The Practice What They Don't Teach in Law School

"The Practice: What They Don't Teach in Law School" is the journey of a southern lawyer with all of its twists, turns, and adventures. It's much like a tour of the river that winds through the setting of this story, the quintessential southern city of Savannah, spanning five decades of its history as told from the point of view of its protagonist, Gordon Graham, an attorney who helps in his distinctive way to shape it. The book takes readers along as Gordon grows up, navigates the waters of his law education, makes life-directing choices about his career path, and embarks on a series of legal adventures that can, literally, fill a book. Through imagination and humor, Gordon finds that often responsibilities and accomplishments do not only result from preparation and structure but by may be generated by an inner compass, which inspires the subtitle, "What They Don't Teach in Law School." In fact, his wit and innovative thinking wind up being anchors for his ultimate success. Whatever an individual's course in life, this story provides encouragement and an inspirational scale for satisfaction.
Through the personal journey of Gordon Graham, "The Practice" provides a glimpse into the gaps often left by academia in how to navigate life itself. Graham's story illustrates the importance of conceptual and imaginative thinking beyond the book learning of law school, whose curricula offered no guidance for managing relationships with colleagues and staff, dealing with practice economics, or attracting clients. The largest void entailed how to achieve a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction beyond the monetary rewards of a professional practice. It's a void that Graham fills admirably through trial and error (pun intended), offering this neglected edification to others pursuing a career in law (or, really, any profession).