Beyond borders and across legal traditions: The transnationalization of latin american lawyers
Book Chapter
Gómez, MA. (2021). Beyond borders and across legal traditions: The transnationalization of latin american lawyers
. 1093-1108. 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197547410.013.50
Gómez, MA. (2021). Beyond borders and across legal traditions: The transnationalization of latin american lawyers
. 1093-1108. 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197547410.013.50
Latin American lawyers have been usually acknowledged for their influence and involvement in the formation, organization, and functioning of the state. Since the political movements that led to the independence from the European colonial powers more than two centuries ago until today, lawyers have always been front and center in the life of every Latin American country. From their most obvious occupations as judges, advocates, and legislators, to several other less visible roles, legal professionals are both ubiquitous and important. The intensification of globalization in recent decades has inevitably affected the role of Latin American lawyers, thus compelling us to look beyond national borders. This chapter does precisely that. It examines the transnational dimension of Latin American lawyers by looking at the contributing factors that led to its development. The chapter describes some of the common traits of transnational lawyers in the region. This chapter also explores the rise of mass torts and consumer protection in Latin America, two of the most visible areas that showcase the transnationalization of legal practice. The time frame of this chapter is the last three decades, a period of important political, economic, and social developments across the region, and also for the legal professions globally. In a more general way, this chapter engages with the broader discussion about the transnationalization of law in contemporary society, and the transformation of the legal profession.
