The Chinese Lawyer turned Marital Counselor

You would think that lawyers in general have a high status in modern society, but in China, sometimes it feels like they've been reduced to marital counselor, or at least a coach of some sort.

Half the time, I hear these calls to the legal staff's cell phones that go something like this: "Hello? How can I help you? No, no you can't sue your husband for that. His actions aren't liable for such a high offense, but you can bring this up with the police and file a report instead. No, no that will not get you any money. You want a divorce? Well, you'd still have to file this report first to establish that there is a problem. No, ma'am, *sigh*, here's what the law is about this..."

It's like these people have so many relationship issues, and when they don't know how to solve it, they say, "I want a divorce!" and take it up with a lawyer. Half the time, it's this whole, back and forth thing, "No, I don't want to talk to him. You tell him for me." "But ma'am, I can't do that as your lawyer. I would be compromising the integrity of the case. No, you will need to find someone else to accompany you as a witness." I feel bad for these lawyers. I mean, they spend so many years invested into studying the legal system, and probably have the greatest understanding of the law and have the greatest burden for justice, but all this becomes jaded as they are reduced to solving issues for people who neither care for justice nor understand the law. It's a tough situation, so I must say I admire their patience.