A rather idealistic idea often mentioned is that lawyers and other professionals should be, a were, paid a relatively high salary (not on the level of footballers and bankers I should add)so they would not be tempted to screw their clients in the persuit of profit. It probably worked as well as anything but in recent times incomes have turned upside down somewhat.
Only the rich can afford the law has been a constant grumble for centuries: read Cromwell's speeches. Try taking on the CPS or Murdoch, who have endless recourses (the former robbed from us), when all you can afford is a back street solicitor; who do you think would win? The law and justice are not the same thing.
Always use a good firm of London solicitors or barristers, of course. And always buy a Rolls Royce, a Rolex watch etc. Unless you are fortunate enough to be a member of a trade union or an idemnity organisation who will pay the fees, such advice only goes to prove the title of the thread; when 'now' has been removed, of course.