NCJ Number
48875
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (FALL 1972) Pages: 173-185
Date Published
1972
Length
13 pages
Annotation
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN TRAINING ATTORNEYS TO FILL OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES AND THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN CREATING A DEMAND FOR SUCH SPECIALTIES IS EXAMINED. SUCH DEMANDS MAY APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR.
Abstract
ONLY A FEW LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE HIRED BY MAJOR LEGAL FIRMS. THE REST MUST EITHER SET UP SMALL PRIVATE PRACTICE OR DEVELOP A LEGAL SPECIALTY WHICH CAN BE BARTERED IN THE JOB MARKET. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE OF MINORITY GROUPS AND WOMEN. THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN TRAINING TRIAL LAWYERS IS EXAMINED IN DETAIL. OFTEN WHEN A FIRM LOSES A MAJOR CASE TO THE GOVERNMENT, IT WILL TURN AROUND AND HIRE THE LAWYER WHO WON THE CASE FOR THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT'S CREATION OF A FIELD OF REGULATION ALSO CREATES A DEMAND FOR SUCH SPECIALISTS. HOWEVER, ONCE THIS DEMAND IS FILLED, THE MARKET FOR NEW SPECIALISTS DRIES UP AND ATTORNEYS FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO MOVE OUT OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE. GOVERNMENT SERVICE IS CALLED THE BASIC TRAINING GROUND FOR MANY YOUNG LAWYERS, ALTHOUGH FUTURE ADVANCEMENT DEPENDS UPON THE AVAILABILITY OR LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF MOBILITY ROUTES INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE TENDENCY OF SOME LAW FIRMS TO HIRE ATTORNEYS FROM AMONG THOSE IN A REGULATORY AGENCY'S PLANNING AND POLICY-MAKING DIVISION IS CALLED ESPECIALLY DISCRIMINATORY BECAUSE FEW MINORITIES AND WOMEN REACH SUCH POSITIONS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (GLR)