John
P. Heinz, Edward O. Laumann,
with Robert L. Nelson and Paul S. Schnorr
Abstract
If we can identify the kinds of people who are connected to persons
in positions of authority (and those who are not), then we will
know something reasonably concrete about at least the potential
for influence. This study analyzes networks of relationships among
urban lawyers—in particular, by identifying the kinds of lawyers
that have connections to prominent members of the bar. Since the
same technique was used 20 years ago, the new study sheds light
on the extent to which constituencies of elite Chicago lawyers have
changed since 1975. The data are drawn from face-to-face interviews
with 788 randomly selected Chicago lawyers.
The network structure suggests that each of three sectors of the
bar—liberals, trial lawyers, and corporate lawyers—are
in a position to be able to strike an independent bargain with one
of the other sectors without seeking the intervention of the organized
bar. Or, each of the three sectors might simply choose to go its
own way, pursuing its own agenda and remaining largely indifferent
to the activities of the other sectors. The network structure, therefore,
has implications for the integration of the bar—or, more likely,
for the lack of it.
John P. Heinz,
School of Law, Northwestern University Edward O. Laumann, University
of Chicago Robert L. Nelson, Department
of Sociology, Northwestern Univesity Paul S. Schnorr, American Bar
Foundation
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