SOC342H1

Sociology of Legal Careers

This course examines the sociology of legal careers. Law represents one of our most elite and influential professions; lawyers are responsible not only for the administration of justice, but also are key players in the country's economic and political life. Understanding who lawyers are, the process of legal education, how lawyers build their careers, which lawyers can (and choose to) attain elite positions, and the clients that lawyers serve are all key issues for understanding access to justice, and for understanding lawyering as a profession devoted to democratic values. This course will rely on empirical research to cover sociological topics related to law school, where lawyers work and the work that lawyers do.