Kenneth F. Ledford Libri

The book explores the evolution of German lawyers in private practice from 1878 to 1933, highlighting their initial hopes for civic leadership and expanded liberties following their professional advancements. It examines how these expectations ultimately revealed the limitations of professional influence and procedural liberalism, contributing to the failure of German liberalism in the face of National Socialism. The narrative underscores the tragic consequences of these misguided beliefs during a pivotal historical period.

The history of German lawyers in private practice from 1878 to 1933 helps answer questions about the inability of German liberalism to withstand National Socialism in 1933. They won free entry and self-government for their profession in 1878, thinking these would lead to civic leadership and expanded liberty, but the changes that were unleashed revealed the limits of professional influence. Exaggerated expectations for the legal profession in public life exposed the limitations of procedural liberalism, with tragic consequences.