I know some people are greedy, but is that the norm in that profession and why all the high fees?
2006-07-21 14:45:52 · 20 answers · asked by 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
HeeHeeHeeHeeHeeHeeHeeHeeHee (Sinister lawyer laff)
Most are in it for the money. (they have to be to tolerate all the lawyer jokes.)
There are some who are still honorable guys and represent themselves as agents of the court. They seek justice.
They are the minority, however. I suspect a lot get into it with good intent, and then find out what it is really about. They get turned to the "Dark Side" just like Darth.
2006-07-21 14:53:32 · answer #1 · answered by Capt Jack 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's profession and a career. And like any career, lawyers expect to be paid for their work.
Remember that lawyers have to complete a doctoral degree before they can even attempt to get licensed. Most lawyers graduate with between $50K and $200K of student loans, or more, comparable to other professional doctorates. That's like an extra car payment or mortgage payment every month.
You have to be dedicated to the ideals of the profession to survive three years of law school, then sit for the bar, then get the experience you need to practice independently. And many lawyers work for the government or teach or work for non-profit groups, where they may earn enough to pay back their student loans before they retire.
Even those who go into private practice often work 60-80 hours before they start earning big money. And big money is comparable to what most big corporate officers are making with similar experience.
How much does it cost to go to a medical doctor, if insurance didn't pay for things? Easily a couple hundred an hour. How much does it cost to stay in the hospital for one day? The costs are comparable -- maybe too high all around, but comparable.
Attorneys rarely bill for all their time, and at the end of the process, you're paying someone for their education and experience. It's a huge amount of effort getting into the profession, and constant work and study to stay good. That's why it's so expensive.
2006-07-21 14:56:41 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it may be a little of both. I think most of them chose that career field because they were so good at debate and arguing a point. It's not an easy profession and it takes a whole lot of hard work to make it to graduation, then on through to passing the bar. If you look at the medium salary for a lawyer nationwide its not really that much. CA 102K, NY 110K, DC 99K, FL 67K.
2006-07-21 14:59:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My lawyer (a lady, of course) has represented me for 2 1/2 years, though protection orders, divorce, and now keeping that whacked out meth head away from our daughter. She just 3 months ago began charging me-- $25.00 a month, no matter what. I don't think she's in it for the money. I think she is wonderful. But she's probably charging the hell out of others! But she is damned good! All I have to do for a court date is "show up and enjoy the show"! God Bless her!
2006-07-21 16:12:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is about the money. I start law school soon and I am in it for the money. That said I want to be a criminal lawyer so I am in it for less money than some blood sucking leach who sues everybody and chases ambulances.
2006-07-21 15:04:51 · answer #5 · answered by bumpocooper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THEY are in it for the money I went to a meeting with my lawer and when I started talking about my case he let me know right out of the blue it would cost me $192 a hour.Can you even imagine making that much money a hour?
2006-07-21 14:50:42 · answer #6 · answered by little miss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're in it for the money. Legal prostitues. Don't let them kid you about this justice and truth BS. Those two words aren't in the vocabulary of any attorney.
2006-07-21 14:48:20 · answer #7 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is just a guess, but I think that some of them may enter a high paying proffession because they want to be highly paid.
2006-07-21 14:49:19 · answer #8 · answered by M.McNulty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
prosecuters are not as ruthless. but thy also don't make as much money. defence attorney fighting for guilty people charge si much so they can try to buy their souls back from they devil at the end of this ride,
2006-07-21 14:49:23 · answer #9 · answered by kari 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are in it for the money hands down, that's why they fight tort reform as it directly affect their chance to ambulance chase and file frivolous lawsuits hoping on a quick settlement
2006-07-21 15:18:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋