a typical person and Doria's book is so accurate that it felt like a biography of my life. Many of the reasons why I, and many others, choose to go to law school are explored in depth. Doria goes on to describe the LSAT and application process. Then Doria masterfully navigates the 3 year process of law school and the pursuit of one of the coveted "prestigous" law jobs. Last, Doria discusses the issues that many JD's face after graduation. Many graduates, including myself, don't want to practice law but are forced to work as attorneys. After slaving for a law firm, I was lucky and able to explore job opportunities outside the legal profession. If I had read the book before law school then maybe I would have made wiser decisions.
I didn't read other books before entering law school because success is unique to each person and no book is going to contain the magic key to graduating with honors. This is a main theme to Doria's book. In sum, I am recommending that any person associated with the juris doctorate degree to read Doria's book. It is short, entertaining and very pratical.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book I wish I had before going to law school, September 9, 2008

By	Anonymous JD (Left Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent primer on what to expect before going to law school. The book is exceedingly well written and presents a compelling narrative of what one can, and should, expect during law school. This book is a must-read for anyone considering law school or a career in the law. I cannot recommend this book more highly.