The learned profession of the law was certainly not behind any other learned profession in its Bacchanalian propensities;
Charles Dickens is referring to the ancient Roman god, Bacchus, who was associated with wine and celebration. The legal profession or law having "Bacchanalian propensities" is saying that lawyers like to drink and party during this time period. However, the legal field is not the only field that indulges often. Dickens is pointing out the hypocrisy and questionable legal practices during this time.
