First We Kill All The Lawyers

Steven Den Beste has nightmares. So do I.

What can we do to rein in out-of-control lawyers?

I personally favor the "English" rule (discussed at length, including pros and cons, here).

One thing's certain: if bar associations (and judges) think lawyer jokes are the cause (and not just a symptom) of declining respect for the profession while ignoring the real causes, then other solutions will be imposed from outside, for better or worse.