Thesis
The progress of legal specialisation programs in Australia and the United States of America: A comparative study
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
1997
Abstract
In this thesis I attempt to explain the progress of recognition and institutionalisation of specialisation by lawyers by reference to the structure of legal professional associations. The thesis also explores the relevance of the social psychological theory of social identity to understanding the rate of introduction and implementation of such specialisation programs.
I suggest that legal professional associations possessing certain characteristics display a tendency to be dynamic, while organisations with differing characteristics are more likely to be static—that is, slow to introduce change. The relevant characteristics are discussed with reference to a number of legal professional associations in Australia and the United States of America.
Social identity of individual members is also helpful in understanding their level of participation and interest in the organisations to which they belong, and is particularly pertinent to progress in the introduction of legal specialisation programs, as these programs are by their nature divisive. The creation of subgroups through specialisation may have the effect of further fragmenting the professional association, producing intraorganisational tension and conflict, and reducing the level of cohesiveness within the organisation.
I conclude by suggesting the need for further research into the nature of and functioning of legal professional associations.
Details
- Title
- The progress of legal specialisation programs in Australia and the United States of America: A comparative study
- Authors/Creators
- Swan-Ing Lauw
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005543380907891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Division of Business, Information Technology and Law
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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