A qualitative study on how traditional Yeshiva education prepares students for law school

Abstract

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the potential ways that a traditional Yeshiva education (TYE) helps prepare students for entering and succeeding in law school. The researcher interviewed five rabbi-law professors for their take on this phenomenon and compared the results of those findings with the scholarly literature on the topic to date. Much of that existing scholarly literature focuses on how a Yeshiva education might help students who later switch to law school because of the Yeshiva’s focus on Talmud study, as well as the Yeshiva’s use of the Socratic Method and dyadic Chavrusa study models. To that end, this study sheds light on the various aspects of traditional Yeshiva education that could be beneficial for those pursuing a legal career. The findings demonstrate that there is a broad consensus that Yeshiva education fosters critical thinking and analytical skills through its emphasis on Talmud study, which can be advantageous in comprehending complex legal concepts and arguments. Moreover, exposure to aspects of the law school culture and methodology during Yeshiva education can arguably prepare students for its use by law teachers in law school, contributing to their ability to productively engage in thoughtful and probing discussions.