Beyond monopoly : lawyers, state crises, and professional empowerment /

A first-class study of the organized bar, locally and nationally. It is primarily a detailed study of the Chicago Bar Association, with the inclusion of a useful survey of bar associations throughout the US. The resources of the bar are carefully examined, followed by accounts of how these resources are brought to bear on local and state political policy processes, with special attention to rights legislation and to revenue politics. The rationalization of law and legal institutions is a major theme. Bar leadership and effectiveness receive attention. The methodology in this sociological critique deserves to be replicated. Well written and well documented. Highly recommended for public, college, university and law libraries, and for bar association libraries.-L.E. Noble Jr., Atlanta University