Negative comments and constant bad humor pop up in the media with regularity. Despite the efforts of local, state, and national bar associations to instill and enforce high ethical standards, we constantly hear about corrupt lawyers. It makes for good press, but it is an inaccurate depiction of the profession as a whole. As in every definable group, there are a few bad oysters that spoil the chowder. The overwhelming majority of attorneys work hard to gain the best legal advantage for their clients.
Trial lawyers have big egos by necessity.
As advocates, they must wholeheartedly adopt and urge their clients' causes even in the face of contrary facts, law, and staunch opposition. To them, winning may not be everything, but it's high on the priority scale. Lawyers who demand and receive large fees do so because they are worth it to their clients. They would not be worth it if they were not consistently good at what they do. As noted above, lawyers' careers flourish or falter on the strength of their reputations, built one client at a time.