Lives of Lawyers: Journeys in the Organizations of Practice

Exploring the ``real frontier of professionalism and legal ethics,'' Kelly, a professor of law at Georgetown University, offers five case studies of the practice organization--``a central feature in the landscape of the legal profession.'' One firm aggressively grows to compete at the top level; another draws on graduates from the less elite law schools and sacrifices high income for collegiality; and a cause-oriented small firm struggles to make ends meet. Lawyers working in corporate legal departments value their role in a large business organization, whereas those at a public utilities commission find fulfillment in their fidelity to the public interest. The author concludes that ``house norms,'' rather than the organized bar, will define professionalism for lawyers in the future. A specialized approach for informed readers. (July)