This work investigates the shifting professional identity of the American lawyer as the legal system transitions from traditional adversarial litigation toward alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Eric D. Green, a recognized expert in mediation and legal procedure, examines how economic pressures, court congestion, and changing client expectations have forced practitioners to adopt roles beyond that of the courtroom combatant. The text argues that the modern attorney must function as a negotiator, problem-solver, and conflict manager to remain effective in a complex regulatory environment.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this text as a foundational examination of the professional evolution within the American bar. Experts highlight the author's ability to synthesize complex procedural shifts into a coherent argument regarding the future of legal advocacy.