"If there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers"

Charles Dickens’ observation, "If there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers", underscores the deeply interconnected relationship between human morality and the need for legal advocacy. The existence of "bad people", those who violate laws or ethical norms, results in societal conflicts that demand resolution. Lawyers, particularly those considered "good", are essential in managing, addressing, and navigating these conflicts within the legal framework.

The presence of wrongdoing, injustice, or criminal behavior creates cases requiring expert interpretation and application of the law. Good lawyers rise to prominence because they possess the necessary skill, integrity, and acumen to respond to society's darker impulses with fairness and competence. Their expertise isn't merely academic; it is honed in the crucible of actual adversity, dealing with real-world disputes instigated or exacerbated by individuals willing to break laws or ethical codes.

By phrasing the idea so starkly, Dickens draws attention to an uncomfortable reality: an idealized world devoid of wrongdoing would render much of the legal profession unnecessary. Without challenges to order and justice, there would be little need for those who defend, prosecute, or seek equitable resolutions. Thus, the existence and recognition of good lawyers become paradoxically dependent on the existence of those who 'break the rules.'

This insight also serves as a subtle commentary on the complexity of justice. The legal system is not simply a mechanism for punishing the guilty but also a system for protecting rights, ensuring fair treatment, and maintaining societal balance. Good lawyers are not only defenders against wrongdoing, but also upholders of justice, occasionally defending those wrongly accused. The persistent presence of "bad people" not only necessitates their work, but also refines their abilities, challenging them to devise just outcomes, interpret nuanced situations, and mediate between conflicting interests. The moral ambiguities of society thus forge the capabilities and reputations of truly excellent legal advocates.