In my torts class, I was one of the few adherents to the Cardozo opinion - I was surrounded by nascent bloodthirsty plaintiffs' attorneys. Thirty -five years later I still favor the Cardozo opinion. I felt that the net of liability was extending too wide then and I think it has gone way too far now. We have notions of "enterprise liability" which imposes liability on a company in products liability and other cases on the basis of market share rather than fault. The lefties love this one.
I am now semi-retired - have not practiced in about ten years. I know lawyers are held in low odor in this forum as well as among the general populace. When I started practicing law back in the late 70's, there was a high degree of professional courtesy and collegiality among lawyers. In recent years, this has all gone. The practice of law, particularly the litigation end of it, has become a savage and vicious business in which hardball tactics, incivility and high-handedness reign.
I couldn't take it any more. That is why I no longer practice. I have forbidden any of my children from becoming lawyers.
End of rant.
Etiam non princeps sed usque ad genua, Principis Pacis! I know exactly how you feel. In June, I closed my practice after 21 years for the primary reason that I could no longer look myself in the mirror. I was 100% litigation, and it was no longer worth it to me. Left a lot of $$$ on the table, but left with my peace of mind and my integrity intact.