Nicholas McBride's collection of letters, "Letters to a Law Student," is a perfect gift for any law student at the start of their journey. It is a concise yet comprehensive guide for students studying law or considering studying law. The book is structured as a series of letters written by the author to a fictional law student named "Alex," who is struggling to understand the complexities of the legal field. McBride touches on all the important milestones, from why study law, how to get the most out of law school classes, to exams, even to stand out in a number of law graduates.

This book covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of legal terminologies to more advanced concepts such as legal reasoning and preparing exams. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic, supplemented with the author’s clear and concise explanations and practical tips. The author writes it in a conversational style, making it easy to read and understand even for those who are new to the subject.

One of the strengths of this publication is the author's ability to break down complex legal concepts into simple and easy-to-understand language, which is particularly helpful for students who are struggling to grasp the intricacies of the legal field.

The author believes critical thinking and analysis are important in the legal profession. He encourages students to think beyond the black letter law and to consider the wider social, economic, and political implications of legal decisions. This is an important lesson for students who may be tempted to simply memorise legal principles without fully understanding their broader context.

This book also provides practical advice for students on how to succeed in their law studies, including tips on how to tackle exams, how to perform research and write essays etc. His advice is based on his own experience as once a law student and as a lecturer, and is therefore particularly valuable to those who are looking for practical guidance on how to succeed in their studies.

In conclusion, "Letters to a Law Student" is not only an excellent resource for students studying law or considering studying law, it is also suitable for anyone looking to improve their understanding of the legal field.