How to Be a Lawyer: The Path from Law School to Success

Wiley, June 2022

Summary: In How to Be a Lawyer: The Path from Law School to Success, 28 veteran lawyers and entrepreneurs, including SLS lecturer Almanza, write about how to succeed in the practice of law. The book bridges the gap between law school and practice and is focused on a wide array of practice areas, from private to government. The book aims to guide new lawyers on the development of “real skills” they will need to effectively work with clients and colleagues. How to Be a Lawyer uses case studies and guest-written chapters to cover the transition from law school to practice, including guidance on how to avoid common career pitfalls, how to work with difficult personalities, and how to effectively negotiate. Almanza, who worked closely with Stanford Law School’s Three Strikes Project when she was a student, is the co-founder and executive director of Partners for Justice, a new model of collaborative public defense designed to empower public defenders nationwide.

Praise: “How to Be a Lawyer should be required reading for anyone entering the legal profession. Today, more than ever, to represent clients effectively, attorneys must not only be experts in the law, but be practical, creative, and emotionally intelligent problem solvers. This book goes a long way in helping new lawyers get a jumpstart on the critical skills they will need to succeed.” —Rich Baer, chief legal officer, Airbnb

“How to Be a Lawyer provides excellent perspectives from practicing lawyers about the transition from law school to practicing business law. I wish this book existed when I graduated. It’s a terrific resource for someone looking for real-world examples as they graduate and begin to build their practice.” —Cynthia Clarfield Hess, co-chair, Startup and Venture Capital, Fenwick