Originally Posted by Unregistered

Oh it definitely does. The Big4 firms wouldn't touch such cases with a 10-foot-pole - not unless there's loads of publicity involved (such as in a high profile murder case with loads of juicy tabloid coverage). If there is, they'll be willing to take a hit on their time costs in exchange for the publicity and marketing which comes with taking on the case.

In any case, the underlying motivation for a Big4 firm taking on such a case would never be founded in altruism.

It's not fair to blame lawyers for being mercenary though. QP renewal fees, office space and professional insurance premiums are expensive, and lawyers can't be always taking on cases which don't put bread on the table just out of the goodness of their hearts.