Baseless claims for damages is a major image problem for lawyers. Many people feel cases are brought when no reasonable person would even consider such an action as being compensable. Given the basic adversarial nature of the legal system, lawyers should expect to have a negative public image. This is true, to a great extent. Add a little greed from client or attorney, and we deserve the low level of regard we now have.
All lawyers share responsibility for the way the public views the legal profession.
They make too much money. Clients think most lawyers have money, and not them, as a first priority. Lawyers are looked on as fact-twisters not fact finders. We have become a litigious society. When in doubt, sue.