This book investigates the historical tension between the legal profession's stated commitment to justice and its actual role in reinforcing social and economic inequality in America. Jerold S. Auerbach, a legal historian, utilizes extensive archival research and institutional analysis to argue that the American bar has historically functioned as a gatekeeper for elite interests. By examining the evolution of legal education and professional associations, he demonstrates how the profession systematically prioritized corporate service over public interest and marginalized minority practitioners.

Reader & Expert Consensus: Legal scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational critique of the American legal establishment's institutional biases. Experts highlight the text for its rigorous historical documentation and its enduring relevance to contemporary debates regarding legal ethics and professional diversity.