The Making of Lawyers' Careers: Inequality and Opportunity in the American Legal Profession

The Making of Lawyers Careers provides an unprecedented account of social stratification within the US legal profession, offering a data-backed look at the structure of the profession and the inequalities that early-career lawyers face across race, gender, and class distinctions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The Making of Lawyers Careers is a groundbreaking exploration of the social stratification within the US legal profession over the past two decades. Through a comprehensive analysis of data, including survey responses from over 5,000 lawyers and in-depth interviews with over two hundred professionals, the book provides an unprecedented account of the career trajectories of lawyers and the factors that shape their experiences.

The authors begin their analysis by examining the structure of the legal profession, highlighting the disparities that exist across race, gender, and class. They note that the legal field is highly stratified, with a small percentage of lawyers at the top earning significantly more than their counterparts. This inequality is exacerbated by factors such as discrimination, lack of access to resources, and socialization into the profession.

The book then delves into the individual stories of lawyers, exploring how their race, class, gender, and law school status condition their career trajectories. The authors find that lawyers from marginalized backgrounds face significant barriers to success, including discrimination, lack of mentorship, and limited access to prestigious firms. However, they also demonstrate how individuals can exercise agency and overcome these constraints to achieve success in the legal profession.

One of the key findings of the book is that lawyers' careers both reflect and reproduce inequalities within society writ large. The authors argue that the legal profession is a powerful institution that can perpetuate social and economic inequalities, particularly through the hiring and promotion practices of law firms. They note that lawyers from marginalized backgrounds often face discrimination in the hiring process, with fewer opportunities to gain experience and advance their careers.

Despite these challenges, the book also highlights the ways in which individuals can exercise agency and navigate the legal profession to achieve success. The authors suggest that lawyers should be aware of their social identities and the biases they may face, and should work to build networks and relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. They also advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, such as affirmative action programs and diversity training for law firms.

In conclusion, The Making of Lawyers Careers is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the social stratification within the US legal profession. Through a comprehensive analysis of data and individual stories, the book provides a powerful account of the factors that shape lawyers' careers and the challenges they face. It offers valuable insights into how individuals can exercise agency and navigate the legal profession to achieve success, and highlights the need for policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226828923