Abstract
AS SUGGESTED IN the Introduction to this collection, the fissures that appeared in the legal profession 30 years ago have deepened as a result of the twin variables of neoliberalism and globalisation, the impact of which has been striking in Australia. Once regarded as an exemplar of social liberalism because of its commitment to egalitarianism and the public good, Australia soon became a passionate supporter of neoliberalism and its market dogma (Self 2000). The adoption of competition policy, the linchpin of the market, has profoundly affected the structure of private legal practice, tipping the scales away from professionalism and service in favour of profit maximisation. Whereas professionalism formerly denoted autonomy, collegiality and public service on the part of lawyers (Holmes et al 2012: 29), competition has infused the concept with new meanings, making legal practice more like a business, organised according to contractual relationships or managerial hierarchies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Lawyers in 21st-Century Societies |
| Editors | R L Abel, O Hammerslev, H Sommerlad & U Schultz |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Hart Publishing |
| Pages | 45-64 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781509915156 |
| Publication status | Published - 2020 |