Two books newly minted lawyers should read

Law school teaches you nothing about conflict avoidance or basic negotiation. In the real world, getting along with people is of utmost importance. Some might believe that you can't teach people diplomacy and negotiation.

Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People has taught millions of people the basic psychology of everyday diplomacy. For lawyers who need to be persuasive (and isn't that all lawyers?), this book is a must read.

For lawyers who negotiate (that is for lawyers who are still alive) the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In is absolutely indispensible. Actually, this book is useful for anyone who negotiates, which is pretty much anyone who spends money.