Thinking Like a Lawyer: An Introduction to Legal Reasoning

by Kenneth J. Vandevelde

Law students, law professors, and lawyers frequently refer to the process of "thinking like a lawyer," but attempts to analyze in any systematic way what is meant by that phrase are rare. In his classic book, Kenneth J. Vandevelde defines this elusive phrase and identifies the techniques involved in thinking like a lawyer. Unlike most legal writings, which are plagued by difficult, virtually incomprehensible language, this book is accessible and clearly written and will help students, professionals, and general readers gain important insight into this well-developed and valuable way of thinking. Updated for a new generation of lawyers, the second edition features a new chapter on contemporary perspectives on legal reasoning. A useful new appendix serves as a survival guide for current and prospective law students and describes how to apply the techniques in the book to excel in law school.

Genres: Law, Nonfiction, Legal

348 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]

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