In today’s trying economic times, many law school graduates and law students are concerned about their job prospects. Professor Munneke and Dean Wayne have done an admirable job of providing a single volume tool designed to help job-seekers land a job in this most recent edition of The Legal Career Guide: From Law Student to Lawyer”.

As one pages through the book, the authors’ expertise in assisting students and alumni in finding employment becomes obvious. The book’s 26 chapters are conveniently divided into four parts. Each part, from the first section “Planning for a Legal Career” to the fourth, “The Marketplace for Legal Services” is organized in a way that takes the reader methodically from the beginning of the process to the conclusion. Along, the way, the book is filled with practical recommendations on things to consider as well as how to proceed.

The book is designed to encourage the reader to consider the pluses and minuses of firm sizes, practice areas, and to think outside the box. One is reminded of the importance of pro bono and public service and given a timely reminder that Congress has recently passed legislation, the “College Cost Reduction Act of 2007”, which might help a law school graduate to partially off set some of their student loans through public service. Additionally, a small chapter is devoted to other career paths that are enhanced by having a law degree. Were the authors to ask my thoughts, after reading the book as to where I might suggest changes, I might suggest that this later chapter be more inclusive of the types of jobs enhanced by a law degree, for example law librarianship, consulting, and legal sales to name but a few careers that could be discussed in some depth.

The chapter on “Researching the Employer” is a good example of the book’s thoroughness. A student or attorney is walked through the process of researching a prospective employer. Within the chapter is an example of a spreadsheet or database to help develop a standard form for tracking and comparing information on potential employers. Suggestions are made on the types of information to seek. Some of these items, such as starting salaries and benefits may seem obvious to someone seeking employment, but others such as weighing the advantages of living in a particular community or city may not be so. Further research in directories and area newspapers and magazines is also recommended. As detailed and informative as this and other chapters are, I might suggest that future editions of the book include more information regarding the use of web sites to research firms and other potential employers. Other chapters might also be enhanced by incorporating references to various networking groups and other electronic resources to assist the job seeker.

Lastly, one should take the time to examine the appendix. Within this section is a wealth of information including a career resources guide, graduate employment trends chart, and a law firm practice study which briefly describes various practice areas. I would highly recommend that this last section be a good starting point for those not certain as to what type of law they might be interested in practicing and/or not sure of the basics involved in a particular practice area.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend those seeking guidance in their legal careers take the time to go through this volume and/or its accompanying CD and wish each of you good luck on your journey.