Do Law Students Read for Fun?

Listening to Quora, I often come across fascinating stories that highlight various lifestyles and interests. While I enjoy listening to audiobooks on platforms like Audible, my actual reading tends to be limited to work-related material. The only notable books I remember reading since law school have been for work purposes, such as Storm Kings Thunder for a campaign, and When Cops Kill, which delves into the aftermath of officer-involved shootings.

A Lawyer’s Passion for Reading

Becoming a lawyer in part because of my love for reading and writing, I often find it ironic that despite the portrayal in television and movies where lawyers often seem engrossed in courtroom activities, the majority of our working lives involve reading and writing. As a practicing lawyer, I spend countless hours reading legal documents, case studies, and other materials for work. And like most lawyers I know, I also find time to read for pleasure, whether during my workout or in a quieter moment. I can only imagine my favorite book or my Kindle being secretly read while soaking in a hot bath, although I tend to be too paranoid to do so.

The Reading Habit of a Lawyer

Recently, I found myself re-reading The Lord of the Rings and diving into Losurdo’s massive tome on Nietzsche. I am a lawyer who reads for fun, just like the vast majority of lawyers I know. Only one lawyer I've met has said he hasn’t read a book since law school, and his justification is a reliance on Sean Hannity for all necessary information. I, on the other hand, use my working income to buy reading materials for fun, reflecting on my book collection as I do so.

Reading in Law School and Beyond

For law students, reading for entertainment is not only possible but also essential. Similar to any other job, law school is a significant time commitment, typically around 50 hours a week. This is a massive undertaking but is by no means as demanding as the legal jobs one might pursue to make significant money later. Thus, it is all relative. Personally, I read 100 to 120 books a year for enjoyment. This routine was reduced to about four to five books a month during the busy semesters of law school, but increased to 10 books a month during my summer internships. Not everyone reads this much, but the habit of reading for pleasure is highly valued and encouraged.