Lawyers of the Right: Networks and Organization

36 Pages Posted: 9 Nov 2009

See all articles by John P. Heinz

John P. Heinz

American Bar Foundation; Northwestern University - Institute for Policy Research

Anthony Paik

University of Iowa, Department of Sociology

Ann Southworth

University of California, Irvine School of Law

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: September 1, 2007

Abstract

Lawyers for conservative and libertarian causes are active in organizing and mobilizing interest groups within the conservative coalition, and networks of relationships among those lawyers help to maintain and shape the coalition. Using data gathered in interviews with seventy-two such lawyers, this article analyzes characteristics of the lawyers and the structure of their networks. The findings suggest that the networks are divided into segments or blocks that are identified with particular constituencies, but that a distinct set of actors with extensive relationships serves to bridge the constituencies. Measures of centrality and brokerage confirm the structural importance of these actors in the network, and a search of references in news media confirms their prominence or prestige. This "core" set of actors occupies the "structural hole" in the network that separates the business constituency from religious conservatives. Libertarians, located near the core of the network, also occupy an intermediate position. Regression analysis of ties within the network suggests that the Federalist Society plays an important role in bringing the lawyers together.

Keywords: conservative coalition, libertarian causes, lawyer networks, centrality and brokerage, structural hole, Federalist Society

JEL Classification: K19, K3

Suggested Citation

Heinz, John P. and Paik, Anthony and Southworth, Ann, Lawyers of the Right: Networks and Organization (September 1, 2007). Law of Social Inquiry, Vol. 32, No. 4, 2007, Northwestern Public Law Research Paper No. 09-22, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1502155

John P. Heinz (Contact Author)

American Bar Foundation ( email )

750 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
United States

Northwestern University - Institute for Policy Research ( email )

2003 Sheridan Rd
Evanston, IL 60208-2600
United States
312-503-8473 (Phone)

Anthony Paik

University of Iowa, Department of Sociology ( email )

140 Seashore Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1401
United States

Ann Southworth

University of California, Irvine School of Law ( email )

401 E. Peltason Dr.
Ste. 1000
Irvine, CA 92697-1000
United States

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