So You Want To Be A Lawyer (So You Want To Be A...)

"Have you ever thought about what it’s like to be a lawyer? Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be A Lawyer is a children’s book that offers a look at the day-to-day life of a lawyer. According to Soules, these professionals help solve problems, interpret laws, and defend people. Not all lawyers work in the same area of law, either. These areas are called specialties and include family, criminal, environmental, and many other types of law. This resource covers where attorneys work, what tools they use, and the skills and traits they need, such as honesty and critical thinking. Soules walks readers through a day in the life of a lawyer. They spend their time researching cases, meeting with clients, preparing paperwork, and more. Like any career, there are positive and negative aspects to it. One of the benefits is helping others; one drawback is the long hours. At the end, there’s a section about well-known figures in the legal field, like Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. There’s also a glossary of words, fun facts, and examples of questions they may use. So, do you think this is the job for you?

It was interesting to learn about being a lawyer from So You Want To Be A Lawyer by Linda Soules. This is another strong addition to her "So You Want to Be a..." series. I appreciated how the cover showed a female lawyer. It's a nice reminder that this career is open to everyone. It opened my eyes to the wide variety of legal specialties and gave me a better understanding of what lawyers actually do beyond what is often shown in movies and television. From a teacher's perspective, this would be a useful resource during a careers unit or when discussing rules. For a follow-up activity, students could research a law, compare different types of law, or discuss fairness in the legal system. The illustrations help break down complex ideas and give readers visual examples of lawyers at work in different settings. Anyone looking for a book about community helpers will want to pick this one up. I’ve read a few other titles in this collection, and I believe this book belongs in homes, schools, and libraries."

"Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be A Lawyer is an engaging and informative children’s book that gives young readers a realistic look at the legal profession. Many kids may imagine lawyers as people who simply argue loudly in courtrooms, but this book shows that the job is much more thoughtful, complex, and meaningful. Lawyers read carefully, choose words with precision, solve problems, interpret laws, and stand up for people who need help navigating a complicated system.

One of the book’s strongest features is the way it walks readers through a real day in the life of a lawyer. From researching cases and meeting with clients to preparing paperwork and making court arguments, Soules presents the profession in a way that is easy for children to understand. The book also explains different legal specialties, such as family, criminal, and environmental law, helping readers see that there are many paths within the field. The discussion of the tools, skills, and traits lawyers need, including honesty, critical thinking, compassion, and strong communication, makes this a valuable career guide.

I especially enjoyed how the book balances inspiration with honesty. It doesn’t only focus on the exciting or rewarding parts of being a lawyer, such as helping others and fighting for fairness. It also explains the harder parts, including long hours, difficult cases, and the responsibility lawyers carry when representing clients. The fun facts, including unusual court cases, medieval animal trials, and the Supreme Court’s hidden basketball court, add humor and surprise. The profiles of legal figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bryan Stevenson, and Constance Baker Motley give young readers real examples of people who used law to change history.

The illustrations help make challenging ideas more approachable, and the glossary, recommended resources, and author’s note add even more value. This book would be a wonderful addition to homes, classrooms, and libraries, especially during career units or discussions about rules, fairness, and justice. Even children who do not plan to become lawyers can learn a great deal from this book about how laws shape daily life and why careful thinking matters. So You Want To Be A Lawyer is an inspiring, accessible, and thoughtful read for curious kids who love asking questions, noticing details, and standing up for what is fair."

"This is an inspiring book. For every parent who wants to guide their children in a career path. This book is a must have. It describes clearly what it takes to be a lawyer. Again, showing a day work in the lawyer’s life, serves a great guide for a professional choice. After finishing reading this book, you 'will understand what to how and when to communicate so you don’t get into trouble' said by my 13 years old."

"'The most important work we don’t see from lawyers is in written form and not in court.' I learned so much about the work lawyers actually put in, behind the scenes of being in a court room. 'A single phrase in a statute can shape how that law is applied for decades.' Was so informing. If anyone in my life decides this will be the route this book will be an open gateway of information."

"I love these books! They are informative, engaging, and full of amazing illustrations! This one had facts specifically about becoming a lawyer, and it even mentioned briefly where a judge had to listen to a case of whether or not a burrito qualified as a sandwich, which I think would be very fun for kids to hear about. It walks the reader through what a lawyer actually does, where they work, the tools of the trade, and best/worst parts of the job like the other So You Want to Be A books."

"This short read gives a great explanation of being a lawyer. The break down of 'tools' that lawyer use are easy to understand. The day on the life was the best part. The illustrations are great too! This book explains that there is more to being a lawyer than just understanding law. This profession is for the compassionate and strong person."

"I recommend this book to every kid no matter if they want to be a lawyer or not. It can help them understand what they do but also some legal jargon and that what they see on tv isn't all they do. I especially liked the fun facts section. This book also talks about what the hard and best parts of the job are and things kids can do now if they actually end up wanting to be a lawyer."

"This book broke down different types of lawyers. It gives you a good understanding of what lawyers do in their practices. Now my child wants to become a lawyer when growing up."

"​So You Want to Be a Lawyer is a kid-friendly guide that explains what it’s really like to work in law. As part of Linda Soules' career book series, it breaks down big legal ideas and court systems into easy, fun stories. The book aims to get young readers excited about law while showing them the real-life skills they need to succeed."

"Whether you’re a student trying to decide on a future career, a parent looking for resources for your child, or simply curious about the legal profession, this book is an excellent starting point. It’s engaging, educational, and leaves readers feeling motivated to learn more. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring a career in law. It offers realistic expectations while still inspiring readers to pursue their goals."

"If a young person in your life is interested in the law and being a part of the process, this is the book for them. The author makes it very clear how varied the profession can be while also putting the importance of the role in context. I think what sets this book in the series apart from the others is that the author actually was a lawyer. It brings this great perspective that feels intimately personal. As usual, the resources listed are incredibly useful and will provide a great body of knowledge to make an introduction."

"Great overview of the different types of lawyers and what their job really entails, as opposed to what we see in movies and read in novels. Fun facts too!"

"5/5 STARS! I enjoy this series & think it’s perfect for kids trying to figure out what they want to be when they graduate. It’s easy enough for elementary kids & even preteens too. Good illustrations & fun format. Educational, but never boring!"

"Another great book in this interesting and informative series! This one explains to kids all about what it takes to be a lawyer. Topics include what exactly a lawyer does, what a day in the life looks like, the best and most surprising parts of the job, what qualities are needed, who lawyers work with, fun facts, famous lawyers in history, and much more! Anyone interested in the law will enjoy reading this book!"

"This book is an engaging and informative guide for anyone considering a career in law. The author breaks down the journey to become a lawyer in a way that's easy to understand, covering the challenges and dedication the profession requires. This book provides valuable guidance and motivation. It's an enjoyable, educational read that will leave you feeling inspired. I highly recommend it to aspiring lawyers and anyone interested in learning more about the legal profession."

"A thoughtful and engaging guide that shows young readers what being a lawyer is truly about—careful thinking, fairness, and helping others. My little ones loved learning about the fascinating legal facts and the inspiring stories of lawyers who made a real difference. The book makes the legal world easy to understand while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of fairness. I would gladly recommend it to any parent, teacher, or young reader interested in learning more about the legal profession."

"So You Want to Be a Lawyer appears to be an engaging and informative introduction to the legal profession for young readers. Linda Soules goes beyond the courtroom stereotypes to present an accessible look at what lawyers do every day, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, careful communication, and advocating for justice.

One of the book’s most appealing features is its inclusion of memorable real-life examples, such as the famous Supreme Court case that ruled a tomato is legally considered a vegetable. Along with stories about influential legal figures—including Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bryan Stevenson, and Constance Baker Motley—these examples help make legal history both educational and entertaining for younger readers.

Designed for children ages 10–14, this illustrated guide appears to balance practical career insights with lessons about fairness, responsibility, and perseverance. Based on the description, So You Want to Be a Lawyer looks like a valuable resource for curious readers who enjoy learning, asking questions, and standing up for what they believe is right."

"This is an engaging and inspiring book that gives young readers a realistic look at what lawyers actually do. Instead of focusing on dramatic courtroom scenes, it explains how much of a lawyer's job involves careful reading, problem-solving, helping people, and making sure justice is served. The writing is easy to understand, and the illustrations make the information even more enjoyable for kids.

One of the best parts of the book is how it introduces readers to important lawyers like Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bryan Stevenson, and Constance Baker Motley. Their stories show how lawyers can make a real difference in the world. The fun facts, such as the Supreme Court's hidden basketball court and the strange animal trials from history, also make the book entertaining while teaching something new.

I would recommend this book because it is both educational and motivating. It encourages children to think critically, pay attention to details, and stand up for what is right. It also honestly explains that becoming a lawyer takes hard work and responsibility, making it a realistic guide rather than an unrealistic dream. Whether a child already wants to become a lawyer or is simply curious about the profession, this book is an excellent read that builds confidence, inspires curiosity, and shows that quiet determination can change lives."

"Being a lawyer is a big job. There isn’t just one way to be a lawyer either. This book looks at the many and varied roles lawyers play in our society, how much work it takes to become one, and the rewards in practicing law. A great read for anyone interested in practicing law."

"A book that give kids a view of what it's like to be a lawyer, what it takes, what type of work a lawyer does, who they work with, their ups and downs. Overall a good summary for kids as it pulls back the curtain on one of the world's oldest professions and shows young readers what lawyers really do — not the version from TV, but the real work of reading closely, choosing exact words, and standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves. Written for curious readers ages 10–14. It does give praise to Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bryan Stevenson, and Constance Baker Motley."

"A joy of reviewing books is discovering one you hope your own child or grandchildren reads. This book and the 'So You Want To Be' series is at the top of the list for my son and my grandkids. I hope they look at the list of 196 titles that I have printed out and check out or buy books about careers they are considering or wondering about.

Late in the present book is a note on the series' target audience, ages 10 to 14. I think some 9- and 15-to-20-year-olds who are interested in the law would benefit, too. While the art was created for kids 10 to 14, the text is mature.

The sharp operator at the wheel of this series also is the author of this book, Linda Soules. A lawyer for 25 years, Soules never talks down to her audience and gives young people a readable, truthful, no-holds-barred (so to speak) look at what it’s like to be a lawyer. It is the most thorough title of its kind I have ever read.

Soules hooked me with her dedication and her cover, a color drawing featuring a professionally dressed black woman with a pleasant smile who is holding a briefcase while standing outside a courtroom. Throughout, the art displays the diversity of today’s legal profession.

That dedication? 'For every kid who ever stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves—and refused to back down.' Soules’ eloquence reminds me of the case accepted by Atticus Finch, the lawyer in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'

The art melds perfectly with the text. One page early on depicts a white female lawyer at a podium, a white male lawyer poring over work at a desk, and a black female lawyer conversing with an older black woman. Talk about refreshing!

The regular-sized text is succinct and clever: 'Almost all law splits into two big rivers,' Soules writes, criminal and civil. Lawyers swim both waterways using tools like briefs, memos, legal research, and negotiating tables.

Soules opines that the best part of the job is helping others and building trust, while she unflinching declares bluntly that the hardest part is losing.

Surprises are sprinkled in. Reading carefully is a huge part of the job, while courtroom theatrics like those seen in movies and on TV are less common. Soules also outlines a day in the life of a lawyer, including each activity's time of day. Some may look at that truth and decide on a different career path. But later a good drawing depicts a lawyer at her desk, which displays a photo of her family and a thriving plant. Yes, Virginia, you do get to have a personal life.

I could rave on because every page conveys something valuable, but I’ll stop after I highlight a couple more content aspects that may draw you to the book.

The author’s personal note reminds me of the fine lawyers I have known and worked with. Soules affirms that the law holds society together, a truth we see at work in the news of the day. And her bibliography and the list of websites are quite helpful.

Okay, we’re adjourned."

"Excellent explanation of what it takes to become a lawyer. It lists the skills needed and what to do to start practicing these skills, such as reading the fine print on your receipts, participating in mock jurys, etc. Also lists other books to read about famous lawyers of the past."

"I think I'm obsessed with these books! The illustrations are always amazing and the amount of interesting information they provide is really great! I thought I knew plenty about lawyers, but I learned so much more. It never really crossed my mind how much they actually have to read during everyday work, I sort of figured that was to get through the schooling but definitely not! Loved this one!!"

"I absolutely love this book series! It gives a child a 360 view of the job including challenges and hours. A day in the life is also enjoyable. The illustrations are amazing."

"An excellent overview of what it means to be a lawyer in the real world. Written in an engaging tone, it covers everything from a day in the life of a lawyer to a glossary of lawyer words. And who doesn't enjoy Fun Facts? This book will help a youngster decide if being a lawyer is for them."

"I love these books! They are informative, formatted concisely, and keep the audience it is targeted to in mind. I like the structure and formatting of the book itself. I think it gives enough information as well of the daily life for someone in that life to make sure there is no romanticizing the job that often comes with the job title. Even as an adult who never really thought too much (until more recently) about the grunt work behind being a lawyer it was fascinating to read this.

I think these books do a good job of explaining the good, the bad and stresses the daily mid feelings as well in a way that is realistic and not discouraging. Such a fun time to be able to come to these reads!"