There are thousands of lawyers that will take on a plaintiff's $10K case. About the only thing that Brian has "hit on the head" is that lawyers, like any other profession, span the entire spectrum of economic status, political viewpoint and professionalism. To broadly say that they are all lazy or someting else is juvenile.

For those that agree with Brian, what alternatives would you offer . . . duels? How about only allowing hourly rates, so that affording a legal represenation in negligence cases is only available to those that can afford it?