Having effective reading habits for lawyers is crucial — whether performing research tasks or reviewing contracts, reading is fundamental to a lawyer’s daily practice.
It is not just about reading for the immediate job requirements. Building strong reading habits for lawyers is essential for professional growth and staying current in an ever-evolving legal landscape. As legal professionals face increasing demands on their time, mastering effective reading habits becomes even more critical for career development.
It is not just crucial to be able to read for the ‘job’ but it is also equally important to have a reading habit to become a good lawyer and to continue to develop as a lawyer. It is important for lawyers to continuously keep themselves updated with current events such as new cases, policies and international developments in their field.
Cal Newport is a computer science professor at Georgetown University and a bestselling author known for his work on productivity and deep work. In a couple of his YouTube videos, he discussed his goal of reading five books every month and shared strategies for developing effective reading habits.
This article will discuss the key takeaways from these videos on developing better reading habits for lawyers. However, we also strongly encourage watching these videos in their entirety to understand the topic in greater depth.
These are the two videos in question:
Why reading matters for lawyers
Newport describes reading as ‘mental exercise’ for knowledge workers. Reading in the legal profession might be even more crucial and it serves several purposes:
- Staying current with evolving case law and legislative changes
- Understanding different legal arguments and precedents
- Developing deeper expertise in specific practice areas
- Building broader knowledge for better client service and developing professional relationships[3].
- Maintaining professional competence and ethical obligations
Reading strategies for lawyers
Here are some of the strategies that Newport discusses to develop a more effective reading habit with examples of how lawyers can implement these.
Schedule dedicated reading time
Newport advises people to schedule reading time in their day like they would schedule exercise. He discusses starting off with a smaller time limit (for instance 10 minutes per day) and slowly dialing it up over time as your brain gets used to the activity.
As a lawyer, you can schedule this reading time during travel time to effectively utilise this period of time or scheduling a specific reading break during one of the larger breaks during the day (such as a lunch break)[4].
Choose strategic reading material
If you are someone who does not like to read a lot, Newport recommends choosing reading material that you would like reading as opposed to material that you should be reading, at the start of this journey.
For lawyers, this could mean looking at reading material that interests you the most – whether or not it is actually what you should be reading. For instance, if there is mental friction with reading cases – you could start off by reading shorter articles discussing cases or news updates with current developments (such as this one[5]).
Implement “closing pushes”
One of Newport’s effective strategies is what he calls “closing pushes” – dedicating focused time to finish a book when you’re near the end. For lawyers, this can be adapted as:
- Blocking out an hour to complete reviewing an important judgment
- Setting aside dedicated time to finish reading new legislation
- Completing the last section of a legal commentary or article in one sitting
- Using weekend mornings for longer reading sessions to finish pending material
Make your phone less interesting
Perhaps Newport’s most crucial advice is about reducing digital distractions. This is particularly important for lawyers who need to maintain deep focus while reading complex materials. Here’s how to implement this:
- Block out social media apps temporarily from your phone during your dedicated reading sessions
- Turn off non-essential notifications during reading periods
- Keep your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode during focused reading sessions
- Use physical books or printed materials for important legal texts that require deep understanding
Measuring progress
To ensure your reading habit is effective:
- Keep a log of important cases and materials read
- Note key principles or learnings from each reading session
- Review your reading habits quarterly and adjust as needed
- Track how your reading impacts your practice
Conclusion
Building a strong reading habit is essential for legal professionals at all levels. By implementing Cal Newport’s strategies with a legal focus, you can develop a sustainable reading practice that enhances your expertise and benefits your career. Remember to start small, be consistent, and gradually increase both the quantity and complexity of your reading material.
The key is not just to read more, but to read more effectively. Start with these strategies, adapt them to your specific needs, and watch as your reading habit strengthens your legal practice.
[1] Cal Newport, ‘How to Read 5 Books a Month | Cal Newport’s Method’, YouTube, published on 29 May 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRBkIdc_VYU (last accessed 9 February 2025)
[2] Cal Newport, ‘How To Become A Serious Reader’, YouTube, published on 11 March 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiOvKClmBaw&t=9s (last accessed 9 February 2025)
[3] ‘The Hidden Rules of Networking in Law Nobody Tells You’, Beyond Law School, published on 21 November 2024, https://beyondlawschool.in/2024/11/21/the-hidden-rules-of-networking-in-law-nobody-tells-you/ (last accessed 9 February 2025)
[4] ‘Mastering Time Management: Essential Skills for Lawyers’, Beyond Law School, published on 7 January 2025, https://beyondlawschool.in/2025/01/07/mastering-time-management-essential-skills-for-lawyers/ (last accessed 9 February 2025)
[5] ‘The CJEU’s Landmark Ruling on Non-Lawyer Investment: The Future of Law Firm Ownership’, Beyond Law School, published on 23 January 2025, https://beyondlawschool.in/2025/01/23/the-cjeus-landmark-ruling-on-non-lawyer-investment-the-future-of-law-firm-ownership/ (last accessed 9 February 2025)
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