Sociology of the Legal Profession

This seminar explores the structure and functioning of the legal profession, with a particular focus on the role of lawyers in contemporary America. The approach is broadly sociological, emphasizing that lawyersing, like all professional work, reflects the social dynamics of both the profession itself and the larger society in which the profession is embedded. Topics and materials focus on general social processes, not on the mechanics of getting into law school, choosing a practice area, or succeeding as a practitioner. Through readings and field observations, coupled with weekly discussions and e-mail dialogues, the seminar invites students to refine and extend their thinking on a series of important and controversial topics, including legal education, client relations, professional ethics, inter-professional competition and intra-professional stratification. Prerequisites: familiarity with other areas of sociology or law is helpful, but not essential; previous coursework in the social sciences is strongly recommended.