Lawyers play a highly visible role in society. It’s one of the reasons that I decided to become one. Courtroom dramas were something I looked forward to watching when I was growing up, so naturally, when I was thinking about a career, this seemed like the obvious choice.

Twenty years after being admitted to the bar, I have come to realise how feared and unpopular lawyers really are. This month, I’d like to spend some time considering why this might be and engaging in some myth busting based on my personal experience.

Myth No.1: Lawyers are manipulative and have dubious morals

Lawyers in shows like Suits and The Devil’s Advocate are fun to watch because they wield clever words, bamboozle with their arguments, and their ethics change according to the needs of the case. There are some truths in these exaggerations. A lawyer must display a degree of confidence because a timid lawyer is rarely a persuasive one. In a field where reputation is essential, no lawyer wants to be an indecisive pushover.

As in all professions, there will always be bad apples. These lawyers attract more attention than those of us who play by the rules because the media likes to publish sensational headlines, which end up tarnishing the entire profession. In my experience, most lawyers work hard for their clients, but they abide by the strict code of ethics taught and examined at law school, as the sanctions for breaches are significant.

Defending anyone for the right price, even if they know their client is guilty, is not a good long-term strategy for lawyers. In reality, counsels who are brash and unethical are unpopular among their peers and often don’t survive because their referrals dry up.

I also think that there is a fundamental misunderstanding about what a lawyer’s role actually is. People expect lawyers to pursue justice, but our job is to represent our client’s interests within the bounds of the law, even if that means defending unpopular causes.

Myth No.2: Law is all about understanding complex legislation

Lawyers are often perceived as powerful and intimidating, and it’s not just because they wear suits and speak fluent legalese. Lawyers understand complex laws, which is knowledge that most people don’t have, so this can make others feel vulnerable or outmatched.

However, knowledge of the law is only a small part of the job. What you need a lawyer to do is bring clarity to a complex situation. The law isn’t simple because legal systems are full of nuance. A lawyer can demystify the process for you so that you don’t get lost or taken advantage of. We can also prevent problems from happening. When it comes to contracts, wills or business disputes, good legal advice can stop issues from spiralling out of control.

A good lawyer needs to be a sound tactician, who can anticipate how others will react to an offer, a request or even to silence. This requires knowledge of human nature. In criminal law, it’s often not just knowing about the law but also knowing the judge who you’re appearing before. Do you keep your submissions short because they prefer counsel to be succinct, or should you carefully detail each aspect of your argument because you know that this judge will appreciate counsel who is thorough?

Myth No.3: If a lawyer is involved everybody loses

Lawyers represent conflict because people usually encounter us during stressful times. You may only need one when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom because you’re getting divorced, sued or prosecuted. In addition to the unpleasantness of the situation, lawyers are not cheap. Even if you have a promising case, it may take years to resolve, which brings with it frustration and stress.

One of my least favourite parts of the job is having to tell clients an unwelcome truth. In particular, that their case is weak or at least not as strong as they believe it to be. Then there is the unenviable task of having to ask difficult questions, which can expose a person’s flaws, vulnerabilities and sometimes even their lies. As uncomfortable as a consultation with a lawyer can be, getting the answers to the hard questions is ultimately in the client’s best interests because, although it might seem uncaring, it is our duty to provide objective advice without undue emotional involvement. A lawyer who just tells you what you want to hear might be soothing, but they are not doing you any favours.

Many lawyers are deeply ethical, committed to justice and serve as protectors of rights for those who can’t defend themselves. Rather than being predators, they are advocates for fairness by helping people navigate systems that would otherwise be overwhelming. They often fight for the vulnerable by taking on pro bono cases to represent those who can’t afford it.

Lawyers aren’t out to get you; we’re trained to help you. If anything, fear should be reserved for anyone facing their legal problems without representation. But if anyone ever asks for my advice about whether they should embark on a legal career, I ask them, “Would you rather be popular or would you rather be a lawyer?” because I don’t believe you can have it both ways.