A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines

A partner at Williams & Connolly, Brendan V. Sullivan Jr. has represented some of Washington’s most prominent, scandal-plagued figures, including Lt. Col. Oliver North, former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros and the late Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska.

“I tell would-be trial lawyers that if they want the perfect litmus test to determine whether they have the heart of a trial lawyer, they should read the following books to see if they cry: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson, and The Innocent Man by John Grisham.”

(Photo courtesy of Random House)