The New Year is a time for New Year's resolutions for many of us. We want to drink less coffee, exercise more, take up a new hobby, or simply read more. The following list of nine recommended legal books (in random order, except for the first place) can help with this last resolution.

Reading broadens horizons – and legal literature not only allows you to escape into the world of compelling intrigues but also to better understand the socio-legal reality that surrounds us in our daily lives.

9 law books for the new year

9. Lincoln lawyer Michael Connelly

Mickey Haller runs a law practice… from the back seat of his titular Lincoln. He drives it to court, where he represents street dealers, drunk drivers, and repeat offenders. Unexpectedly, he becomes the defence attorney for a wealthy Beverly Hills playboy accused of rape and assault. Although the case seems straightforward at first glance, the client's past could prove deadly for Haller.

8. Pelican Report, John Grisham

United States. Two Supreme Court judges die in unexplained circumstances. The FBI and CIA cannot identify any suspects. A law student from New Orleans identifies potential perpetrators. He creates a report presenting the results of his investigation, thus becoming a target of the killers.

7. Law Firm, John Grisham

The second position by the author of "The Pelican Brief" in the rankings. A legal thriller depicting the fate of a young lawyer, Mitchell, who receives an attractive job offer at a boutique law firm. Not long after, the FBI informs him that the firm is involved in money laundering. Mitchell is given an offer he can't refuse.

6. Modus Operandi of perpetrators of murders, Monika Całkiewicz

The author analysed over 100 court case files concerning offences against life between 2000 and 2008, heard by the District Court in Warsaw. The author’s professional experience, as well as her extensive knowledge of substantive and procedural criminal law, criminology, and forensic science, are reflected in the interdisciplinary approach to the modus operandi of perpetrators of homicides.

5. Influence people. Theory and practice, Robert Cialdini

• How to get someone to change their behavior?
• How to protect ourselves from other people's influence on our decisions?

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" contains answers to these questions and many more. It's no wonder the book has already sold 2,000,000 copies worldwide. Its author, a world-renowned psychology professor from Arizona, presents techniques for influencing others, as well as a range of tips on how to deal with manipulation. This is definitely a must-read for everyone, not just lawyers. For non-lawyers, it allows them to fend off attackers and therefore visit law firms less often...

4. Mediation. Theory and practice, Scientific editing by an expert team

The most comprehensive mediation manual on the Polish market. A compendium of knowledge and practical tips on resolving conflicts in various areas of social and legal relations.

3. Pop culture icons and intellectual property law. How the famous protect their rights, Katarzyna Grzybczyk

How have intellectual property law regulations contributed to the success of Christian Louboutin, Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, or Apple? Based on a series of vivid examples, the author demonstrates the importance of IP law in creating today's market giants.

2. Entertainment of the 21st century and intellectual property law, Katarzyna Grzybczyk

Another item from Katarzyna Grzybczyk. The book introduces readers to the connection between intellectual property and many contemporary activities: social media, esports, and fan art. Based on interesting court rulings, the author also shows how regulations can limit our development of certain hobbies, and how a lack of knowledge about them can lead to many problems.

1. Constitution of the Republic of Poland

Nothing to add, nothing to take away – a read that's close to everyone, not just lawyers. Interesting fact: the word "constitution" was recognised as one of the most popular words in 2020.