The Lawyer Myth

"An enlightening, convincing refutation of the myriad myths and misconceptions about lawyers and the legal system ... highly readable and well--reasoned." -- The Oklahoma Observer "Let's hear it for lawyers! No? Well, after reading this book, there may be more people willing to cheer. Strickland and Read were fed up with lawyers being blamed for the ills of society and the butt of jokes. In clear language, they explain just what lawyers do and why we need them. Anyone who has ever been caught in a legal tangle has reason to be grateful for a caring attorney. The authors also cover some of the myths about lawyers such as the woman who got a fortune because McDonald's made the coffee too hot and others." -- Book News, Inc. "Anyone thinking of going to law school must read this compelling book by two legal educators who have trained generations of lawyers. Professors Strickland and Read go behind the sensational cases that dominate headlines to explain why the myths about lawyers underestimate their important role in sustaining the rule of law." -- Anne Brandt, Associate Director for Education and Prelaw Programs, Law School Admission Council "This is a splendid book which really needed to be written. Having endured the slings and arrows launched at my profession for lo these many years, I am delighted that these authors offer herein a finely crafted, very insightful, and solidly reasoned defense of lawyers and the critical role lawyers play in our society. It is truly a must read for anyone who cares about the future of our democracy." -- Andrew M. Coats, Past President, American College of Trial Lawyers, Dean, University of Oklahoma College of Law "Finally, a clear, witty, and welcome corrective to distorted views about lawyers and the legal system. Read and Strickland show how lawyers solve problems, resolve disputes, protect individual rights, and support the rule of law that underlies both our successful economy and the institutions of our free and democratic society." -- Joseph William Singer "Two longtime law professors and former law school deans are 'mad as hell' about the destructive myths and misconceptions about lawyers and the legal system perpetuated by uninformed and unfair media treatment, political comment, and public misunderstanding. They have assembled, in highly readable form, the empirical data, the historical perspective, and an excellent description of legal training and practice that should set the stage for a more thoughtful and rational discussion of what Americans really believe about the rule of law." -- Christine M. Durham, Chief Justice, Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice, Utah Supreme Court