> I get that many think that Americans are hugely too litigious
No, really they aren't. There are a lot of lawyers in America, but most never set foot in a courtroom. They mostly just do "important" paperwork and give advice on following rules.
I know a lawyer who last month wanted to sue someone in federal court, only to discover that Joe Random lawyer is not allowed to file lawsuits in federal court; he had no idea that there was such a thing as a federal trial bar and that membership requires significant experience in federal court under the supervision of a member. He spent a week trying to find anyone that would be willing to file his lawsuit but none would. So he hired a law firm to sue in state court - that is much easier I guess. Anyway, the point is that he is a good lawyer with years of experience doing the lawyer thing, but no experience with litigation. That's normal.
No, really they aren't. There are a lot of lawyers in America, but most never set foot in a courtroom. They mostly just do "important" paperwork and give advice on following rules.
I know a lawyer who last month wanted to sue someone in federal court, only to discover that Joe Random lawyer is not allowed to file lawsuits in federal court; he had no idea that there was such a thing as a federal trial bar and that membership requires significant experience in federal court under the supervision of a member. He spent a week trying to find anyone that would be willing to file his lawsuit but none would. So he hired a law firm to sue in state court - that is much easier I guess. Anyway, the point is that he is a good lawyer with years of experience doing the lawyer thing, but no experience with litigation. That's normal.