On Your Case

February 1, 2015

Attorney and NBC and MSNBC television analyst Green wants women to understand the legal issues they may encounter throughout their lives. In plain, often humorous prose, the author covers relationships, marriage, divorce, children, employment, estate planning, domestic violence, and more. Green explains the law and advises readers on the course to take when things get complicated. Each chapter is well documented and full of specific examples from real cases that demonstrate how the law really operates and provide cautionary advice for readers. The "On the Job" chapter analyzes the challenges for women at work and discusses everything from how to handle unwanted sexual advances to the rights nursing mothers have while working. In the section entitled "Estate Planning," Green explains wills and trusts and provides an excellent list of suggestions to help avoid battles over estates. Highlighted text throughout provides practical wisdom on such issues as campus safety, surrogacy agreements, and how to behave during a divorce. The author uses her own experiences to good effect, sharing dramas and missteps with self-mocking insight. VERDICT Green's confident voice resonates like a smart, funny girlfriend giving solid counsel over a glass of wine. It's personal, practical, and backed up with plenty of legal reality. This book will appeal to women with legal troubles and to those hoping to avoid them. [See Prepub Alert, 8/18/14.]--Joan Pedzich, formerly with Harris Beach PLLC, Pittsford, NY

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2014
A guidebook of practical legal advice for women to enrich their professional and personal lives. Unlike other commentators in the ongoing conversation on whether or not women can "have it all," Green, an attorney and legal personality by trade, dispenses advice about one of the most overlooked yet important aspects of life: law. Rather than proselytize about the condition of women in society, the author offers her legal expertise specifically to women who might otherwise think they've figured it all out. However, she argues that they crucially lack the pragmatic value of a basic understanding of civil law. Green's advice is not merely for the courtroom. Her evenhanded and easily understood council is designed for "taking informed action." In one chapter, Green breaks down the legalities of online dating, citing one particularly horrible example in which a woman was stabbed and beaten after her match.com date. She also tackles the issue of whether or not marrying is preferable to "cohabitation." Green's advice ranges far beyond relationships, marriage and divorce. Other subjects include child-rearing, work issues, end-of-life care and various forms of social media etiquette. While it may seem pedestrian at first, Green's advice is detailed, exceptionally well-researched and, above all else, helpful. Her anecdotes and case studies are relevant and often spotlight high-profile celebrity cases for resonance-e.g., Anna Nicole Smith's fight for her late husband's estate. Most importantly, the legal quandaries Green addresses are commonly experienced problems, and her primer will serve as a trusted resource to show the layperson her legal rights and options. Ultimately, the author is a realist who understands that the topics she discusses may not be the most exciting or comforting, but they are absolutely necessary for women to lead proactive and independent lives. Part reference, part self-help, Green's winning book will empower women through knowledge of the law.

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