The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book: A Survival Guide
It has been documented many times that the first year of law  practice is one of the most stressful in the life of a lawyer, replete with  new surroundings, experiences, behaviors, and requirements. The background  the author provides to the new associate is priceless. --Law Practice Management (ABA), March 1997, pp. 60-62.Jagged Rocks of Wisdom: Professional Advice for the New Lawyer, by Morten Lund; The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book: A Survival Guide, Second Edition, by Thane Josef Messinger.Reviewed by Carrie May Poniewaz, Journal and News Law Clerk, Florida Bar Journal, vol 81, no. 10, Nov. 2007.Who says there's no how-to manual for new lawyers just starting their first legal jobs?Jagged Rocks of Wisdom and The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book come about as close as possible to providing the holy grail for new associates - practical advice on navigating the day-to-day life as a real, live, memo-writing attorney.Starting with the well-recognized premise that American legal education cranks out more legal thinkers than adept practitioners, these two career guides mix brutal honesty with humor to guide new associates through everything from dealing with partners to figuring out the art of rainmaking.Jagged Rocks of Wisdom delivers its career advice in 21 "rules," which are explained in short, pithy chapters and include anecdotes showing what can happen if the rules are ignored. The rule titles provide a to-do list of essentials for a new associate, reminding the reader to proofread (Rule 1) and proofread again (Rule 2), while also offering guidance on keeping one's sanity amid the stress of the job.The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book takes a more in-depth approach to helping new associates succeed in their jobs. This guide begins by breaking down any delusions of grandeur a new associate may bring to the job by reminding readers that "[w]hen you strut (or slink) into your office on that first day, you should feel comfortable with the knowledge that, in the legal hierarchy, you are about two levels above amoebae."In addition to this help in putting one's role in the proper perspective, this book also apprises the reader of some of the unexpected predicaments that often arise in law firm culture. For example, a new associate may not expect to get caught in the middle of conflict among senior partners, and this book not only provides a warning of such shockers, but also offers expert advice on wiggling out of them with a gold star on the company record.Both books are quick reads and perfect companions for those who suffer from first-job jitters. --Florida Bar Journal, vol 81, no. 10, Nov. 2007.Like most associates starting out, I have quickly realized that  three years of law school education did not adequately prepare me for legal  practice. This book is loaded with common-sense advice for new associates,  presented in a humorous, readable manner. --Joseph Lee, Washington State Bar News, March 1997, pp. 38-39.Most junior associates are set on their way with neither map nor  compass...although expected to arrive on time at the secret destination. In  The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book: A Survival Guide, Messinger provides the  map; his book is packed with frank and encouraging advice for beginning  attorneys. When one of our new fall associates saw it on my desk, he wanted  to read it then and there. I wish I had enough copies for each of them.  Enjoy the book! I did. --Research Advisor, issue 13, Jan/Feb 1998, p. 5­6.This book should be required reading for all law students....by  the time it reached my hands, two decades after law school, it was still  relevant. This book could be the most worthwhile investment you make in  your legal career. --Jennifer Rose, Editor-in-Chief, The Compleat Lawyer (ABA), July 6,  1997.This is a thoughtful, candid, and well-written book. The new  attorney, or even second or third-year law student, would do well to make  the investment. --Richard Wareing, Connecticut Bar Journal, vol. 70, no. 4, pp.  308-310.