Meet the Class: Stav Lavi, LLM ’25
Israeli Lawyer on Course to Pursue a Legal Academic Career
Stav Lavi, LLM ’25, joins the Law School this fall from Israel, where she earned both her bachelor’s degree and law degree from Reichman University in 2018. Before coming to Chicago, she worked as an associate in an Israeli law firm, and before that was a research assistant for a former chief justice of the Israeli Supreme Court. Lavi’s long-term goal is to work in academia—she sees the LLM as her first step in getting there.
Please describe your background and professional path.
For the last four years, I have been working as an associate in the litigation departments of some of Israel’s most influential law firms, most recently at the top-tier Meitar Law Firm. Before that I worked as a research assistant to Professor Aharon Barak (former chief justice of the Israeli Supreme Court) at Reichman University, aiding in research for his book series regarding the Israeli Constitution and various other projects pertaining to theories of interpretation.
What type of law do you practice in Israel?
As a young associate seeking diversification, I took part in a wide variety of court proceedings, including several consumer class actions (focusing on procedural law and consumer torts), corporate litigation (mainly shareholder disputes), and also administrative law and constitutional torts (among these, a novel—though potentially avant-garde—lawsuit pertaining to damages caused to same-sex couples through tortious litigation).
What is your motivation for getting an LLM?
I’m interested in going into academia, particularly to advance research regarding judicial interpretation. Through the LLM program, I’m hoping to become familiar with alternative legal frameworks and points of view, from which I could learn, and later help advance legal thought in my home country.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago Law School as the institution at which to get your LLM?
The University of Chicago has a history of developing new and exciting ideas, rather than basking in existing doctrine. I believe that such an ecosystem is the place for young academics to thrive.
What do you plan to do with your LLM?
I hope to start doctoral studies in law and research the way fundamentally similar ideas develop independently in distinct legal fields.
What are you most looking forward to in coming to the Law School, the US, and/or the city of Chicago?
I loved my undergraduate studies, mainly because of the unusual opportunity to dedicate all my time to listening, reading, and learning. During the LLM, I’m looking forward to once again experiencing an enriching campus environment and opening my mind to new ideas.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love stories, both written and filmed. When the weather’s right, I love walking and listening to music, preferably somewhere with an abundance of trees. My musical taste is objectively abysmal and consists of show tunes mixed with generic pop, but I am pleased with my musical dedication.
What is a “fun fact” about you?
In all of my many attempts to plant avocado seeds and grow them into viable members of the houseplant society, I have failed miserably. My assumption is that continued attempts of this nature in the Chicago weather will reap ill-fated outcomes, but I plan on continuing my quest, nonetheless.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I lived in Florida between the ages of ten and fifteen, where I spent most of my time riding a bike, scourging libraries, and trying (unsuccessfully) to write fantasy fiction. Happily, I was able to secure a good level of English in the process, which somewhat made up for the failed literary career.