Client Activism in Progressive Lawyering Theory

Abstract

Fostering activism has always been central to progressive lawyering theory. Every approach to the progressive practice of law has contemplated as an essential ingredient some form of client activity--be it collective mobilization, civic participation or simply empowerment. This Article traces the conceptualization of client activism in progressive legal scholarship and argues that its complex and dynamic nature has been undertheorized. Historicizing and disaggregating its various forms, the Article calls for a socially contextualized analysis and differentiation of divergent aims and methods as precursors to defining the lawyer's role in popular activism and fundamental social change.