Colonial elite lawyers resented amateur competitors for fees and status

Evidence

John Adams complained, in 1759, that the “practice of Law [was] grasped into the hands of deputy sheriffs, pettifoggers, and even constables who filled all the writs upon bonds, promissory notes, and accounts, received the fees established for lawyers, and stirred up many unnecessary suits.” No doubt he saw it that way. There were successful and unsuccessful lawyers; lawyers in high demand, and lawyers hungry for clients. Some lawyers had to struggle for their daily bread. The “professionals,” on the other hand, could get rich. Prominent lawyers resented the lower ends of the bar, who threatened the reputation of the profession; they also despised the amateurs and the quacks, who were trying to grab a share of the trade. — Lawrence M. Friedman, A History of American Law, 551

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Early colonies actively banned paid lawyers — Lawrence M. Friedman, A History of American Law, 507; Colonial collaborators simultaneously resented and depended on their colonial masters. — Eve M. Troutt Powell, A Different Shade of Colonialism_…, 598; Missionary-educated Africans were resented by colonial administrators for demanding rights (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Colonial collaborators simultaneously resented and depended on their colonial masters. #expands (0.85) — Eve M. Troutt Powell, A Different Shade of Colonialism_…, 598
• Missionary-educated Africans were resented by colonial administrators for demanding rights #exemplifies (0.80)