For most individuals, it is rare to have to hire an attorney and television may be their only exposure to the legal profession. Often, the way law is actually practiced in real life is significantly different from what takes place on Law and Order. Lawyers are held to the highest ethical and professional standards by their professional responsibility rules. If you have hired a lawyer who has failed to meet those standards, and has caused you to miss an opportunity to recover money damages or complete a transaction, you are entitled to sue for damages.