Consumers have a fundamental misunderstanding about what lawyers do. We do more than complete forms. We have something of value to sell - our independence, our obligation to look out for clients' best interests. Clients don't understand that confidentiality is important. They judge us by whether we've returned our phone call.
People are surprised to learn that there are rules guiding our practices, conduct.
A participant suggested a special assessment to fund a statewide campaign. He's amazed at the amount of services available form the State Bar. Lawyers are getting more visits from consumers who have attempted to solve legal issues pro se. The issue now costs them several times more to fix. One attendee observed that we have much less control of our future than we think.