Best Books for Lawyers

Improve Your Case Strategy, Marketing, and Client Management with These Must-Read Books for Attorneys

As a lawyer, you’re no stranger to reading books — lots of them, likely in law school. But there are some books that aren’t so yawn-worthy, and could actually help you improve your practice in terms of selling, profitability, and client management.

Here’s a list of today’s best lawyer reads, covering everything from negotiation and strategy, to marketing and storytelling.

1. The Tools of Argument: How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win by Joel P. Trachtman

Primary topics:

• Legal argumentation
• Analytical thinking
• Confidence

In The Tools of Argument, Joel Trachtman covers the essential techniques used by top lawyers to craft persuasive, effective arguments. He starts with the basics, providing a detailed yet approachable breakdown on how to strategize and plan an argument. Then he moves on to more advanced techniques – ones that will take your practice to the next level. 

Whether you’re a law student or have been an attorney for years, this book equips you with the skills and legal acumen needed to succeed in the courtroom. Learn to become a stronger advocate for your clients, advance your organization’s objectives, and fine-tune your own approach to strategy. 

This book offers invaluable insights into the art of persuasion, making it an indispensable resource for lawyers at all stages of their careers. Trachtman helps readers enhance their analytical prowess, deepen their understanding of legal concepts, and sharpen their ability to construct compelling arguments. The principles in this book will empower you to navigate complex legal disputes effectively and achieve the best outcomes for your clients.

2. The New Lawyer’s Handbook: 101 Things They Don’t Teach You in Law School by Karen Thalacker

Primary topics:

• Insider tips and insights
• Career advancement
• Work-life balance

The New Lawyer’s Handbook is a must-read for any legal professional who wants to take their career from average to exceptional. This book contains a treasure trove of insider tips and strategies, straight from seasoned attorneys, rarely provided in the textbooks of law school. Basically, it fills the gap between theoretical legal education and real-world practice. Consider this your “trade secrets” guide to being an amazing (and highly paid) attorney. 

From mastering communication and negotiation, to building a professional network, achieving work-life balance to honing legal research skills, this handbook covers a wide array of foundational topics. Whether you’re navigating client relationships, advancing your career, or enhancing your courtroom performance, this book will empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the legal world.

3. Law Firm SEO: Exposing the Google Algorithm to Help You Get More Cases by Jason Hennessey 

Primary topics:

• SEO strategies
• Digital marketing
• Online visibility

“If you’re a lawyer, competition drives you—but not just in the courtroom.” – Jason Hennessey

Law Firm SEO Book is a comprehensive guide on search engine optimization (SEO) – a marketing practice that allows law firms to generate traffic and leads from Google search. A leading law firm SEO expert, Hennessey shares his proven strategies honed over two decades, which have resulted in generating over $500 million in new cases for his clients. 

Unlike generic marketing approaches, this book provides specific strategies for how to optimize your website, online listings, and other marketing channels to rank high and drive traffic. Hennessey demystifies the complexities of the Google algorithm, making this an beginner-friendly guide for even the least tech-savvy of attorneys.

In Law Firm SEO Book, you’ll earn how to:

• Find the best keywords for your website
• Leverage local SEO and Google Maps to attract more clients
• Earn backlinks to improve your site rankings
• Improve technical SEO for better site speed and user experience
• Convert organic website traffic into new clients
• Attract positive client reviews and testimonials

This book will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate your firm’s online visibility, increase revenue, and gain a competitive edge in your market. 

4. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher

Primary topics:

• Negotiation strategies
• Principled negotiation
• Effective communication

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In is a seminal work covering the ins and outs of negotiation and complex problem-solving. Though not specific to law, this book is critically acclaimed and used by all types of professionals who want to improve their negotiation skills.

Getting to Yes remains a cornerstone text in the field of negotiation, drawing from the research and insights of the Harvard Negotiation Project. It provides a systematic approach to reaching mutually beneficial agreements, providing practical strategies for resolving all types of negotiations.

This book teaches readers how to navigate negotiations without succumbing to anger, being exploited, or being a victim of their own emotions. Whether dealing with business transactions, interpersonal conflicts, or complex legal disputes, this book provides a reliable roadmap for achieving mutually acceptable (and, hopefully, beneficial) outcomes.

Negotiation is a fundamental skill for lawyers, permeating every aspect of legal practice, from settlement discussions to client consultations and courtroom proceedings. Getting to Yes” offers lawyers a valuable framework for approaching negotiations – emphasizing the importance of understanding interests, exploring options, and maintaining open communication with clients.

5. The Game Changing Attorney: How to Land the Best Cases, Stand Out from Your Competition, and Become the Obvious Choice in Your Market by Michael Mogill 

Primary topics:

• Visual content creation
• Market differentiation
• High-value cases

When it comes to law firm marketing, differentiation is crucial for success. With over 1.3 million attorneys vying for the same clients and cases, standing out from the competition is key.

Mogill offers a solution: leverage the power of visual content and storytelling.

Law firms can use content to emotionally connect with potential clients, and also distinguish themselves from their competitors. Through practical strategies, readers learn how to create compelling stories and content that resonate with their target audience, ultimately attracting high-value cases and becoming the preferred choice among competitors.

The Game Changing Attorney helps lawyers understand the principles of effective marketing, break through the noise, and capture the attention of their ideal clients. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger firm, this book will help you elevate your marketing efforts, land the best cases, and stay ahead of the competition.

6. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss

Primary topics:

• High-stakes negotiations
• Field-tested approach
• Counterintuitive tactics

Never Split the Difference offers a fresh perspective on negotiation strategies, drawing from the experiences of former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. With first-hand experience in high-stakes negotiations, Voss shares 9 effective principles to enhance your negotiation skills in both professional and personal contexts. 

Through real-life anecdotes and practical guidance, this book provides readers with tools to become more persuasive, confident, and effective negotiators.

Never Split the Difference empowers lawyers to navigate complex legal disputes and advocate effectively for their clients. By mastering the principles outlined in the book, lawyers can enhance their ability to reach favorable agreements, resolve conflicts, and achieve great outcomes both inside and outside the courtroom.

7. Storytelling for Lawyers by Philip Meyer

Primary topics:

• Narrative in litigation
• Compelling storytelling

In Storytelling for Lawyers, Phil Meyer explores the crucial role of storytelling in the practice of law. He shows how effective lawyers leverage the “narrative” to convey complex information in a way that’s approachable and appealing to potential clients.

Meyer begins by offering a framework for constructing compelling legal narratives. He provides specific examples, judicial opinions, and oral arguments to highlight these strategies in action. He encourages lawyers to move beyond the typical “cold” presentation of facts and instead craft compelling stories that captivate judges and juries. 

By understanding the principles of storytelling and applying them to legal practice, lawyers can enhance their advocacy skills and ultimately achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. 

8. The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business by Bob Burg

Primary topics:

• Abundance mindset
• Hard work
• Building relationships

The Go-Giver is considered a classic (it was published in 2007) must-read for business owners, entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to explore the power of abundant thinking. Leaning on the Biblical principles of “sowing” and “reaping”, this book leans into the idea that the work we put in now (“sowing”) contributes the success we achieve (“reap”) later on, and that an Abundant Mindset is at the heart of this practice. 

Burg shares five “laws” that inspire readers to think about where they are in life and business now, how they can do better, and what they want to manifest in terms of “success”. Readers will find these principles to be applicable to all areas of life – and no doubt lawyers will find these strategies in this book beneficial to their confidence and practice. 

Legal professionals can take away many practical insights from this book: how to build meaningful relationships, how to manifest success, how to make an impact (in life and in business), and how to provide value to others by giving (not taking) more. 

9. Tiger Tactics CEO Edition: From ZERO to Law Firm CEO by Jay Ruane, Ryan McKeen, Billie Tarascio, William Umansky, Theresa DeGray, and Seth Price

Primary topics:

• CEO insights
• Business growth strategies

Tiger Tactics shares insights from 13 successful law firm CEOs. Spanning a range of legal specialities (such as criminal law, family law, immigration, and personal injury), these leaders share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering invaluable advice for lawyers at all stages of their careers. 

Readers gain access to wisdom distilled from the real-life experiences of top legal professionals. Learn from the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of people who have been through it, and their lessons gained along the way. 

Whether seeking inspiration, practical advice, or both, this book offers a wealth of resources to help lawyers succeed in today’s competitive legal landscape.

10. The Client-Centered Law Firm: How to Succeed in an Experience-Driven World by Jack Newton

Primary topics:

• Client-centered approach
• Increasing profitability
• Elevating client experiences

In The Client-Centered Law Firm, legal technology expert Jack Newton challenges the traditional, risk-averse approach many law firms take to client management. Instead, he urges lawyers to shift towards a client-centered model, referencing the high expectations today’s consumers now have as a result of apps like Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb. 

Newton argues that embracing a client-centered approach is not only essential for meeting the demands of today’s market, but also vital for long-term success and profitability. He demonstrates how providing an exceptional client experience and running a profitable law firm are not mutually exclusive goals, but rather mutually reinforcing ones. 

Drawing on real-world examples from leading law firms, the book explores the “what, why, and how” of implementing a client-centered practice. Discover practical strategies for how to enhance your internal processes, elevate client satisfaction, and improve your bottom line.

The Client-Centered Law Firm serves as a rallying call for the legal industry to embrace innovation, unlock latent demand, and adapt to the changing expectations of clients. By prioritizing the needs and experiences of clients, law firms can differentiate themselves in a crowded market and drive long-term, sustainable growth.

11. The E-Myth Attorney: Why Most Legal Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber

Primary topics:

• Business operations
• Systematization
• Management and delegation

The E-Myth Attorney is a follow up to Gerber’s original book, The E-Myth. It expands on what was outlined in the first book, but as the principles apply to legal practices. In the E-Myth Attorney, Gerber argues that many attorneys fail to achieve success because they focus solely on their legal expertise rather than on how to build a scalable, efficient business.

This book serves as a practical framework on how to transform your practice into a thriving business. The author starts by showing you how to get your practice off the ground quickly or maximize the potential of your existing practice. Then he provides practical steps on how to grow your business, such as through systematizing processes, delegating tasks, and setting measurable goals. 

This book also helps attorneys “liberate … from the predictable and often overwhelming tyranny of unprofitable, unproductive, and time-consuming routines” and “[shift] from tactical thinking (working “in” your business) to strategic thinking (working “on” your business)”. You’ll learn how to implement systems to increase efficiency, free up more of your time, and achieve better results for your practice and your clients. 

12. $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff by Alex Hormozi

Primary topics:

• Lead generation
• Sales approach and systems
• Referral marketing

Though not specific to law firm marketing, $100M Leads is a game-changing book in helping entrepreneurs generate more leads and maximize profits. A thought leader in the space of digital marketing, Hormozi shares expert-level tips that are approachable for even the most novice of marketers.

Among other strategies, you’ll learn: how to develop a “hook-retain-reward” system to transform content into leads, a six-part ad framework to attract more clients, seven direct referral methods to drive sales, and countless tactics for getting a “boatload of leads”, fast.

Lawyers will be inspired by this book to level-up their content game, run more successful marketing campaigns, and sell more high-ticket services. Forget the “feast or famine” cycle and instead create a system that attracts more prospective clients to you, on autopilot. 

13. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini

Primary topics:

• Persuasion
• Communication skills
• Negotiation

Persuasion: it’s both an art and a science. In Influence, Dr. Cialdini – a leading expert in the field of influence and persuasion – explains the psychology behind what makes people say “Yes”. He then provides several principles for how to (ethically) influence people, both in business and in everyday situations.

Dr. Cialdini covers six core principles for how to become a skilled persuader:

• Reciprocation: The internal pull to repay what another person has provided us.

• Commitment and Consistency: Once we make a choice or take a stand, we work to behave consistently with that commitment in order to justify our decisions.

• Social Proof: When we are unsure, we look to similar others to provide us with the correct actions to take. And the more people undertaking that action, the more we consider that action correct.

• Liking: The propensity to agree with people we like and, just as important, the propensity for others to agree with us, if we like them.

• Authority: We are more likely to say “yes” to others who are authorities, who carry greater knowledge, experience or expertise.
• Scarcity: We want more of what is less available or dwindling in availability.

Legal professionals will benefit greatly from this book, as it covers both the strategies for persuading others and the ethical considerations that are oh-so applicable to the legal field. These strategies are applicable to crafting legal arguments, working with clients, negotiating with opposing counsel, and more. Plus, you’ll even learn how to defend yourself against dishonest attempts to influence your own thoughts and behavior. 

14. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Primary topics:

• Communication
• Leadership skills
• Personality traits

In the legal field, clear and direct feedback is crucial for professional development and client service. Radical Candor is all about fostering effective and clear communication, as well as building strong relationships with peers and clients. The concept of “Radical Candor” is about striking a balance between caring personally and challenging directly. 

Author Kim Scott challenges leaders to provide honest feedback while also demonstrating genuine concern for the individuals they work with. This is applicable to lawyers who communicate directly with clients, other attorneys, their team, opposing counsel, and more. 

There are effective and ineffective ways to communicate; why kind of communicator are you? The book organizes communication styles into four quadrants: Radical Candor, Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy. Legal professionals can learn more about their own communication styles, and how to improve them. The strategies in this book will help you build trust and strengthen client relationships and become a better team leader.

15. Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! by Craig Crabtree

Primary topics:

• Business finances
• Profitability

Simple Numbers shares financial management strategies for small businesses looking to climb out of the “black hole” of business accounting. It’s no secret that many business owners get intimidated by the numbers, which can hinder their ability to make informed financial decisions and improve their profitability. 

In this book, Crabtree presents a straightforward approach to financial analysis, focusing on simplicity and clarity. He covers topics such as budgeting, cash flow management, and interpreting financial statements, which are all applicable to lawyers and law firms. The author’s goal is to empower business owners to make smarter financial decisions and achieve success – in terms of growth and profitability. 

Crabtree also highlights the most common financial mistakes made by small businesses, and how to avoid them. You’ll find an easy-to-follow guide on how to know your numbers, manage your business finances, and set your law firm up for financial success.

16. Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

Primary topics:

• Business finances
• Profitability
• Money mindset

Profit First is a revolutionary financial management book that provides a simple, seemingly counterintuitive approach to improving profitability and mastering your finances. 

The core principle of the book is to prioritize Profit by allocating it first, before any of your other expenses are considered. Michalowicz argues that traditional accounting methods, which focus on “sales-expenses=profit”, are flawed. Instead, he proposes a new approach where businesses set aside a predetermined percentage of their income as profit from the start, forcing them to operate within their means.

The book outlines a step-by-step blueprint for implementing the Profit First system. For example, setting up separate bank accounts for different allocations, setting target percentages for profit/expenses/taxes/etc., and regularly monitoring your accounts. This system is groundbreaking for any business owner, and can be applied to law firm management as well. 

By following the Profit First method, businesses are set up to achieve financial stability, build reserves, and ultimately increase profitability. 

17. Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell

Primary topics:

• Time management
• Productivity
• Work/life balance

Time is a valuable resource. In Buy Back Your Time, author Dan Martell describes exactly how valuable time is – and how to get more of it. 

By leveraging time effectively, business owners are better able to achieve their personal and professional goals, but this takes practice! The book emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and optimizing workflows to maximize productivity and minimize wasted time. Martell even shares his own experiences regarding time management and provides practical strategies to help you overcome common challenges and create a more fulfilling work-life balance.

Lawyers can find tips on how to identify areas of inefficiency in one’s business, plus strategies for how to reclaim time and focus on high-impact activities. Some suggestions include outsourcing non-essential tasks, automating repetitive processes, and establishing clear boundaries to protect your personal time. Buy Back Your Time serves as a roadmap for any lawyer looking to break free from the constraints of their existing work model and create a more sustainable way of working.

18. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

Primary topics:

• Operations
• Efficiency
• Leadership and team management

“Do you have a grip on your business, or does your business have a grip on you.”

In Traction, author Gino Wickman explores this question, challenging business owners to be honest with themselves about how much (or little) control they have over the course of their business. Wickman then goes on to provide a practical guide on how to gain more control, by streamlining operations and improving organizational efficiency.

Wickman introduces the “Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)”, a comprehensive framework designed to help businesses clarify their vision, strengthen their core processes, and foster alignment with their team. The book outlines a series of actionable steps that lawyers can use to implement the EOS model; first, by defining clear goals, then, by establishing accountability structures and fostering a culture of “continuous improvement”.

If you sometimes feel like you don’t have a “grip” on your business, then Traction is for you. You’ll learn effective strategies for how to better manage your operations, simplify processes, improve efficiency, and ultimately save you peace of mind!

Honorable Mentions: Great Reads for Lawyers

Looking for more inspiring legal reads? 

Here are our honorable mentions, with books covering everything from team management and negotiation, to happiness and habits:

• Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy by Patrick Bet-David
• Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Pat Lencioni
• The Happy Lawyer: Making a Good Life in the Law by Nancy Levit & Douglas O. Linder
• Law Is a Buyer’s Market: Building A Client-First Law Firm by Jordan Furlong
• Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works by A.G. Lafley & Roger Martin
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Meet the Author of ‘Law Firm SEO’

Meet Jason Hennessey – the driving force behind Hennessey Digital. As founder and CEO, Jason wears many hats – he’s an entrepreneur, a globally recognized SEO expert, an author, a sought-after speaker, a podcast host, and a business coach. With a reputation as a National Law Review go-to thought leader, Jason is known for his SEO know-how and never-ending interest in the Google algorithm. 

Since launching Hennessey Digital in 2015, we’ve worked with many great law firms, large and small. Our clients place their trust in our team, recognizing Hennessey Digital as a strategic partner in their business growth.