I just finished reading The Practice by Brian Tannebaum. I literally read it cover to cover in one sitting, and I don’t believe I have ever done that before in my whole life.
The book is terrific. It’s a little like watching a comedian while simultaneously participating in a boxing match. You take a hit, you get knocked down, you find yourself doubled over laughing hysterically, and then you’re hit with the smelling salts. It’s all that and more. Oddly, you’ll find yourself wanting more after it’s over.
The book quotes me a couple of times, so it’s clearly a work of pure genius. If you haven’t already bought yourself a copy, you should order it immediately (more on ordering it in a minute).
A Little Background on the Author
Tannebaum is a regular guy from a regular law school (Stetson—my grandfather went to law school there too). Tannebaum vulnerably describes his struggles in college and then in law school. He’s definitely NOT an academic (but he excelled on the trial team). He came out of school and went to the public defender’s office in Miami and eventually started his own practice.
He had no particular advantages in the legal profession. He was the first lawyer in his family. He had to figure out opening and growing his practice on his own. He made it work through hard work, smart thinking, and getting to know people in his community. He did nothing magical. He did nothing you couldn’t do for yourself if you follow the advice in his book.
Tannebaum has learned lots of lessons, and he passes them along. The Practice is a collection of new material plus his writing from his blogs and his articles at Above the Law. The book is endlessly entertaining and packs a powerful, valuable punch.
What You Can Learn From This Book
The book focuses on marketing. That topic uses up the most pages. Tannebaum built his practice the old-fashioned way: by getting to know those around him through networking groups, politics, bar associations, hobbies, and involvement in the community. He gives lots of insights into how to use your time and turn it into money. He spends some time on advertising and social media, but that’s not a primary focus of the book.
Aside from the solid marketing advice, Tannebaum conveys some very helpful advice related to setting and collecting fees. Again, this is where his real world, practical experience brings the book to life. Some of my favorite pages were devoted to Tannebaum’s thoughts when business was slow. It’s helpful to hear how others react to and cope with the financial ups and the downs of private practice.
Tannebaum covers a broad range of other issues facing attorneys. He offers his take on law partners splitting the profits, manners, money, mentors, media, and lots of other topics that don’t start with an “-m.” He’s always got a good story to illustrate his point, and he’s never afraid to tell you what he thinks.
Tannebaum describes himself as a “mean troll.” That’s accurate. It’s also a big part of what makes the book so useful and valuable. He doesn’t pussyfoot around the issues. He calls it the way he sees it, expresses strong opinions, and backs them up with his experience. Tannebaum’s The Practice is the mentor you wished had told you the harsh truth and helped you learn without needing to experience every mistake yourself.
Near the end of the book, Tannebaum gets deep and philosophical. He includes sections on finding meaning in the practice of law. He even has a chapter called “Fun and Happiness in the Practice of Law.” Maybe he’s not such a “mean troll” after all?
You should order the book and read it. It’s worth your time. You’ll want to read it once, put it away, and read it again after six months. The words will look different as your experiences change you.
How to Get Your Copy
Speaking of ordering, you can get the book from the American Bar Association. Ordering is like stepping backward in time (a perfect job for a virtual assistant you don’t like). You’re required to get a physical copy (this is now the only printed book I own). Tannebaum’s message makes dealing with the ABA worth doing, but I’ve got to wonder when they are going to shut that organization down and turn it into a museum. I can order a book from Amazon in 10 seconds. It took me 10 minutes to get my copy of The Practice (but it was time well spent). Order yourself a holiday gift today.
