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Lawyer X: A True Story
An American Lawyer in Paris Jail...
A bright, young Texas lawyer determined to make it on his own leaves the DA's Office to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney. Just months later, he finds himself at the center of an international Ecstasy drug trafficking ring. As a charismatic negotiator, Lawyer X ignores danger and resurrects a deal gone bad. Caught red-handed in Paris, France, he lands in prison indefinitely.
Isolated from his culture and marked as l'Américain, he is focused on staying alive at a time when Anglo – Franco relations are at an all time low. Facing years in French prison and multiple life terms in the United States, Lawyer X must protect his best friend’s innocence and salvage his own dignity. His mentor, a legendary Dallas attorney, fights to keep him from becoming a casualty in the War on Drugs.
A TRUE STORY
Hardcover available in 2016
A bright, young Texas lawyer determined to make it on his own leaves the DA's Office to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney. Just months later, he finds himself at the center of an international Ecstasy drug trafficking ring. As a charismatic negotiator, Lawyer X ignores danger and resurrects a deal gone bad. Caught red-handed in Paris, France, he lands in prison indefinitely.
Isolated from his culture and marked as l'Américain, he is focused on staying alive at a time when Anglo – Franco relations are at an all time low. Facing years in French prison and multiple life terms in the United States, Lawyer X must protect his best friend’s innocence and salvage his own dignity. His mentor, a legendary Dallas attorney, fights to keep him from becoming a casualty in the War on Drugs.
A TRUE STORY
Hardcover available in 2016
- GenresNonfiction
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2015
95 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jake Banks
4 books12 followerscheck out my website: www.lawyer-x.com
Jake Banks was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Class of 1995. He later went to
Texas A&M University Law School and joined the State Bar in 2000. He practiced as an Assistant D.A. and Defense Attorney.
Then, LAWYER X happened.
Not long after he was returned to the United States, Jake and his future wife embarked on an epic road trip from Corpus Christi, Texas to Panama', Central America. The week long trip turned into 15 years and produced a marriage with 3 children, a successful business, and an appreciation for surfing and jungle living -- plus plenty of fodder for his next book!
Jake currently resides in Texas where he raises kids and practices law.
LAWYER X is a self-published book. Please leave a review!
Jake Banks was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Class of 1995. He later went to
Texas A&M University Law School and joined the State Bar in 2000. He practiced as an Assistant D.A. and Defense Attorney.
Then, LAWYER X happened.
Not long after he was returned to the United States, Jake and his future wife embarked on an epic road trip from Corpus Christi, Texas to Panama', Central America. The week long trip turned into 15 years and produced a marriage with 3 children, a successful business, and an appreciation for surfing and jungle living -- plus plenty of fodder for his next book!
Jake currently resides in Texas where he raises kids and practices law.
LAWYER X is a self-published book. Please leave a review!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 18, 2016
From the very first sentence I was hooked! As I continued reading, my emotions were all over the place. I felt anger at this man's greed ..... I felt sorry for what it cost him. His family left me heart-broken.
This is the story of Lawyer X ... an intelligent young man who has worked hard to get where he is .... a lawyer in the great state of Texas. He decides to go it alone as a criminal defense attorney. It's only a matter of months before he's up to his backside in alligators.
He finds himself caught in the center of a drug trafficking ring in Paris, where he lands in prison for an indefinite amount of time.
Facing not only his prison stay in France, he also faces multiple life sentences in the United States. He's trying to protect a friend's innocence in all this mess ... but his days are filled with terror and uncertainty.
Terror ... guilt .... anguish ... despair ... broken dreams .. and an uncertain future. It's a dismal story guaranteed to keep the reader turning pages.
This is not my normal genre, but I found it to be extremely well written. It's certainly a compelling read. I would love to know what happens to this man after the last page is written ... maybe there will be a sequel. I hope so.
Many thanks to the author and Word Slinger Publicity who provided an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is the story of Lawyer X ... an intelligent young man who has worked hard to get where he is .... a lawyer in the great state of Texas. He decides to go it alone as a criminal defense attorney. It's only a matter of months before he's up to his backside in alligators.
He finds himself caught in the center of a drug trafficking ring in Paris, where he lands in prison for an indefinite amount of time.
Facing not only his prison stay in France, he also faces multiple life sentences in the United States. He's trying to protect a friend's innocence in all this mess ... but his days are filled with terror and uncertainty.
Terror ... guilt .... anguish ... despair ... broken dreams .. and an uncertain future. It's a dismal story guaranteed to keep the reader turning pages.
This is not my normal genre, but I found it to be extremely well written. It's certainly a compelling read. I would love to know what happens to this man after the last page is written ... maybe there will be a sequel. I hope so.
Many thanks to the author and Word Slinger Publicity who provided an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 1, 2019
It was interesting to see a first hand perspective from a lawyer who foolishly (understatement) made himself a criminal defendant.
Some thoughts: for a book that appears to have been edited solely by Banks and/or his family they did a fairly good job. A couple of more passes through or giving it to someone unaffiliated would have caught some more typos.
Banks exemplifies why "wanting to get rich" is the worst idea why one should go to law school. He clearly grew up privileged being that his father was the DA followed by a lustrous career in private practice. Banks felt entitled and although he probably is a good trial attorney, his rationale for getting into the profession was warped. What I found most disturbing about his character was at the end of the book where he didn't seem appreciative of the opportunity presented by the feds and was still trying to con the system.
The book was enlightening in showing the sentencing disparities between the U.S. and France. Also, did a nice job of showing how crimes (i.e., drug charges vs. crimes against children) are treated overseas.
I liked the timeline, structure, and appreciated the attention to detail that Banks provided about the rooms, what people looked like, and even the minutiae of turns that he would make in corridors or hallways.
Overall an enjoyable and quick read.
Some thoughts: for a book that appears to have been edited solely by Banks and/or his family they did a fairly good job. A couple of more passes through or giving it to someone unaffiliated would have caught some more typos.
Banks exemplifies why "wanting to get rich" is the worst idea why one should go to law school. He clearly grew up privileged being that his father was the DA followed by a lustrous career in private practice. Banks felt entitled and although he probably is a good trial attorney, his rationale for getting into the profession was warped. What I found most disturbing about his character was at the end of the book where he didn't seem appreciative of the opportunity presented by the feds and was still trying to con the system.
The book was enlightening in showing the sentencing disparities between the U.S. and France. Also, did a nice job of showing how crimes (i.e., drug charges vs. crimes against children) are treated overseas.
I liked the timeline, structure, and appreciated the attention to detail that Banks provided about the rooms, what people looked like, and even the minutiae of turns that he would make in corridors or hallways.
Overall an enjoyable and quick read.
May 4, 2016
This an excellent, well written book. It's a shame that the author is such a dumb ass. I don't know if he thought being a lawyer would help him, save him or what. It falls into the "I hope it was worth it" or "seemed like a good idea at the time" categories. I can't believe that he honestly thought that his partners would not give him up. Geez!
June 7, 2016
This is quite the story. A young lawyer gets caught in France smuggling drugs to the U.S. We are taken for a ride from beginning to end. Will he rat out his co-conspirators who appeared to have tricked him, or have they gone into hiding?
January 10, 2020
Excellent
A well written and gripping novel. A scary but true story that should keep anyone away from drugs!
A good read!
A well written and gripping novel. A scary but true story that should keep anyone away from drugs!
A good read!
March 30, 2019
The author does an excellent job portraying the roller coaster of emotions associated with his crime. It allows the audience to experience feelings of contempt for an egotistical man child and also sympathy for the author that is also dedicated to that small part inside all of us that wants to be fearless and free. Those of us who want to say- I don’t believe what I did was wrong- even though the law says otherwise. The book leaves the audience wondering whether the author truly learned his lesson- or if he continues to push the envelope in pursuit of the adrenaline he so desperately needs to have in his life.
March 3, 2020
I started to rate three stars and then decided on four, simply because I appreciate this dude being like "I was really fucking stupid, here is my story of how dumb I was."
This is an easy read about a young guy who was a lawyer in Dallas making (lots of) extra money as part of an X smuggling ring. The story picks up just as two of the packages have been intercepted, and this dude goes to Amsterdam to meet with the suppliers. He makes a series of incredibly stupid decisions (starting with going) born of hubris and arrogance, and ends up in a French prison.
Not the most inspiring thing I've ever read, but I liked reading about someone my own age attempting a criminal enterprise and seeing all the ways it went wrong.
This is an easy read about a young guy who was a lawyer in Dallas making (lots of) extra money as part of an X smuggling ring. The story picks up just as two of the packages have been intercepted, and this dude goes to Amsterdam to meet with the suppliers. He makes a series of incredibly stupid decisions (starting with going) born of hubris and arrogance, and ends up in a French prison.
Not the most inspiring thing I've ever read, but I liked reading about someone my own age attempting a criminal enterprise and seeing all the ways it went wrong.
May 27, 2018
Incomplete
I enjoyed the detailed descriptions and insight It seemed a very honest report of what happens to someone who makes very bad choices. The ending leaves one hanging. Is this a ploy to set up a second book? Not an honest way to end in my opinion.
I enjoyed the detailed descriptions and insight It seemed a very honest report of what happens to someone who makes very bad choices. The ending leaves one hanging. Is this a ploy to set up a second book? Not an honest way to end in my opinion.
April 22, 2018
I couldn't put it down! very well written and kept me wanting to know what happened next. I can't wait for the sequel.
September 3, 2021
The things people do for money. Smart lawyer caught doing something stupid.
June 20, 2018
Good reaf kept me intrested all the way through
Kept me intrested all the way through. And had good description of what was going on. Thanks alot kindle reader.
Kept me intrested all the way through. And had good description of what was going on. Thanks alot kindle reader.
December 12, 2018
Slow start
This book has a very slow start and gives a lot details to the point of boredom. I expected a different end but it held my interest.
This book has a very slow start and gives a lot details to the point of boredom. I expected a different end but it held my interest.
July 31, 2019
Couldn't put
it down. I've never been out of the US, I've never had any more than a speeding ticket, but I totally agree with these truths about America's "war on drugs" , it's laughable. It's all for money, not because they care, for Christ sake.
One thing Jake, Kris Kristofferson wrote and sang the song you mentioned, but yes Janis made it popular.
it down. I've never been out of the US, I've never had any more than a speeding ticket, but I totally agree with these truths about America's "war on drugs" , it's laughable. It's all for money, not because they care, for Christ sake.
One thing Jake, Kris Kristofferson wrote and sang the song you mentioned, but yes Janis made it popular.
February 6, 2019
Excellent read
I feel he got what he deserved. Didn't feel sorry except when his dog got injured. He was basically an immature, greedy, arrogant young man who thought he was smart enough to get away with almost anything. His incarceration knocked him down big time. Highly recommend this one to anyone who loves true crime novels. This book is far cry from the genre I normally read, a welcome change, not sorry I purchased it at all. Gave it a rare 5 stars.
I feel he got what he deserved. Didn't feel sorry except when his dog got injured. He was basically an immature, greedy, arrogant young man who thought he was smart enough to get away with almost anything. His incarceration knocked him down big time. Highly recommend this one to anyone who loves true crime novels. This book is far cry from the genre I normally read, a welcome change, not sorry I purchased it at all. Gave it a rare 5 stars.
November 19, 2018
Gripping
This was an awesome read ... gripping account and brought lot of interest into plot with 2 countries lawyers involved! Surely on its way to become a movie. Nicely done Lawyer X
This was an awesome read ... gripping account and brought lot of interest into plot with 2 countries lawyers involved! Surely on its way to become a movie. Nicely done Lawyer X
October 17, 2019
Untold experiences
I was impressed and taken by surprise of the quality speed and presentation of the many criminal situations of an autobiography decades a true story the book cover was a dark gray color which was in complete opposite of factual live rendition on experiences that are neither common knowledge to the majority of the population but it is not common to have the legal system of Texas admit to any misdemeanors or lies normally protected under judicial immunity so for those in society in Texas that have experienced the biased justice of the judicial system and lawyers that are responsible. Here is an opportunity to experience how they react when wrongful actions are not with disdain of the profession of protected There is the reality of the situation and the speed and description within the book that ensures the Lawyer experience is appreciated by every reader with disdain for the profession of the avid book reader
I was impressed and taken by surprise of the quality speed and presentation of the many criminal situations of an autobiography decades a true story the book cover was a dark gray color which was in complete opposite of factual live rendition on experiences that are neither common knowledge to the majority of the population but it is not common to have the legal system of Texas admit to any misdemeanors or lies normally protected under judicial immunity so for those in society in Texas that have experienced the biased justice of the judicial system and lawyers that are responsible. Here is an opportunity to experience how they react when wrongful actions are not with disdain of the profession of protected There is the reality of the situation and the speed and description within the book that ensures the Lawyer experience is appreciated by every reader with disdain for the profession of the avid book reader
February 4, 2017
One degree separates Jake and myself. As an attorney myself I began reading this book and was not impressed by the first two or three chapters, and found them difficult to chew threw. As the story began to unfold I began to find myself slipping into Jake's world sitting in his prison cell with him. As the pages flipped I found myself slipping into anxious depression with him. I wept, I laughed and I fretted as the days turned into months and the months offered no answers and no news. With the final word and last period of this book, I felt joy and release. This book is much like Jordan Beltford's "Wolf of Wallstreet" with one major difference, Jake realized that he did wrong, and got a second chance at life. Upon reflection I realize now that the entire tone of the book changed, which explains why I did not like the first few chapters. He left it open for a series of fiction books much in the way that Richard Marcinko did with his "Rogue Warrior" book and subsuquent series, and I hope that there are some more books, I think he could tell a fabulous tale, based on his life and writing style. My friend who is mentioned in the book says that the book was very carthartic and therapeutic for Jake, and it is evident.
October 16, 2016
A true story that will amaze you with its description of his time in a Prison in France. He was arrested for 35 kilos of ecstasy. As you read this true story, you are immersed in his life filled with fear and depression. He loses everything that he had going for him. Yet in this story, you will see a happy ending in that he is back in the United States. This is a gut-wrenching story yet it should remind one that crime doesn't pay.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the author/publisher. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the author/publisher. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 17, 2016
Jake Banks opens his soul and exposes his tragic story of greed, guilt and hopefully, redemption. Drugs make you stupid, youth expands bad decisions and we all know where pride goeth. But I believed his every written word; the excitement, fear, despair and frustrated hope. He lays out his story in a fast and dizzying pace just as lively as any action movie, but more honestly explains the shame and emotional losses. Watch him grow on the pages, but I dare you to know where he finally lands.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2017
This was a good read. It was a bit edgy and predictable at first with what was about to happen. The lengths of stupidity that this author went thru to get himself into this situation made reading about it all go down pretty exasperating. However I was glued to the book from start to finish and looked forward to seeing how it all played out.
I would recommend this book!
RAMF 97
I would recommend this book!
RAMF 97
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2024
An interesting story about what happens when a young American lawyer lets greed drive his decisions and lands himself in a French prison. The story provides a thought provoking look at drug trafficking and the judicial system in France and America. A warning of how poor decisions and short cuts can alter life in an instant.
July 10, 2019
Lived it!
Great read. I felt like I was right with him doing time. His account of all he went through was sad and infuriating at the same time. He had everything, but greed won. I hope he is well today.
Great read. I felt like I was right with him doing time. His account of all he went through was sad and infuriating at the same time. He had everything, but greed won. I hope he is well today.
February 1, 2016
Could not put it down! Kudos to the author for his honesty, passion and bravery in sharing his story.
October 22, 2016
This was a good read! I enjoyed it and have recommended to others! I will pass this book on to my good friend.
May 10, 2017
Mr. Banks owes me some sleep! I stayed up all night reading his book. I thought it was very well written and I could not put it down. I hope he writes another. I enjoyed his work.
November 7, 2022
I went to HS with the author. From what I remember of him, he was a great guy and fun to be around. He was definitely charismatic! My heart broke for him when I heard what happened back in 2002. After reading this, I have to say I want to smack him and ask, “What the fuck were you thinking, man!?!?”
I do appreciate that Jake acknowledges that this is his screw up and his alone. Nowhere does he lay blame for what happened on anyone else. It’s rare to see. I also really like the insight to France’s legal system. It would be interesting to see someone (maybe a lawyer that’s experienced both sides?) write a comparative between US and France.
I hope to run across Jake some day and sit for a drink and catch up. As for the book, a good memoir of a bad experience. I would have given 5 stars if he’d have gone further and talked about how said experience affected the rebuilding of his life. (What can I say, I’m nosy).
I do appreciate that Jake acknowledges that this is his screw up and his alone. Nowhere does he lay blame for what happened on anyone else. It’s rare to see. I also really like the insight to France’s legal system. It would be interesting to see someone (maybe a lawyer that’s experienced both sides?) write a comparative between US and France.
I hope to run across Jake some day and sit for a drink and catch up. As for the book, a good memoir of a bad experience. I would have given 5 stars if he’d have gone further and talked about how said experience affected the rebuilding of his life. (What can I say, I’m nosy).
August 8, 2021
What.... I seriously don't understand the praise for this book. Maybe because it's based on a True Story? So. It's an account of the emotional roller coaster of someone meant to uphold the law but is caught breaking it. Interesting perspective, sure. masterpiece...absolutely not. I found it tolerable and finished simply because I didn't have anything else to do. Overall I thought it was just an okay read- nothing groundbreaking happened and if you really think about it, that's exactly how I would imagine that situation would go, emotions and all. Very predictable.
March 26, 2017
I received a complimentary copy.
Leaving yourself open and vulnerable especially when you know there is a huge chance it is going to blow up mentally is the downfall of the work created by this author. While there are time when this book can easily take you deep into a few pages, there are so many times in exchange where it kind of halted for me. I think with a smoother wording and more of a pace this could be a great book.
Leaving yourself open and vulnerable especially when you know there is a huge chance it is going to blow up mentally is the downfall of the work created by this author. While there are time when this book can easily take you deep into a few pages, there are so many times in exchange where it kind of halted for me. I think with a smoother wording and more of a pace this could be a great book.
September 16, 2020
Not a great book but assuming it is all true it was an interesting look inside the life of getting caught smuggling drugs from France. Would have been better with some information on the author since 2002. Should have been more journalistic and less confessional.
December 10, 2020
Love the accents in the audible version read by the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews