Introduction

Abstract

The development of company legal departments goes back to the fourth quarter of the last century. One of the first departments was established in 1882 at Standard Oil of New Jersey.’ Railroad companies, insurance companies and public utility companies began to employ lawyers in their business. These industries were either created by or franchised by the American States or the Federal Government. Conditions imposed in turn regulated the use of the property or franchise acquired. On the basis of these franchises and property grants the companies and their facilities spread across the country. Large numbers of lawyers were required to handle the growing number of claims and real estate cases coming up. Administrative agencies for the enforcement of new laws and ordinances forced more and more industries to employ jurists. Examples for the regulation of industries are meat inspection (1890), food and drug industry (1906) and all interstate commerce (Federal Trade Commission Act 1914).²