ABSTRACT
The Bar has a complex structure: multiple professional associations and predominant self-employment. This chapter begins by explaining the consequent inter-relations between various autonomous bodies, and the implications of these dynamics for professional association action. It then moves to a brief historical overview of social mobility at the Bar, before engaging with potential reasons why those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are under-represented at the Bar. This discussion focusses on a Bourdieusian analysis of ‘fitting in’ within the profession. Chapter 2 concludes by summarising the key arguments made through the book.
