Elite Networks Among Urban lawyers

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 lawyersÑin 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 barÑliberals, trial lawyers, and corporate lawyersÑare 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 barÑor, more likely, for the lack of it.