Called On

“Called On may be this generation’s One L...” — Tony Mauro, The National Law Journal

Libby Behl and Connie Shun are both at Warren Law because they want to make the world better. First-year student Libby’s got a lot to learn about law — not to mention love, long nights, and low-grade coffee. Through a difficult year, her professor Connie starts to question what she knows about how law — and justice — work. Witty and insightful, Called On is an insider’s peek into the struggles of learning law and the satisfaction of finding a new path in life.

“McElroy perfectly captures the pressures, challenges, and triumphs of both teaching and studying the law. Filled with big, memorable personalities, Called On is an utterly charming depiction of the 1L experience.” — Alafair Burke, author, The Ex

“In Called On, McElroy deftly chronicles the stories of law professor Connie Shun and first year law student Libby Behl, each of whom is trying to move past tragedy and forge a new path for herself. The intersection of their lives is both humorous and heartbreaking. In this thoughtful and thought-provoking commentary on life, love, and the law, McElroy demonstrates the rare gift to simultaneously entertain, educate, uplift, and inspire.” — Pam Jenoff, author, The Kommandant’s Girl

“Lisa McElroy nails law school—from first-day jitters to gunners and back-benchers—in a funny, perceptive, and poignant (but never predictable) first novel. Grab a Diet Coke and a handful of M&Ms and settle in; once you start reading, you won't want to stop.” — Amy Howe, co-founder & editor, SCOTUSblog

“This remarkable book showcases all the traits that make McElroy such an amazing teacher: a deep understanding of legal issues, a superb ability to connect them to the real world, and a wry, compassionate understanding of her fellow humans in all their flawed splendor. Plus, she can flat-out tell a story. If you never made it to law school — and even if you never wanted to — don’t miss the chance to get Called On.” — Kermit Roosevelt, author, Allegiance and In the Shadow of the Law

“McElroy has provided us with a fresh and modern take on life in law school. The story is told through the eyes of an idealist, who enters law school with the best of intentions only to find that law can be as messy as love. This book is a must read for anyone thinking about taking the plunge into law school.” — Shon Hopwood, author, Law Man

“I didn't go to law school, but author Lisa McElroy did, and that's a great thing for readers of fiction. McElroy uses her personal experience as both a law student and law professor to create a world of high stakes studies, complex personal relationships, and meaningful discussions of themes like liberty and justice. Called On is a complete first novel, expertly conceived and skillfully written. Memorable, vivid, and true — the story of two women, one student and one prof, who find themselves in the law.” — Lian Dolan, author, Helen of Pasadena and Elizabeth the First Wife

“Called On may be this generation’s One L, narrating the modern law school experience with all its stress, cut-throat competitiveness, inflated egos, flaws, and triumphs. Early on, the main character observes, ‘From what I hear, law school is full of surprises.’ McElroy turns that into an understatement, with plot twists that make Called On a true page-turner. Anyone who has been to law school, teaches there, or knows lawyers will instantly recognize one or more of McElroy’s vivid characters.” — Tony Mauro, Supreme Court Correspondent, The National Law Journal

Lisa McElroy is an associate professor of law at Drexel University. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Redbook, and many other publications. A long-time law teacher, she is also the author of eleven children’s books. She lives with her family near Philadelphia.