Reasons You Don’t Trust Lawyers And How We’re Different

Let’s face it; many people simply don’t like lawyers. In media, literature, and in the breakroom at work, we are reminded that distrust in lawyers runs deep. In fact, Shakespeare himself once exhibited his dislike of lawyers in one of his famous works. Studies have shown that lawyers rank at the very bottom of all other professions in terms of public esteem.

Pursuit of justice leads many attorneys to study law, but somewhere along the way, the practice of law has become a version of the Wild West, especially in the eyes of consumers. So how has such a noble and dedicated profession as a lawyer become so distrusted by consumers? Here is what we know about the roots of attorney disdain.

1) Lawyers Are Too Expensive/ Perceived Negative ROI

Arguably at the top of the list of why lawyers are seen in a negative light, money is a central theme. People feel the charges for hiring an attorney are exorbitant and see little return on their investment. If hiring an attorney means you are getting charged for every interaction, the dollar signs fly out of the window each time the attorney does work for you. People feel the clock ticking and equate that with a financial loss with little to gain. More often than not, people will choose not to hire a lawyer due to the financial aspects involved with the entire process. 

2) Lawyers Act Smarter Than Clients

While the idea that people think lawyers act more intelligent than the general public may seem trite, the fact is that lawyers do hold a wealth of knowledge over that of the average person. Attorneys study for years in college and law school and spend months to pass the bar exam. While people expect lawyers to be well educated and nearly experts in their field, the education can create a barrier between lawyers and their clients. Some people may have adverse reactions to this barrier, causing them to avoid interaction with attorneys at any cost. 

3) Difficulty Understanding Language Of Law

If you’ve ever indulged in an episode of Perry Mason, you’re familiar with the obsession with the language of the law. The perception that lawyers use the English language like a weapon often draws us into a storyline but also puts us off in real life. People can feel that attorneys are taking advantage of them by using confusing terms in contracts or trying to trip them up when giving a deposition. The language barrier with attorneys is a source of distrust for many potential clients.

4) People Feel Intimidated By Lawyers

When people feel intimidated by something or someone, they are less likely to engage in that process or with that person. Lawyers can give off the air of intimidation by the mere fact of their job description. Attorneys look for cracks, exposing discrepancies, and zero in on their target goals which are all parts of their profession. However, these aspects of practicing law become intimidating to many people when cloaked in fancy suits and offices. To some, lawyers seem aloof and intimidating, causing them to forgo hiring attorneys when needed. 

How We Practice Law Differently

It can be challenging for attorneys to accept that our profession is not always seen in a positive light, but it is a reality that should make us strive to work harder at breaking these negative perceptions through our actions. Attorneys at Ocean Springs Personal Injury break down these negative barriers daily through our commitment to professionalism and client service.