Why Do People Expect Us to Work for Free?

Recently, I joined AVVO.com. I have become an active contributor, and I actually enjoy answering people’s questions and helping to guide them in the right direction. However, the person below really got under my skin, and I “answered” his questions below:

You know, people don’t expect lawyers to work for free.  Often our answers to questions like this do involve advice to seek out legal counsel.  That’s because legal issues really should be handled by lawyers.  I mean non-doctors don’t try to perform their own surgeries, right?  Trying to handle your own court case is just about as wise as trying to remove your own appendix.

I spent well over three years of my life and paid six figures getting my legal education and passing the bar.  As a result, I can handle people’s legal problems.  But I do expect to be compensated and treated with respect…just like other professionals—doctors, engineers, architects, etc.