What others are saying about What It Takes…

 

“Monica Parker’s What It Takes is a practical handbook on how to succeed in the legal profession. Its fresh approach captures your attention and gives proven common sense strategies modeled on countless success stories which enable the reader to fast track their career.”

—Hon. Pamila J. Brown, Associate Judge and Chair, ABA Minority Caucus
 

"This book is a must-read for women of color entering and engaging in the legal profession. Based on the idea that success is a goal shared by the lawyer herself, her family and friends, and most consequentially, the firm that hires her, Monica Parker’s book offers practical advice that is both easy and essential to follow."
 — Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Harvard University

 

“Monica Parker has interviewed dozens of successful black women lawyers, asked them detailed and personal questions about how they achieved success, and then

included verbatim their wisdom and guidance. Reading this book is like being in the room with the wisest, toughest, most successful women in the profession and listening to them swap stories. You can’t help but learn how to achieve the same level of success.”

—Mavis Thompson, 2009 – 10 President, National Bar Association

 

“[A] perfect guide for women before they start their journey into law school and during law school...a great check for already-practicing lawyers to keep on track... The book is filled with sound advice that any female lawyer can use.”

—Kelly-Anne Clark, 2009 – 10 Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division, and Associate, Greer, Herz & Adams, L.L.P. in Galveston, Texas
 

 

You’re a woman of color who wants to succeed in the practice of law. Now, with a little dedication and the valuable advice found in this important book, you can achieve it. Monica Parker, an African-American lawyer, Harvard graduate, and renowned career coach, writes about the specific issues facing female attorneys of color, providing solid advice on finding career satisfaction and success.

 

What it Takes first examines the history of women of color in the law, illustrating the amazing accomplishments and discussing the milestones to come. The book then

provides a wealth of practical advice for achieving greatness at a large firm, a mid-sized firm or boutique, in government practice, or as in-house counsel. If you’re just starting

your career at the firm or you’ve only been there for a year or two, this book is for you—but law students and law firms will learn from the unique perspective offered in this book.

  


What others are saying about The Unhappy Lawyer…

 

"Parker has written a terrific resource for lawyers, law students, and pre-law students alike who are considering using their law degrees in alternative careers.  It's not about bashing the practice of law (although Parker does have a wicked sense of humor about her own experience of practicing) but about the importance of having a fulfilling career.  I think you should read Unhappy Lawyer even if you want to practice law.  This book will help you remember why you came to law school and help you make that vision a reality."     

—Sheila Heen and Doug Stone, Lecturers on Law, Harvard Law School, and New York Times bestselling co-authors of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most

 

“Parker has done an outstanding job of demystifying how any lawyer can make the transition into a new career that offers more potential for success and more importantly, personal satisfaction.”

—Don E. Hutcheson, Author, Don’t Waste Your Talent: The 8 Critical Steps to Discovering What You Do Best

 

The Unhappy Lawyer will help you uncover exciting alternative careers with a unique step-by-step program that will make you feel like you have your very own career coach.  With chapters containing real letters from lawyers who are desperate to leave the practice of law, tales from lawyers who have shut the door on their legal careers, and powerful exercises, The Unhappy Lawyer, provides a witty, no-nonsense roadmap for finding and pursuing engaging work outside of the law.

 

The Unhappy Lawyer shows you, step-by-step, how to:

  • Figure out what you really want from your work and life

  • Discover several alternative career possibilities that excite you

  • Unearth your natural talents

  • Turn in your resignation letter

  • And much, much more!

 

The Unhappy Lawyer provides you with the escape route you are seeking. 

 

This book helps you to ask and answer the hard questions about what you really want from your work and life and will help you successfully pursue your career goals.