Too many lawyers spoil the law

It is often said that there are too many lawyers in the United States, and I have started to see that for myself after living in New York for just 16 months.

My colleague, who believed I was ripped-off by a Yellow Cab driver, suggested I should lodge a complaint. So I did, mostly out of journalistic curiosity. I submitted my case in a letter to NYC 311, the institution that handles the disputes.

A few weeks later, I got a letter asking if I was willing to attend a hearing about my case on the phone or in person. Appearing in person was said to increase the chance of success.