Think like a lawyer? No, think like a ....Thumbnail for video by John Bandler, Think like a lawyer? No, think like a ... (in 13 minutes)

by John Bandler

I wish I could tell you to think like a lawyer, but that would be bad for you, your family, friends, employer, employees, business, society, and the country.

We can fix that sentence to make it accurate, good advice, and good for all. Learn to use those certain lawyerly skills and abilities of lawyers for good. Let's walk it through.

1. "Think like a lawyer" is bad advice

If I were to tell you simply to "Think like a lawyer" then some bad results would happen for you and those around you.

First, we haven't assessed what type of lawyer you should think like.

Second, we haven't acknowledge the full role of lawyers in law, which is sometimes just to win (or achieve the best result possible) and persuade.

Finally, we haven't examined the good, the bad, and the ugly of law.

2. Fix the sentence

We can try to fix the sentence by adding words until it is accurate.

I walk through this in the video.

We add words to make the sentence a little better each time.

  • Good
  • Ethical
  • Reasonable
  • Objective

Finally, we get this sentence:

  • Think like a good, ethical, reasonable objective lawyer.

Now we are in good shape. That last addition of "objective" is important, because now we are not just trying to win, but we can assess things impartially, fairly, and objectively.

3. Thinking like that right type of lawyer

Now that we know what type of lawyer to think like, we can assess those skills and thinking abilities of lawyers which can be helpful for ourselves, those around us, and our country (if we are to remain a nation-of-laws).

These four points include:

  • Use lawyer skills and knowledge for the good, positive, aspects of law and lawyering
  • Recognize the importance of process
  • Distinguish between laws (rules) and facts (events, conduct)
  • Apply logic and reason.

Lets discuss.

3.1 Using lawyer skills and knowledge for the good, positive, aspects of law and lawyering

Some people use lawyer skills and knowledge just to win, just to achieve a result, whether right or wrong.

We want to use that for good.

We recognize the good, bad, and ugly parts of law. We work for good.

Here's a recap of the good, bad, and ugly:

  • The good: The theory of law is good and beautiful, including the principle that we should have fair rules, enforced fairly, with a fair process to resolve disputes peacefully.
  • The bad: Even reasonable people can disagree, and these disagreements can get nasty. Plus, a lot of law and our legal system is simply people and lawyers trying the win. The legal system is better than physical violence and threats, but it is still a system of lawyers just trying to win, and that gets really nasty too.
  • The ugly: Our system of law and government is only as strong as the good and ethical people willing to defend it. Unethical people and lawyers, corruption, and other influences can damage and corrupt it. This affects the laws that are passed, how laws are enforced, and more.

3.2 Recognizing the importance of process

Process means not the whim of an individual or those in power.

  • Process to create a rule for conduct
  • Process to enforce rules
  • Process to resolve disputes.

3.3 Distinguish between laws (rules) and facts (events, conduct)

  • Identify the laws (government rules)
  • Identify the facts alleged and facts proven
  • Now apply the laws to the facts, and vice-versa.

3.4 Apply logic and reason

  • Logical analysis
  • Separate vs. join
  • Factual analysis
  • Compare and contrast
  • Hypothetical situations.

4. Understand some basics of law and what it should be

I cover this in other videos.

I have resources, and I think it's helpful to start by learning some basic categories of law, such as:

  • Federal vs. state laws
  • Criminal law vs. civil law
  • Substantive law vs. procedural law.

See my articles here and subscribe to me on YouTube and see my Udemy courses for more.

5. Citizens have duties

Some duties of citizens are clear, such as to vote and serve on juries.

In order to vote responsibly, citizens need to have a basic understanding of law, our system of government, and what a nation of laws democracy should be. Jury duty requires no knowledge of law, and jurors are obligated to follow the judge's instructions on what the law is.

Politics may get dirty, but politics is not a dirty word. Our system of government requires politics, campaigning, attempts to persuade voters, and voters who can make an informed, reasonable decision that supports a nation of laws. There's some really ugly parts to politics, but it comes back to valuing law, being a nation-of-laws, and thinking like the right type of lawyer.

6. Law is for everyone, especially non-lawyers

Law is not just for lawyers, it is for everyone. We should have a healthy understanding, respect, and skepticism for our system of laws and lawyering. Find that right balance in your view of law and lawyers

Avoid the two extremes of:

  • Contempt and disregard for lawyers and judges
  • Excessive deference to lawyers and judges.

Let's find the reasonable middle ground.

7. Conclusion

Lawyers have some excellent skills and abilities, but it's not enough to just say "Think like a Lawyer." Instead, we need to "Think like a good, ethical, reasonable objective lawyer." We need to understand some basics of law, what it is, and what it should be

If you want to learn more about law, there is lots here on JohnBandler dot com, my YouTube channel, and my Udemy course.

12. Additional learning

This article is hosted at https://johnbandler.com/think-like-a-lawyer, copyright John Bandler, all rights reserved.

Originally posted 9/26/2026, updated 9/29/2026.