How to deal with the guilt of turning people away that genuinely need assistance for lack of funds?
I've been practising commercial litigation for 2 years so far, and have recently started at a firm where the partners don't have referral networks; rather we all practise 'door law' (i.e. h3lp anyone that walks through the door).
I've had to turn away so many clients because they simply don't have the funds to afford legal services. This hasn't been a lot of fun, but I think today has been the tipping point.
I spoke with a couple who are going to lose their home, and the house they are renovating to m0ve into, because they were pressured into a 48% p.a. loan from a predatory lender who has now sold their house behind their back for defaulting on the loan.
I've spoken with my supervisor about the matter, but his answer is essentially 'no point trying if they don't have the money' and 'it's not worth them getting into it' because the interlocutory injunction app alone will run $50k and they'll be looking at adverse damages if they're not successful in the proceeding.
I don't see myself as an overly empathetic person, but this is heartbreaking and it all feels a bit hopeless. What was the point of working in this field if I have to tell 95% of people that need my h3lp to get lost.
Please share the wins you have had that helped the little guy.