Kevin,

>Then last year, for really the first time in my career, someone was trying to 'shaft' me. I got some very good legal advice from a professional...who was able to help me get a very favorable outcome, and even without having to get nasty.
>
>From that process and the reading that I did on the topic, I came away with a different view of the subject.

Despite enjoying the jokes, I have a very good small-town lawyer friend and appreciate very much the fact that a good lawyer is in a position often to help people through difficult times in life. In addition to handling the legal matters, this guy often finds himself acting almost as a marriage or relationship counselor.

Often, people with a legal need also have a need for someone to talk to and help guide them with personal decisions, putting the lawyer in an interesting and influential role, should he/she decide to step into that role.