Today’s project

As common in law offices today as they were a century ago, traditional lawyer’s bookcases are designed for storing expensive law books. Characterized by individual stacking compartments (or cases) fronted by glass doors, the style is also perfect for displaying almost anything else.

Built from oak (the traditional choice), this do-it-yourself version of a classic lawyer’s bookcase includes all the features of the originals without the expense of an antique or a modern reproduction. You don’t even have to pass the bar.

The project is constructed one case at a time (following the same steps each time), then sanded, finished and stacked. The glass doors lift out and slide back into the cases using a unique dowel-pin guide system.

The lawyer’s bookcase measures 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 1 foot deep. As pictured, the bottom case measures 16 inches tall, the top one is 12 inches tall, and the two middle cases are 14 inches tall, but the combination is up to the builder.

The Lawyer’s Bookcase plan, No. 700, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, exploded assembly diagrams, a complete shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of three bookcase plans, No. C118, is available for $21.95 and includes this plan and two others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Please include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405.

To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.