The primary goal of this study is to present the internal power struggles among the lawyers of Budapest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the relationship between the Budapest Bar Association (Budapesti Ügyvédi Kamara) established in 1875 and the Budapest Circle of Lawyers (Budapesti Ügyvédi Kör) created in 1881. While according to certain reports the Circle had total control over the leadership of the Bar Association, others believed that the latter, which had much more authority, should have its jurisdiction reviewed and modified instead. The fact that lawyers felt the need to form a new organisation only a few years after the creation of the bar system is evidence that Bar Association had significant professional shortcomings. The essay examines this internal conflict, and what lawyers thought of personnel issues. This can help us figure out what roles professional organizations played in addition to individuals in professionalisation and representation
