They are needed but they get away with it because their professions tend to be protected as specializations so the general populous doesn't see where they fall short, where they are entirely ignorant or just plan egotistical asshats with god complexes. Our best guard is to get knowledge and defend your rights. Know where the lines are and when to draw them if they seem hazy. Learn that it's ok to find a new one if the one you have seems inept. We are our own best advocates and those are things that affect us on too regular a basis to let someone else be in total control of them.

They get away with it because of lawyers. In oz many of our politicians are lawyers, in the past churches interpreted the law, that is religion. There are 3 options, be a sheep, be a rebel, be invisible.

You missed out bankers

Well, you know what they say about absolutes.

If it weren't for attorneys, I would not have had several very good jobs in the last 30 years.

I've worked for many attorneys. Only one woman attorney was a complete jerk. Most have been very good, kind, decent and ethical professionals.

I agree with @marga. It's not the profession. It's the morality of the individual in that (or any) profession. Which raises the question of what is moral/morality/right/wrong? And that's a deep philosophical question for another thread.

Most doctors are fine. It's insurance companies that make all the money in healthcare.

I certainly agree about the priests and politicians. They are products of the same origin and use the same tactics with money as the end game.

It's not the profession, it's the people who populate the profession. And it's human nature, unfortunately.

There are some good doctors out there. I had a few save my life. Lawyers - not so much -had a pro bono one bail on me with 2nd divorce -cost me rebuying my house after 2 years of supporting my ex, the struggling musician. Priests rub me the wrong way-my ex best friend had fantasies bout hers and is now married to her Church. Politicians are disappointing. No longer hold them in esteem. They are not saintsthats for sure.

Because they are supported by the majority