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The Forum > Article Comments > Nobody loves me > Comments

Nobody loves me : Comments

By Katy Barnett, published 7/9/2009

One of the causes of depression in lawyers is the contempt with which they are viewed by the public.

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I think there is a lot to be said for Evan Whitton's criticism of the British legal system that we have in Australia. Whitton argues that there are much better systems already in operation elsewhere.

For example, see his book "The cartel: lawyers and their nine magic tricks"; this critique of the Australian legal system argues that the present system often obstructs justice, that common law does not seek the truth and that trials are not designed to achieve a just outcome.
Posted by john kosci, Monday, 7 September 2009 11:46:42 AM
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Lawyers who find themselves disliked or in a rut that they become conscious of, need to consider:
changing their circle of professional friends to include non-professional friends. One way is to catch with and socialise with old neighbourhood friends;
re-learn their religion so as to realise that there is only one God and that they world doesn't revolve around themselves. I suggest visting one's childhood parish church and participating both religiously and then socially afterwards. This might induce memories of former times in youth when one was perhaps less arrogant, more loving and sharing etc.
Reflect seriously upon the self entitlement complex that develops not just for lawyers but for many professionals who think that their university degree entitles them to huge wealth accumulation.

The club mentality and the pecking order are things that wise people remember from school days and yet learn to unlearn and to shrug off so that they can become better human beings in touch with both God and their fellow mankind.
Posted by Webby, Monday, 7 September 2009 12:21:20 PM
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Poor bloody lawyers. Im sure their massive extortionate fees will soothe their hurt feelings.
As others have said their charging regime has to be seen to be believed. Anyone who charges $2 per page for photocopying and $30+ for a short phone inquiry deserves all they get.
What a facile bunch of whinging pricks.
Posted by mikk, Monday, 7 September 2009 2:24:50 PM
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Good to see Tall Poppy syndrome is live and kicking in Australia. And here I was thinking that we'd somewhat matured as a group... guess I was wrong about that.
Posted by BN, Monday, 7 September 2009 2:35:13 PM
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I'm trying to have a genuine dialogue here rather than just a "lawyer kicking" session. I recognise that some lawyers are unpleasant and unscrupulous (I've come across a few, believe me) but many of us are decent people.

There are a significant number of lawyers who do pro bono work (work for free). I've volunteered at a community legal centre in the past to try to provide advice for people who can't afford it, and many other lawyers I know do this. Do you know any doctors, engineers, etc who do this?

There's an idea which is perpetuated in these comments that all lawyers are driving sports cars and having giant properties. At the big firms, a lawyer will earn a lot of money. But a suburban practitioner who charges reasonable fees tends to earn just about the same amount as everyone else. And criminal lawyers tend not to earn big bucks either.

It's easy to get the boot into lawyers. However, I've noticed people change their tune pretty quickly when they get into legal trouble. Suddenly POPULARITY CITY! A friend calls out of the blue, and then it comes out: "Oh I got this legal letter, wondering if you could have a look at it..." Now, I do try to help friends out. I really hate the idea of lay people being mucked around because they are scared by legal jargon. But sometimes I feel a bit cynical when I don't get much thanks in return and the person doesn't bother to call me afterwards.

I do hope things will change in the way firms operate. I am trying to argue that it is in the interests of lawyers themselves, not just their clients, if they change their ways. They might make less money, but they'll be happier people, and make their clients happier too. Win-win.
Posted by Legal Eagle, Monday, 7 September 2009 2:51:59 PM
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I must say legal eagle you started this off by knocking the profession's fees yourself did you not?

There are many medical specialists who give their time free in the public hospital arena by the way. I don't know about engineers or such. I know also that there are good hard working pro bono solicitors out there who are indeed good people. There are probably not enough of them though.

However, the fact is, the fees are exorbitant and the run of the mill person cannot afford to fight a legal matter, even knowing they are in the right. Fighting for the principle is not longer an option, it seems only the rich can get the legal help they need even though sometimes they are in the wrong.

No the legal profession have really brought it on themselves and if they are feeling put out and depressed because Mr. Average feels they are being ripped off by them, then they have no one to blame but themselves.
Posted by RaeBee, Monday, 7 September 2009 3:59:05 PM
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