Looking for the best books for lawyers on business development, leadership, and rainmaking? After decades of advising and coaching high-performing attorneys, legal recruiter Shari Davidson has observed a consistent pattern among top rainmakers: they continually invest in their own professional growth.
Strong technical skills may open the door, but long-term success in law firm business development is shaped by mindset, communication, leadership, and client relationship management. The books below are widely regarded as essential reading for attorneys who want to grow their practices, attract clients, and build sustainable legal careers.
These recommended reads help lawyers navigate change, strengthen professional networks, improve productivity, and develop the skills needed for long-term success in today’s competitive legal market.
Self-Development Books for Lawyers
Who Moved My Cheese? | Spencer Johnson
This classic book uses a simple parable to explore how individuals respond to change. For lawyers navigating shifting firm structures, evolving client demands, and market disruptions, it offers practical insight into adaptability, resilience, and proactive career management. It encourages attorneys to anticipate change rather than react to it.
Start With Why | Simon Sinek
Sinek introduces the “Golden Circle” framework, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven leadership. For attorneys, this book clarifies how understanding personal and professional motivation strengthens client relationships, improves team engagement, and supports long-term career satisfaction.
How the Best Get Better | Dan Sullivan
This book examines how high performers sustain excellence by leveraging new capabilities and focusing on strategic growth. Lawyers benefit from its emphasis on continuous improvement, delegation, and aligning daily work with long-term professional goals.
Think and Grow Rich | Napoleon Hill
Based on interviews with successful entrepreneurs and leaders, this book outlines principles for building wealth and achievement through discipline, planning, and mindset. For attorneys, it reinforces the importance of goal-setting, persistence, and strategic thinking in career development.
How to Win Friends and Influence People | Dale Carnegie
Carnegie’s timeless principles focus on communication, empathy, and relationship-building. Lawyers who master these skills are better equipped to manage clients, resolve conflicts, and strengthen internal collaboration without relying on authority alone.
Awaken the Giant Within | Tony Robbins
This book emphasizes personal accountability, motivation, and behavioral change. It helps attorneys develop greater emotional discipline, manage stress, and maintain focus during demanding periods of practice.
Solution Selling | Michael Bosworth
Bosworth presents a consultative approach to sales that prioritizes understanding client needs. For lawyers, this framework supports more effective client development, proposal preparation, and long-term relationship management.
SPIN Selling | Neil Rackham
Based on extensive research, SPIN Selling introduces a structured questioning method for professional conversations. Attorneys can apply this framework to client meetings, pitches, and negotiations to better identify needs and deliver tailored solutions.
Influence | Robert B. Cialdini
Cialdini explains the psychological principles behind persuasion, including reciprocity, authority, and social proof. Lawyers gain valuable insight into negotiation, client retention, and ethical influence strategies.
Shari Davidson said,
“This book explains the psychology of influence that will help you retain clients, understand challenges and negotiate deals.”
Networking and Relationship Building for Attorneys
Never Eat Alone | Keith Ferrazzi
Ferrazzi demonstrates how intentional relationship-building supports long-term success. For lawyers, this book highlights how consistent outreach, generosity, and follow-through strengthen referral networks and client loyalty.
The Art of the Business Lunch | Jay Robin
This practical guide explores professional dining etiquette and strategy. Attorneys learn how to manage business conversations, build rapport, and avoid common mistakes during client meetings and networking events.
Diversity and Inclusion in Law Firms
The Leader’s Guide to Unconscious Bias | Pamela Fuller
This book examines how unconscious bias affects decision-making, evaluation, and team dynamics. It provides practical tools for building inclusive cultures that support retention, collaboration, and leadership development.
Breaking Through Bias | Andrea Kramer and Alton B. Harris
Written by attorneys, this book analyzes how stereotypes influence professional advancement. It offers communication strategies that help lawyers navigate bias and advocate effectively for themselves and others.
Law Practice Management and Law Firm Growth
The E-Myth Attorney | Michael Gerber
Gerber explains why many legal practices struggle without systems and structure. This book helps attorneys transition from technicians to business owners by developing scalable processes and management discipline.
How to Start and Build a Law Practice | Jay Foonberg
Published by the American Bar Association, this guide covers firm formation, operations, marketing, and compliance. It remains a valuable reference for both new and established practitioners.
Alternative Fees for Litigators and Their Clients | Patrick Lamb
Lamb explores alternative billing models and value-based pricing. Attorneys gain insight into structuring fees that align client expectations with firm profitability.
Smart Collaboration | Heidi Gardner
Gardner demonstrates how cross-practice collaboration improves client service and firm performance. This book helps lawyers break down silos and leverage collective expertise.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business | Gino Wickman
This book introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), offering tools for accountability, goal-setting, and execution. Law firm leaders can use these systems to strengthen operational discipline.
Productivity and Time Management for Lawyers
First Things First | Stephen Covey
Covey emphasizes prioritization based on values rather than urgency. For lawyers, this approach supports sustainable performance, reduced burnout, and improved work-life integration.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Stephen Covey
This foundational work outlines habits related to responsibility, planning, cooperation, and renewal. Many attorneys revisit this book throughout their careers to reinforce professional discipline.
Shari Davidson said,
“Don’t buy the Kindle or iPad version, buy the book. These books are meant to be referenced throughout your career. They belong in your library along with all the other books you cherish and refer to often.”
A Commitment to Continuous Learning for Legal Professionals
Top rainmakers consistently invest in developing new skills and refining existing ones. Reading widely across leadership, psychology, management, and communication strengthens both legal practice and client development.
Long-term success in law firm marketing and business development is rarely accidental. It is built through deliberate learning, thoughtful reflection, and sustained professional growth.
About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises law firms on how to take a firm to the next level and helps rising talent make the transition to the right law firm.
Contact us today. Call 516-731-3400 or visit our website at https://onbalancesearch.com
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your specific circumstances and the laws in your states pertaining to social media and any legal restrictions regarding the law.
