An Insider’s Guide to Law Firm Land: Tales on How to Become a Happy and Successful Lawyer Paperback – March 12, 2022

In law school, you learn how to “think like a lawyer.” You hone critical thinking skills and learn how to research legal issues and write persuasively. Those skills are essential to becoming a successful lawyer. However, those skills alone will not ensure your success. This book reveals the soft skills that are not taught in law schools but that are essential to becoming a successful attorney within a law firm. After reading this book, you will understand the business model of law firms. You will also understand your role and partners’ roles within the firm, as well as pressures and expectations that weigh on partners. Consequently, you will gain awareness that enables you to empathize with partners who allow their stress to spill onto you while simultaneously delivering work product that meets their expectations. By following the advice in this book, you will avoid common pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities, thereby best positioning yourself for partnership, if that’s the path you choose.

Scott Watkins, with his own brand of humor, tells it as it is to be in a law firm. This is a book that everyone who aspires to be a lawyer should read, including college students and students in law school. If a junior attorney has already joined a law firm and has not read this book, the law firm should require them to read it, even if it means buying them a copy! This book is a quick read, presents essential information clearly, and conveys to the student or junior attorney what life in a law firm is really about.

While An Insider's Guide to Law Firm Land is written for soon to be and practicing attorneys it contains incredible advice and inspiration for all professions. Real life scenarios and lessons from Watkin's 30 plus years of experience will help anyone navigate the challenges of working within various organizations. Watkins style of writing and examples are relatable to all. A very informative read and a must for those in law school and beginning their careers.

A interesting book on law firm life that delivers guidance from stories in the author’s life. Part II is client development centric and is unlike anything I’ve run across on the topic. Most advice for developing clients is “how to” (like networking, making pitches), whereas the book’s approach focuses on overcoming what’s holding you back inside your own head. It's a worthwhile read for lawyers (or anyone who focuses on sales) who are stuck on client development and need a different approach.

I originally bought the book for my daughter who is interested in going to law school. I found it an easy read filled with amazing guidance for any business environment. I bought copies for all of my senior staff.

I’ve been in private law practice for 25+ years and completely agree with this assessment of the business. A must read for law school students or anyone considering working in private law practice.

With captivating and informative stories, the book provides the tools for accelerating one’s career in the direction of their choosing. An important read for any associate in a law firm.

After reading “Law Firm Land” by Scott Watkins, it became clear to me that he has created a much needed practical guide. Had his book been available during my early years as an attorney, I would not have had to learn certain things the hard way. Mr. Watkins provides important practical advice in a very enjoyable and easy to read book with the right touch of humor. His analogies, metaphors and real life stories create a vivid mental picture that should help the reader take away and maintain his advice and suggestions. His book should be a must read for any attorney wishing to engage in private law practice.