Why is the public perception of attorneys so negative?

Question

I've heard a lot of theories on this, but I'd like to hear more. Particularly in regards to criminal law, which seems like a public service and not a profession deserving of such animosity.

Very interesting. I think the answers relating to criminal attorneys are what I was after: the perception that defense attorneys "lie" in order to help their clients is such nonsense, yet it is so popular! The same goes for CAs (DAs in most states.) As for the idea that lawyers invent "frivolous lawsuits," well....I guess it isn't surprising to hear that. I suppose all we nasty lawyers can do is try to maintain a degree of professionalism. It would seem that most people have a definitive opinion of our worth, and it is our job to combat that with a more realistic idea of what, exactly, it is that we do. Thank you all.

Answer 1

It's like the police. Most people fear them, thus naturally don't like them. Until they need one, that is.

Answer 2

I think generally the media tends to publicize seemingly trivial lawsuits to which an lay person, or uneducated person might not fully understand it's reasoning. Let's take the McDonalds coffee case for example. Most saw it as a stupid lawsuit to which a lady burned herself while driving with hot coffee. Yes, if those are the facts, it would be frivolous, however, few take the time to fully understand standards and practices with restaurant industries, and how coffee should be served ex. above 120 degrees/or below (yes there is research on these practices), therefore an individual with 2nd degrees burns in the crotch/groin area of an elderly person (who's skin can't likely regenerate or recover from such an injury) can be seen as having just cause for action.

I find it intersting that no one questions a brain surgeon for the costs of surgery, when he and few other has the knowledge to perform such a complex procedure, yet if someone needed it, they wouldn't judge or ridicule the procedure and process.

Every profession can be corrupt, just not publicily ridiculed, that's my only point. Criminal attornies have to afforded and made available, as every person has a right to fair trial, and any argument against this, regardless of the criminally alleged act, would have be encouraging a demise in our justice system.

I recognize frivilous lawsuits and even bias jury pools, officials, officers, witnesses, lawyers, and clients, all of which I offer NO indepth comment on, since this basis consists of humans who act human, and conduct themselves in the same human mannerisms, whether for good causes or unreasonable ones.

Actually it's funny given the magnitiude of jokes about attornies, but most have a great sense of humor about it. An attorney isn't beyond anyong, and any average joe can represent themselves pro se in many situations, so it's not like that profession has any superior knowledge above any other person, the difference is that they continually study the law, have passion for it, keep up case study and continually work in the profession.

I think the stigma also exists because usually an individual meets with an attorney only a few times in the course of life, usually during hardships such as divorce, custody issues, or criminal activity. The matters are more disheartening, and when something doesn't go our way, we judge the attorney, and make an assumption about the quality of work, never giving full insight or research into the actual abilities an attorney can provide. Expectations for positive outcomes which aren't even possible, in most litigations, are another reason for ridicule.

~Be well!

Answer 3

i have to say that i did not think about lawyers at all until i ended up in the mis fortune I'm in. I'm finding out things i didn't want to know about, like our Judaical and how corrupt it really is. from prosecuters to the judge. I'm real frustrated with my lawyer right now because he's not willing to submit any motions into the court. he also believes we have received full discovery when it's plain as the nose on his face that it's not all there. but with all the lying, unethical practices, and threats by the judge to me of how i will be going to prison if i don't make a deal when i am innocent of the charges they accuse me of, my defense lawyer has been the most ethical in the whole proceeding. which in this 3 ring circus says something about him which can't be said for to many people in general. but then he's not the one they are threatening with prison time.

Answer 4

As far as criminal law...I think because the district attorneys are all about prosecuting, but it's almost as if they don't care that the person might actually be not guilty (Nancy Grace is a perfect example) and the defense attorneys are the opposite....they try to get obviously guilty people off. It's like they're only interested in winning the case and not getting the truth.

Answer 5

Well, frivolous lawsuits have jacked up insurance to the point where many Americans can not afford health care because of it for one. I know doctors that QUIT private practice because insurance is out of control. Lawyers turn an everyday incident into anything they SAY it was for financial gain. They are leeches on the *** of America. Truth no longer matters in courts, honesty is just a word they use to try and squeeze sympathy froma judge or jury. In short they have made America a huge pit of crying suing sissies. You can't punish kids or you may get sued, you can barely get a cup of hot coffee without signing a damned waiver anymore. The constitution no longer means what it says, it now means whatever they spin it to mean .In short, I hate lawyers and feel they have contributed more to the decline of America than any other profession including organized crime.

Answer 6

I do not think it is ethical for an attorney to lie to get his client favor. This seems to be the biggest reason for the animosity is the unethical practices to get very bad criminals off from getting due justice. Remember the victims also have rights.

Answer 7

Many people think the law is based on what is right, what is moral, what is just. The law is based on precedents, exceptions and facts. When defense attorneys argue that the law be followed in their defendant's case, others think he's some skank who doesn't think his client did anything wrong.

Answer 8

When people hear the term "lawyer, they always think of the billboard, phone book Personal Injury attourneys who throw ethics aside, and chase ambulances. I want to be a lawyer, and it saddens me that people are so narrow minded and don't realize that most lawyers are good people who are merely doing what they love.

Answer 9

I dont think that there is that much negativity geered toward attorneys, but more towards public defenders whose job is to basicaly defend people who are more then likely criminals. They have to lie to protect someone who has caused some one else harm and could possibly put that person back on the street. i think thats where all the negativity comes from....

Answer 10

You obviously have never had to deal with attorneys, otherwise you wouldn't need to ask.