You’ve probably heard it before.
Maybe you’ve even said it yourself:
“All you lawyers just make money off of people’s misfortunes.”
And I get it. The only time most people ever call a lawyer is when something has gone wrong. They’re scared. They’re confused. They’re desperate. And then comes the bill.
So let’s talk about it. Not defensively. Not with spin. Let’s answer it head-on.
The Real Issue Isn’t Money
This question isn’t really about dollars. It’s about anger, frustration, and powerlessness. It’s about a system that too often feels rigged, cold, and unfair.
And yes — lawyers do get paid to deal with problems. That’s what we do. We don’t show up for birthdays and barbecues. We show up when someone’s life is about to fall apart.
But here’s the deeper truth: good lawyers don’t profit from misfortune. We help people survive it. We help them navigate it. We stand between them and a system that would otherwise crush them without blinking.
The Criminal System Isn’t Built for Fairness
In criminal court, the machine is designed for efficiency: move people through, get convictions, close files.
If you don’t have someone in your corner who knows how the system works, you will get swallowed. I’ve seen clients lose jobs, housing, custody, and even immigration status because they didn’t have the right advocate standing next to them when it mattered most.
When someone hires me, they’re not buying a miracle. They’re buying protection. They’re buying clarity. They’re buying someone who knows the terrain and isn’t afraid to fight.
What Clients Really Want
When people come to my office, they’re not looking for a loophole. They’re looking for hope.
They want to know:
- “Am I going to lose my freedom?”
- “Will I still be able to see my kids?”
- “Is my life over?”
Yes, I explain the law and fight the case. But just as important, I remind them that they’re still human. They’re not just a case number. They matter.
That’s not exploitation. That’s advocacy.
Yes, I Get Paid — But That’s Not the Point
I run a law firm. I pay staff. I have a family to feed. And this work is hard. It’s demanding. But I didn’t choose it because it was easy.
I chose this work because I believe in the people I represent. And even when someone can’t afford to hire me, I still give them clarity. Sometimes I point them in the right direction. Sometimes I just tell them the truth — the kind they weren’t getting anywhere else.
Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a calling.
Imagine a World Without Lawyers
So next time you hear someone say, “Lawyers just make money off misery,” ask them this:
What would happen if nobody did?
What if no one was there when the government came knocking?
What if no one stood up when your rights were on the line?
What would that world look like?
Closing Thoughts
I’m Joel Chorny, a criminal defense attorney in Tucson, Arizona. If you’re facing the weight of the system, you deserve someone who sees you as more than a case file — someone who sees your humanity.
Your rights matter. Protect them. Stay safe.
