High molecular weight aromatic polyamides were obtained from 4,4＇-bis[(3-carboxyphenoxy)(p-benzoyl)]phenyl sulfone, by direct polycondensation reaction in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone with various aromatic diamines, using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The polymers were characterized by solution viscosities, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and infrared analysis. The polymers, obtained in 92-95% yield, possessed inherent viscosities in the range 0.56-1.35 dl g(-1), glass transition temperatures between 210 and 228 degrees C, and 10% weight loss temperatures in nitrogen and air above 490 and 460 degrees C respectively. The effect of the different structures on properties such as solubility, molecular weight, T-g and thermal behaviour were also studied.