BARMAN

I Could Relate

Dear Mr. Wellen:

I'm sure you probably get a lot of emails from your book signings, but here goes: I purchased your book when you spoke to my law school (Touro Law, Tier 4) back in October and only now have I had the time to sit down and read it. I just finished Barman and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I could relate to practically all of your experiences- especially the Tier distinctions and the attraction to a legal career in New York.

Sincerely,
Eric
Touro Law

Scares Me to Death

Mr Wellen:

I just read your book and along with your signature, you added a note to let you know how I liked the story: (1) The Bar now officially scares me to death. As a slacker night student, I've faked my way through 3 years of law school. (2) Great story. Great narrative. It is a much better resource than "1L." It's a hell of a thing to open your life and your family like that. I give you credit. My brother and I are both techies, video production teachers - high school level, and we can certainly relate. We actually used to watch your show. Just wanted to drop you a line. We liked the local flavor, since we are South Jersey lifers. How about a book about the TV business?

Thanks for the story.

Greg
Rutgers Law School

No Guarantees

Alex:

A friend of mine sent me your book, and I wanted to drop you a line to let you know how much I enjoyed it.  I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2002, and experienced the same 2-month-long panic attack the summer I studied for the CA bar.  I've been with a big firm in San Francisco for the last couple of years, so I could also relate to your big firm woes, especially being berated for your (over)use of LEXIS. 

However, while I certainly found the humor in your "Tier I" vs. every other law school theme, I have to say that many of the successful attorneys in my firm went to small law schools and have had outstanding careers.  While I think attending a well-known university does widen your interviewing opportunities, it certainly does not guarantee you a successful career.  Neither does attending a smaller school mean you will constantly be playing catch-up.

Good luck in your non-legal career. 

Take care,
Drew

Took A Chance

Dear Alex:

I just read your book and I really enjoyed it. I was in Borders Bookstore a few days ago, looking for trial technique books and noticed "Barman" on one of the shelves. I read the back cover, thought it sounded interesting, and decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did.

Just like you I attended a tier two law school, American University, which is in Washington, DC. Unlike you, I didn't make law review or even come close to it.  It was great reading about your experience in taking the bar exam though and even renovating that loft you rented. I don't even think I would even want to know how much money you actually spent on that place.

Congratulations as well on your post-law career. It defintely took some courage to walk away from such a prestigous position, but good for you. Anyway, I just wanted to write a quick email letting you know I really enjoyed the book. I'm sure the Oracle and the Optimist must be very proud. I will look forward to reading your follow-up in the future.

Best of luck,
Kyle