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kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A young lawyer is trying to work her way up the ladder in a big New York law firm, but she has to sacrifice a long list of things to make it to the top.
Mackenzie is a typical character in a typical book, but following her journey was more than typical. She was spunky and had sass but even in a lawyer world she had morals and tried her darndest to stay near her moral compass and I adored her for it. It was interesting to read about her relationship with a fellow lawyer and how different departments in law firms have a varying level of workload and hours they are expected to be in the office - learned something new! I loved how real Mackenzie was and how real the book felt.
A young lawyer is trying to work her way up the ladder in a big New York law firm, but she has to sacrifice a long list of things to make it to the top.
Mackenzie is a typical character in a typical book, but following her journey was more than typical. She was spunky and had sass but even in a lawyer world she had morals and tried her darndest to stay near her moral compass and I adored her for it. It was interesting to read about her relationship with a fellow lawyer and how different departments in law firms have a varying level of workload and hours they are expected to be in the office - learned something new! I loved how real Mackenzie was and how real the book felt.
mkaym510's review against another edition
2.0
Fairly predictable. Felt like there were quite a few filler scenes written in that didn't relate to the plot. Main character wasn't all that likeable either.
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
4.0
BIGLAW is a surprisingly new version of ChickLit for me. The novel is written by a lawyer with attention to basic legal terminology and legal procedures while simultaneously developing a story most women will connect with.
Although I had some issues with the main character the bulk of the novel regarding Mackenzie’s experience working in BIGLAW was actually exciting.
I know a lot people have said in reviews that the way she was treated was horrific, but it was exciting to feel the rush of competition pouring off the pages. Honestly, this is why I had always wanted to be a corporate lawyer: the competition, the rush, the around the clock schedule. It sounds fantastic! Plus, the fact that they have it set up so you can get everything you need and not have to stop working? I’d like to sign up to that, please! It’s annoying having to leave your desk to grab food when you’re on a deadline that doesn’t really allow for meal breaks – in my experience sometimes you just don’t eat at all to save time.
The novel starts out with Mackenzie being pulled into her boss’ office with a strong sense of foreboding and fear. Mackenzie keeps rethinking her day, trying to figure out where she could have made mistakes or done the wrong thing. The whole chapter ends with her wondering if the partners had learned of her tiny misbehaviour and if she was going to be fired for it. It was a really great line to hook in readers before they are thrust back months before this ill fated meeting takes place.
I loved the legal aspects of this novel and would have given it five stars if only it had stronger lead character..
Mackenzie’s motivations for becoming a lawyer were incredibly selfish, considering it to be the epitome of success and not taking into account the actual job she would be doing. She often considered herself a victim in an environment where everyone is exposed to the same pressure and probably just as worn out and exhausted as she is. She was irresponsible; constantly pointing fingers at others for her mistakes. She honestly spent more time describing what designer labels she was wearing than focusing on the deals she was managing. I think that I just really couldn’t connect with someone with such different motivations and priorities..not to mention background. I couldn’t best my own biases on this one.
Regardless, I really enjoyed BIGLAW for it’s fantastic story telling and realistic look at corporate law in New York City. I was both excited and inspired by this book in multiple ways. I definitely recommend reading BIGLAW if you are a ChickLit fan or a fan of novels that are slightly outside their genres. I will definitely be checking out more Lindsay Cameron in the future!
Although I had some issues with the main character the bulk of the novel regarding Mackenzie’s experience working in BIGLAW was actually exciting.
I know a lot people have said in reviews that the way she was treated was horrific, but it was exciting to feel the rush of competition pouring off the pages. Honestly, this is why I had always wanted to be a corporate lawyer: the competition, the rush, the around the clock schedule. It sounds fantastic! Plus, the fact that they have it set up so you can get everything you need and not have to stop working? I’d like to sign up to that, please! It’s annoying having to leave your desk to grab food when you’re on a deadline that doesn’t really allow for meal breaks – in my experience sometimes you just don’t eat at all to save time.
The novel starts out with Mackenzie being pulled into her boss’ office with a strong sense of foreboding and fear. Mackenzie keeps rethinking her day, trying to figure out where she could have made mistakes or done the wrong thing. The whole chapter ends with her wondering if the partners had learned of her tiny misbehaviour and if she was going to be fired for it. It was a really great line to hook in readers before they are thrust back months before this ill fated meeting takes place.
I loved the legal aspects of this novel and would have given it five stars if only it had stronger lead character..
Mackenzie’s motivations for becoming a lawyer were incredibly selfish, considering it to be the epitome of success and not taking into account the actual job she would be doing. She often considered herself a victim in an environment where everyone is exposed to the same pressure and probably just as worn out and exhausted as she is. She was irresponsible; constantly pointing fingers at others for her mistakes. She honestly spent more time describing what designer labels she was wearing than focusing on the deals she was managing. I think that I just really couldn’t connect with someone with such different motivations and priorities..not to mention background. I couldn’t best my own biases on this one.
Regardless, I really enjoyed BIGLAW for it’s fantastic story telling and realistic look at corporate law in New York City. I was both excited and inspired by this book in multiple ways. I definitely recommend reading BIGLAW if you are a ChickLit fan or a fan of novels that are slightly outside their genres. I will definitely be checking out more Lindsay Cameron in the future!
bookworm_eliz's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it! Gotta love corporate America but thankfully I’m no lawyer.
maggiemaggio's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I'm afraid this book might be mostly true. Enjoyed it despite the first 90% dragging a bit and the last 10% feeling a bit rushed.
kyra_rouse's review
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lynnreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I might have enjoyed this more if it wasn't giving me secondhand anxiety. I kept looking up from the book feeling overwhelmed with work stress only to remember the anxiety was from the book, not real life.
abiveeke's review against another edition
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was a decent read. I had a difficult time reading it though because it reminded me too much of when I worked in the legal profession. Abusive lawyers, working constantly, etc., but it was a decent story overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gaslighting, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Misogyny and Toxic relationship
haleymaple's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A fun ride in the wild world of Big Law
btodd12's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0