Thinking Like A Lawyer: An Introduction To Legal Reasoning

by Kenneth J. Vandevelde

Students of the law are often told that they must learn to “think like a lawyer,” but they are given surprisingly little help in understanding just what this amounts to. Generally, they are expected to pick up this ability by example and perhaps by osmosis. But it remains the case that very few lawyers—even very good ones—are consciously aware of what it means to think like a lawyer.In this insightful and highly revealing book, Kenneth J. Vandevelde identifies, explains, and interprets the goals and methods of the well-trained lawyer. This is not a book about the content of the law; it is about a well-developed and valuable way of thinking that can be applied to many fields.Both practical and sophisticated, Thinking Like a Lawyer avoids the pitfalls common to most books on legal reasoning: It neither assumes too much legal knowledge nor condescends to its readers. Invaluable for law students and practicing lawyers, the book will also effectively interpret legal thinking for lay readers seeking a better understanding of the often mysterious ways of the legal profession.

Genres: Law, Nonfiction, Legal

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 1996

Reviews

[Raphael de Ocampo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinking Like A Lawyer offers an insightful introduction to how lawyers think. From perspectives to interpretations of the law to epistemological question, the book offers a wide introduction to the reader. This book may be difficult to read at first due to the technical nature of the topic, however, it is ultimately a worthwhile endeavor to develop an understanding of the law and American legal system.

“The legal reasoning process thus deals with advocacy and prediction, not with fixed truth.”

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a really great overview of how the American legal system is structured and the habits of mind that guide the reasoning of lawyers and judges alike. Prof. Vandervelde's prose is taught, plain, and easy to access, even when explaining the more abstract concepts of legal reasoning. This is the book to buy anyone considering attending law school or anyone with a philosophical bent who wants to better understand how laws are interpreted and argued over.

[Avi Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appendix is of great assistance to understanding what the professor is asking in regards to Constitutional Law.

[Arastoo]

Still reading...