If you’ve had one of those weeks (or semesters) where you’ve found yourself thinking that this law caper is horribly dry and dull, 101 Reasons to Kill all the Lawyers is a book to revive your spirits.
“I had decided on 101 reasons as I didn’t want to depress the entire legal profession by having 1,001”, author Paul Brennan explains.
The book, which is based on Brennan’s popular blog, is peppered with amusing anecdotes about cases and law firm life, all told in a self-deprecating and offbeat tone. It is also filled with hilarious musings on the legal profession and legal education, such as:
“Behind every heroic legal action there is a lawyer advising against it”.
“Property lawyers are a little like your mother; they wish you to find a home and live happily ever after, but delight in pointing out flaws in the one that you have chosen.”
“I must concede, who would want the indecipherable ‘LL.B (Hons)’ after their name when they can have a title which incorporates the word “doctor” – an acknowledged babe magnet.”
And then there’s the hypothetical lonely hearts ads for lawyers: “Prosecutor seeks someone who is prepared to admit it is their fault, even if it isn’t.”
The book is also peppered with bright and amusing cartoons – all drawn by Brennan and featuring grumpy judges and pinstriped suit-wearing lawyers.
Brennan's book is the perfect length for an afternoon of procrastination, and reading a book that has pictures instead of footnotes is a real novelty. 101 Reasons reveals that not all laws (or lawyers) are boring and is a good reminder not to take it all too seriously.
Enjoyed this post? Sign up for the Survive Law weekly newsletter for more.