How much do people think lawyers contribute to society? Less than 9 other professions, survey says
Americans rank lawyers the lowest among 10 professions for their contributions to society.
According to a poll of more than 4,000 Americans by the Pew Research Center, only 18 percent of Americans say lawyers contribute “a lot” to society, down from 23 percent in 2009. The Careerist reports on the findings, and a press release has more details.
Forty-three percent say lawyers make some contribution, while 23 percent say lawyers contribute not very much and 11 percent say they contribute nothing at all, according to this summary (PDF).
At the top of the list are military members; 78 percent say they contribute “a lot” to society’s well being. They are followed by teachers, medical doctors, scientists, engineers, clergy, artists, journalists, business executives and lawyers.
