A Book with Legs cover image

A Book with Legs

John Oller - White Shoe

Dec 16, 2024
John Oller, a retired lawyer and journalist, shares his insights on the evolution of elite Wall Street law firms in his book, "White Shoe." He discusses the powerful influence of these firms on American business and politics, highlighting key historical figures and landmark legal battles. Oller delves into the strategic innovations in early bankruptcy proceedings, the political maneuvering behind the Panama Canal's construction, and the fascinating antitrust battles shaping regulations, drawing parallels to modern corporate giants.
01:10:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • John Oller examines how the evolution of elite law firms shaped American business and politics, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The podcast highlights Paul Cravath's pivotal role in the corporate legal landscape, particularly his strategic maneuvers during the 'War of Currents' which influenced modern corporate lawyering.

Deep dives

The Rise of Corporate Lawyers

The podcast delves into the historical impact of corporate lawyers on American business, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. John Aller discusses his book, which explores major Wall Street law firms and their influential figures, highlighting how these lawyers shaped the modern legal landscape. The episode emphasizes the transition of law firms from small-scale operations to larger, hierarchical entities, such as the creation of the 'Cravath System' that defined legal practice. Specific individuals like Paul Cravath and William Nelson Cromwell exemplify how they adapted their practices to cater to the needs of their elite clients.

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