One L

The Turbulent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law School

By: Scott Turow

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Decades after Scott Turow entered law school comes an all new unabridged production of this classic with a special introduction by and interview with the author

One L, Scott Turow's journal of his first year at law school and a best seller when it was first published in 1977, has gone on to become a virtual bible for prospective law students. Not only does it introduce with remarkable clarity the ideas and issues that are the stuff of legal education; it also brings alive the anxiety and competitiveness - with others and, even more, with oneself - that set the tone in this crucible of character building.

Each September, a new crop of students enter Harvard Law School to begin an intense, often grueling, sometimes harrowing year of introduction to the law. Will the One L's survive? Will they excel? Will they make the Law Review, the outward and visible sign of success in this ultra-competitive microcosm.

With remarkable insight into both his fellow students and himself, Turow leads us through the ups and downs, the small triumphs and tragedies of the year, in an absorbing and thought-provoking narrative that teaches the listener not only about law school and the law but also about the human beings who make them what they are.

©1977, 1988 Scott Turow (P)2005 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"The most accurate, complete, and balanced description yet of a century-old rite of passage in America." (Baltimore Sun)
"[One L] should be read by anyone who has ever contemplated going to law school or anyone who has ever worried about being human." (The New York Times)

Great and honest book about the 1L process

The intensity, information, and honesty about all the factors of being a 1L provided great insight into the mechanisms that may tempt you from your success.

considering law school?

I would highly recommend this book to anybody considering law school. There is no other book of its kind...it will definitely give you an idea as to what you're in for.

A well-told and well-written account

One L brought insight into the self-induced psychopathology that first year students bestow on themselves, as well as the misdirected, flip pieces of advice that professors give to students undergoing a great deal of stress. I also became very interested in learning the basics of the law. I never knew what "torts" were until I listened to the story. I was impressed with the liveliness of the narration, and the clear writing as well. While some explanations rambled a bit, I was very interested in hearing Turow's story, and listened to the story straight through. I have new insight to the world my lawyer friends went through in their first year, and greater understanding why many of them exhibit the aggressive, combative personas when I talk with them. Turow wrote the book while undergoing law school, and the tone of the narrator's complaints and demonizing remarks sometimes come across as immature and whiny. Nonetheless, the narrative felt authentic, and I was engrossed in Turow's progress.

Good Story

You can really feel what the author is feeling as he writes in his journal about his first year. I don't agree with his politics, and think some of his fears may have been misplaced, but I haven't gone to Harvard Law School, so I can't comment further.

Perfect pre-law school listen.

What did you love best about One L?

It pretty much laid out a blueprint of everything to expect during the first year of law school. I listened to it a few weeks before school started and it really helped me get into the right mindset.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Perini. Are all contracts professors alike? Or maybe the Harvard Law contracts professor character in The Paper Chase was based on the same Harvard Law contracts professor that Turow based Perini.

Have you listened to any of Holter Graham’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he was about to have a nervous breakdown and tried to see the on-campus psych, but then things got better... Cheesy, I know, but I've definitely thought about it. It's a good motivator.

Any additional comments?

Would recommend to ALL future 1Ls. Absolutely.

A Must Read for the Law School Bound

I found this audio book enjoyable and most informative. I bought it hoping to give me some idea what law school is like and the amount of work I'd be expected to do while attending. This book does a good job describing the challenges of law school - academic, social, emotional and other challenges. It also illustrates the enjoyable, rewarding aspects of law school. Most valuable was the experiences and advices shared of how to deal with the stress of 1st year and social pitfalls to watch out for.

Great book, great narration

I ordered "One L" on a whim, having last read it approximately fifteen years ago (while still a law student). I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I got from it, even now. And the narrator, Hilton Graham, does an absolutely beautiful job.

riveting story telling with characters

great story telling. I listened to it and was able to pictures the class rooms, situations and drama throughout the first year.

A 0L Must Read

In 2022, it's is remarkable to me how much this book still resonates with law students and their experience, regardless of the law school they attend. I read this looking for more of a mental preparation for dreaded 1st year we hear so much about. I wanted my wife to listen to it so she has some kind of reference for the massive undertaking that is law school and the toll it could take, so that we can prepare, as much as possible, for the next few years. Scott's insight gives me some nerves but mostly provides a kind of mental support that allows me to know my experience isn't singular and isn't that what what we all want....to know we aren't the only ones, that we aren't in it alone. If you are thinking of going to law school, about to start law school or know someone who is, get this book.

Still great!

Only negative is that the author's very in depth criticism is a little out dated now. However, his main points still carry truth.