Public Perceptions of Lawyers: 2002 Consumer Research Findings

Americans remain ambivalent about lawyers. Despite overwhelming sentiment that lawyers have significant expertise and knowledge, work hard and generally meet their clients' needs, public confidence in lawyers has not improved over time due to the profession's poor handling of basic client relationships and absence of attention to communication. These are among the findings of a new national survey conducted on behalf of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation.

"Public Perceptions of Lawyers" found that lawyers are not doing a good job of developing and maintaining good communication with their clients, that there is general misunderstanding and mistrust of lawyers' fees, and that lawyers need to police themselves more vigorously. Survey participants also said that lawyers need to communicate with the public about lawyers' public service and pro bono activities.

What we learned from the survey is both troubling and reassuring," said Robert A. Clifford, Chicago, chair of the section. "To address these issues, lawyers must start by being better communicators. Lawyers must be taught the importance of lawyer-client relationships in law school, and they have an obligation to talk and to work with the public to enhance understanding of our justice system.

About the Study

Clifford commissioned Leo J. Shapiro & Associates of Chicago to conduct the survey. The survey results were released in a news briefing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The briefing preceded a "town hall" meeting, "Lawyers Role in a Democracy," held in conjunction with the section's annual meeting in Boston. Clifford was joined by Sara Parikh of Leo J. Shapiro & Associates, who designed and managed the survey.

The town hall consisted of two panel discussions. The first panel focused on "Responding to our National Crisis" and how lawyers have been instrumental in actions to address concerns raised by the tragedies of September 11. A second panel, "The Public View," addressed specific findings of the survey. The program was moderated by Bill Kurtis of A&E Network, Chicago.