Are Lawyers Now Cannibalizing Their Own Profession?

March 13, 2013 by David L. Goetsch

In his play, Henry II (Part 2), William Shakespeare penned this famous line: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” 

(Editor’s Note:  This line from Shakespeare is so often quoted, and invariably done so out of context.  That line was meant facetiously, since it was a statement by a disreputable plotter who wanted to eliminate those who might stand in the way of a contemplated revolution.  Although I agree with the sentiment.....I do wish people would get it right, or use another line, since using it in this manner diminishes their credibility.)

America has too many lawyers. How do I know? Is it the high cost of medical care caused in large measure by ambulance chasing lawyers who work on a contingency basis because they cannot find a real job? Is it that so many legislators at the state and national levels are attorneys that badly needed tort reform can never be achieved? Is it because Americans have to live self-defensive lives because a lawyer lurks threateningly behind every bush? Is it that America has become the most litigious nation in the world because there are so many lawyers that they have to create work for themselves? ….. I never thought I would say anything positive about trial attorneys and their endless parade of class action suits but for the attorney suing two dozen law schools, I might make an exception. In fact, I think the lawsuit is a good thing. Perhaps when the sharks turn on each other, the rest of us swimming in dangerous waters will be safer. Our country could benefit from fewer attorneys, which means we could benefit from fewer law schools. I hope some major university administrators are paying attention. To Read More….