Trial Lawyer Opinion Poll

[BamaLefty]

Of all trial lawyers in general-- do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of trial lawyers.

And if you'd like, explain why you believe that way.

[mikehiggins]

1. Oftentimes trial lawyers are the only people who are willing to

stand up to the rich and powerful. They are the Paladins of our age (referring to the old TV show, of course)

[DaveinMD]

2. they hold evil corporatons accountable

we need them badly.

[catabryna]

3. Why? Because I happen to work for one...

but, beyond that, my boss is amazing and he will work very hard for little return. For him, it's all about the client and less about money. He practices plaintiff law. So, though my thoughts are somewhat tainted, I think they are grounded in my experiences.

Ever since the American Bar Association allowed advertising by lawyers (which always seem to coincide with Judge Judy, Judge Brown, etc) the respectability of lawyers had gone downhill. I think the advertisements run by Personal Injury Lawyers aka Civil Trial Lawyers (nearly all of whom are unlikely to take a case to trial) have really done a disservice to the public.

From my experience, once a case needs to go to trial, the original attorney drops the ball, or they send them to someone experienced and actually certified as a trial lawyer. This passing on of cases doesn't help the general public's perception of lawyers. This behavior leaves clients with the feeling that all their attorney was really after was the easy money. Why would they not feel that way?

The other problem is the insurance companies. The high profile verdicts are the only ones that make the news. You never hear about the other smaller awards or settlements made out of court. The out of court settlements do definitely account for the largest groups of clients and their awards are typically quite fair. In addition, as we all know, the insurance companies have access to large amounts of money which can be used for extensive negative advertising, not to mention fillimg up the the coffers of our "distinguished" representativea.

Obviously, I have high regards for quite a few trial attorneys However, it can be said that there is always a bad apple in the bunch. But in the 8 years I've worked with my current boss, I can only think of one plaintiff's "trial attorney" that gave me crawly skin. Ick!

In the end, it all boils down to money... Poor investing ~~ That's why insrance companies are so desparate. They are trying to keep their shareholers happy after totally screwing up by thinking that the economics of the 90's would be never-ending.

Cat

[BamaLefty]

5. Very Nice

My dad, mom, grandad, and uncle are all trial lawyers-- and I get so ticked off when their profession is slammed time after time after time. Plus, the facts are on our side. ;)

Nice post.

[cobaindrain]

4. favorable, and Edwards would beat Clark in the primaries again