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bomb-blast
bye bye
Member since 11/06 1327 total posts
Name:
Leo
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by Bxgell2
I guess I see the other side of it - I highly respect defense attorneys. It's not something I could do personally, but without them, many MANY people woud go to jail for crimes they never commited. And, many, MANY people would receive punishments that aren't equitable, given their mitigating circumstances. After all, our constitution DOES guarantee a fair defense. That doesn't mean getting off for a crime you committed, but it does entail a fitting punishment for the crime and the circumstances, and a guarantee that prosecutors follow rules and ethics when charging someone with a crime.
You're right that the Constitution does guarantee us all of those things, but since it IS human beings that wrote, interpret, and enforce those laws, I think it's safe to say that not everyone gets what they're entitled to. And yes, people do get off sometimes.
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Posted 2/29/08 10:10 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by GoldenRod
Posted by MsMBV
Mostly I do not think attorneys are scumbags. I do, however, have an issue with "ambulance chasers" and the frivolous "quick-to-sue" lawyers.
And by ambulance chasers, I do not mean all PI attorneys. I mean the ones you actually see hanging around ER waiting rooms handing out business cards to the family members...
This is exactly what I mean about the "bad" lawyers spoiling it for the rest. It's lawyers like this that people remember and talk about.
(On a related side note, which term is preferred? Attorney, or lawyer? Is there a difference? Are the interchangeable?)
Well that is what I hate. There are some immoral or desperate and highly publicised lawyers out there who seem to form a public opinion of an entire profession. It drives me nuts.
I think it takes a lot of dedication and drive to become an attorney.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:11 AM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by bomb-blast
It probably stems from: the fact that attorneys are known to charge exorbitant fees...there definitely are many lawyers out there who are so slimy and unethical that they give a bad name to the entire profession...attorneys are often seen as mercenaries for hire...defense attorneys often have to defend clients who they know are guilty, because the law gives them a right to a trial...many politicians are attorneys and most politicians are seen as untrustworthy...we see attorneys on TV who play the race card, or the gender card, or whatever, so we associate that behavior to the rest of the profession...the list can go on.
But these can be said for so many other professions. Have you seen a doctor's bil? My ob charged me (not my insurance) $500 to remove the afterbirth so that I could DONATE my DD's cord blood. Its a process that took about 5 minutes.
And as for criminal defense attorneys, do you really think all police are infallable or even ethical? Don't you think race plays a card in who gets arrested sometimes? Think about how many people are arrested for crimes they didn't commit out of mistake, laziness or some corruption on behalf of the police department. Without defense attorneys, these men and women would be going to jail.
Message edited 2/29/2008 10:18:39 AM.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:13 AM |
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McSullivan
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Member since 5/05 1573 total posts
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
It is the same with every profession.
The whole lot is judged based on the behavior of the few. My husband is a cop - I meet people all the time that flat out "hate" and distrust cops - more than a few on this board as a matter of fact.
My brother-in-law is an attorney and I think he's fabulous - as a person. He is a good man. I don't see his ethics ever being called into question - either professionally or personally.
I don't know, it seems like you might be fishing for something.
Message edited 2/29/2008 12:39:34 PM.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:15 AM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Just a personal observation.. when I was working with defense attorneys and corporate attorneys - they were generally pretty stand up folks.
The young attorneys were always fun.
The Plaintiff attorneys that I have worked for have been horrible.
That's just what I have EXPERIENCED... but I still don't judge anyone by their profession. 
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:22 AM |
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2girlsforme
LIF Adult
Member since 8/06 3071 total posts
Name:
XXXXXXXXX
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by bomb-blast
Posted by Bxgell2
I guess I see the other side of it - I highly respect defense attorneys. It's not something I could do personally, but without them, many MANY people woud go to jail for crimes they never commited. And, many, MANY people would receive punishments that aren't equitable, given their mitigating circumstances. After all, our constitution DOES guarantee a fair defense. That doesn't mean getting off for a crime you committed, but it does entail a fitting punishment for the crime and the circumstances, and a guarantee that prosecutors follow rules and ethics when charging someone with a crime.
ITA!! I've stayed out of this thus far and I'm a lawyer. Obviously, I don't think lawyers are scum, far from it. I come from a family filled with lawyers. My father is a criminal defense attorney and has made law in New York on many occasions. I am constantly floored when I see people talking about "getting off" Its not about "getting off", its about forcing the government (who has many resources at its disposal) to do its job. So, if someone who is guilty "gets off" the government didn't do its job. As a society, its in everyone's best interest to have the government do its job.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:28 AM |
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KrisT
Two Boys for Me!!
Member since 1/07 5213 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
I hope not 
I think part of the misconception many people have has to do with what types of attorneys and the areas of law the average person is exposed to.
Many people on this thread brought up "ambulance chasers." There are so many other areas of law besides plaintiff's personal injury (and there are also plenty of good plaintiff's PI attorneys), but your average person sees the ridiculous commercials on tv, the ads in the subway and the ridiculous lawsuits - such as the infamous McDonald's coffee lawsuit.
Unfortunately, these attorneys become representative of the profession. In reality, there are so many other areas of the law that your average peron would never really deal with or know about and thus, don't really see those attorneys.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:28 AM |
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bomb-blast
bye bye
Member since 11/06 1327 total posts
Name:
Leo
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by Shelly
But these can be said for so many other professions. Have you seen a doctor's bil? My ob charged me (not my insurance) $500 to remove the afterbirth so that I could DONATE my DD's cord blood. Its a process that took about 5 minutes.
And as for criminal defense attorneys, do you really think all police are infallable or even ethical? Don't you think race plays a card in who gets arrested? Think about how many people are arrested for crimes they didn't commit out of mistake, laziness or some corruption on behalf of the police department. Without defense attorneys, these men and women would be going to jail.
Yes, doctors do charge high fees, but how often do you hear people say they hate doctors (besides going to see them) or that doctors are scumbags? Not very often...because doctors are basically seen as trying to help the general public.
I never said police were infallible. I was only answering the question about lawyers. Yes, many people "hate" the police and some of them don't even know why. But unlike attorneys, police are often placed in highly dangerous situations, where they can't just call their asistant to open a law book and tell them how to proceed. Police also don't send out $100 invoices for making a photocopy.
The OP was about people's general perceptions regarding attorneys and whether right or wrong, I think the general public has a slightly negative view of them.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:28 AM |
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yankinmanc
Happy Days!
Member since 8/05 18208 total posts
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
NOt most of them, just you.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:29 AM |
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Chatham-Chick
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Member since 5/05 10312 total posts
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
In my past experience, any scumbag attorney I ever knew was a scumbag before they even entered law school. 
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:29 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
My first thought after hearing someone is an attorney is "What field are you in?"
I have to admit I do have my stereotypes based on the field they answer but usually reserve judgement until I've gotten to know the person.
When I got into a conversation at a Pampered Chef party, one woman quietly said "My husband is a defense attorney." I said "Everyone deserves a defense attorney to protect their interests." Then she said "Yeah, but he won't defend any one on rape or child molestation charges. Well...only one rape, but he knew that person was innocent." Don't know how he "knew" unless he was an eyewitness or alibi, but whatever.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:30 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by Chatham-Chick
In my past experience, any scumbag attorney I ever knew was a scumbag before they even entered law school.
As usual...ITA!
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:30 AM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
no, I don't think that. I think like in any other profession there are "good eggs" and "bad eggs."
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:31 AM |
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Gatsbygirl
Please St. Therese....
Member since 10/07 8494 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Not at all. Dh is a lawyer amd 99% of the lawyers I have met through him are upstanding. YOu'll find scumbags in any field if you look!
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:31 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
No, 2 of our really good friends are lawyers
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:33 AM |
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bomb-blast
bye bye
Member since 11/06 1327 total posts
Name:
Leo
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by 2girlsforme
ITA!! I've stayed out of this thus far and I'm a lawyer. Obviously, I don't think lawyers are scum, far from it. I come from a family filled with lawyers. My father is a criminal defense attorney and has made law in New York on many occasions. I am constantly floored when I see people talking about "getting off" Its not about "getting off", its about forcing the government (who has many resources at its disposal) to do its job. So, if someone who is guilty "gets off" the government didn't do its job. As a society, its in everyone's best interest to have the government do its job.
Very true...though in the mind of the public, it's still a questionable act when you defend someone who you know is guilty and that person gets to walk simply because the government couldn't prove they were or couldn't convince a jury that they were guilty.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:36 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by racheeeee
NOt most of them, just you.
That's it! This is WAR!
You're just jealous because I have the skills to prevent my car from floating away in a river whilst in it 
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:42 AM |
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2girlsforme
LIF Adult
Member since 8/06 3071 total posts
Name:
XXXXXXXXX
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by bomb-blast
Posted by 2girlsforme
ITA!! I've stayed out of this thus far and I'm a lawyer. Obviously, I don't think lawyers are scum, far from it. I come from a family filled with lawyers. My father is a criminal defense attorney and has made law in New York on many occasions. I am constantly floored when I see people talking about "getting off" Its not about "getting off", its about forcing the government (who has many resources at its disposal) to do its job. So, if someone who is guilty "gets off" the government didn't do its job. As a society, its in everyone's best interest to have the government do its job.
Very true...though in the mind of the public, it's still a questionable act when you defend someone who you know is guilty and that person gets to walk simply because the government couldn't prove they were or couldn't convince a jury that they were guilty.
I understand that, but that doesn't really matter. Personally, I am more frightened of the government having unchecked power. Let's face it the defendant is at deficit just by being the defendant. I have a good friend who is a defense attorney who says that anti defense people, suddenly do a 180 degree turn the first time their spouse, brother, father has a dwi. This is of course a gross generalization but it makes you think.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:43 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by Chatham-Chick
In my past experience, any scumbag attorney I ever knew was a scumbag before they even entered law school.
Ok, so here's a question - do you think that the field of law somehow draws more "scumbag" people? Or, is that the legal field is often more publicized so it just appears as if it has more scumbags than any other profession?
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:44 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by bomb-blast
Posted by 2girlsforme
ITA!! I've stayed out of this thus far and I'm a lawyer. Obviously, I don't think lawyers are scum, far from it. I come from a family filled with lawyers. My father is a criminal defense attorney and has made law in New York on many occasions. I am constantly floored when I see people talking about "getting off" Its not about "getting off", its about forcing the government (who has many resources at its disposal) to do its job. So, if someone who is guilty "gets off" the government didn't do its job. As a society, its in everyone's best interest to have the government do its job.
Very true...though in the mind of the public, it's still a questionable act when you defend someone who you know is guilty and that person gets to walk simply because the government couldn't prove they were or couldn't convince a jury that they were guilty.
It's sad, really. Because by the same token, if we didn't have the right to fair representation, even IF guilty, people would be in an uproar. This is exactly the foundation of a free, democratic society.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:45 AM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by bomb-blast
Yes, doctors do charge high fees, but how often do you hear people say they hate doctors (besides going to see them) or that doctors are scumbags? Not very often...because doctors are basically seen as trying to help the general public.
I think that is my point. Doctors do charge incredible fees and even perform unncessary procedures, but don't have the same reputation.
Posted by bomb-blast
I never said police were infallible. I was only answering the question about lawyers. Yes, many people "hate" the police and some of them don't even know why. But unlike attorneys, police are often placed in highly dangerous situations, where they can't just call their asistant to open a law book and tell them how to proceed. Police also don't send out $100 invoices for making a photocopy.
I don't know any attorney who has ever called up their assistant "to open a law book and tell them how to proceed." Yikes! I have never even heard of that. Have you?
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:50 AM |
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bomb-blast
bye bye
Member since 11/06 1327 total posts
Name:
Leo
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by 2girlsforme
I understand that, but that doesn't really matter. Personally, I am more frightened of the government having unchecked power. Let's face it the defendant is at deficit just by being the defendant. I have a good friend who is a defense attorney who says that anti defense people, suddenly do a 180 degree turn the first time their spouse, brother, father has a dwi. This is of course a gross generalization but it makes you think.
What doesn't matter? And please give an example of this unchecked power? If it's that frightening, I guess we should go to another country where govts ARE held in check...good luck finding one.
Everyone can have an opinion about something until it affects them personally. It's human nature.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:52 AM |
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bomb-blast
bye bye
Member since 11/06 1327 total posts
Name:
Leo
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by Shelly
I don't know any attorney who has ever called up their assistant "to open a law book and tell them how to proceed." Yikes! I have never even heard of that. Have you?
So then it must never happen, since you've never heard of it. Aren't there people called 'paralegals'?
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:56 AM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
i work with attorneys every day.
i love a good lawyer joke as much as the next person, but in real life, i "judge" each person as i meet them and work with them. i don't think that one bad apple ruins the bunch.
i'll admit that it's hard to like or respect an attorney when they have you on the stand and they call your work an "embarassment" - but the truth is that next time, i might be their witness, and think they are doing a fantastic job.
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| Posted 2/29/08 10:57 AM |
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Kara
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Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Do you think attorneys are mostly scumbags?
Posted by bomb-blast
Posted by Shelly
I don't know any attorney who has ever called up their assistant "to open a law book and tell them how to proceed." Yikes! I have never even heard of that. Have you?
So then it must never happen, since you've never heard of it. Aren't there people called 'paralegals'?
I actually laughed at that one. Paralegals don't do any interpretation or research of the law. I don't have time to explain their job in depth, but I can guarantee you we don't call them up and ask them how to proceed.
And, it's very naive to think that there's some book of laws out there and every law is black and white. One of the beauties of a partially common law system is that very few facets of the law are black and white.
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| Posted 2/29/08 11:00 AM |
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