Review by Choice Review
In this outstanding book, Abel provides a wide-ranging and provocative treatment of the American legal profession. He masterfully synthesizes a large volume of literature on lawyers and professions and brings a wealth of data to bear on a variety of important topics concerning the profession's development. Among other things, Abel focuses on the bar's control of entry into the profession, demographic characteristics of lawyers, ethical rules and practices, legal aid for the poor, law school socialization, and professional stratification. Topics are placed in historical context and important changes are discussed and explained. Data drawn from a variety of sources are skillfully placed in the context of Weberian, Marxist, and structural-functionalist theories of professions. Although many fine studies of the American legal profession have appeared in the past 20 years, none are so systematic and comprehensive. Highly recommended for undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. -M. Kessler, Bates College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review