Author: Robert H. Miller

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Revised edition

Pub. in: January, 2004

ISBN: 0312318812

Pages: 352

Measurements: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

Origin of product: USA

Order code: BA00732

Other information: ISBN-13: 978-0312318819

One of the bestselling law exam prep books out there. MSL's top recommendation on the subject.

A great resource for readers still deciding about law school and how to maximize the experience. It's well-written, with insightful comments from recently-minted attorneys and Cornell's dean of admissions. The dean, for instance, explains that the US News and World Report rankings are so powerful, and competition for the brightest so intense, that some schools may overanalyze LSAT results to the detriment of students. (Since USNWR publishes median LSAT scores for various schools, some schools apparently fear that 'soft admits' with lower scores might affect the school's reputation.)

Miller doesn't shy away from other unpleasant truths - one mentor admits that financially, she could not afford to practice the public interest law she entered law school to study. He refers several times to law schools that have more of a "cutthroat" reputation, where some hoard required books from the library, and warns would-be students to choose carefully. But the author also provides advice on "law school etiquette," suggesting the best way to answer questions in class (don't bore anyone or beat them over the head with your opinions), deal with academic competition and the overwhelming workload. Many readers will take issue with his comments, but whether or not you finally agree, he brings up good issues to think about before applying or your year as a 1L.

It's interesting also to compare this book with Scott Turow's "1L" - Turow having gone to Harvard Law in the shadow of the late 1960s, and part of an activist class (which, in his book, comes together to publicly criticize a tough professor). Miller, by contrast, is a Gen-Xer, whose generation tends to be more entrepreneurial than activist, and noted for their independence. While Turow talks about his tense experiences with a study group, broken friendships and the competition over class outlines - his book bursts with angst - Miller advocates lots of research, phone calls, preparing ahead, and what you might call "leaving the building". This is some of the best advice in the book; he talks about the calmer experience he had taking the LSAT, by driving to his home state from his Ivy League school. Instead of testing at his ultra-competitive alma mater, he tested with a handful of students, in a more relaxed setting. This is echoed in his advice to get out of Dodge when exam comes - off-campus, where concentration will be easier - even if it means temporarily moving in with a friend or a motel room.

(From quoting an American reader)

Target readers: Anyone who's considering law school.