[larrys]

This is really no different than what non-computer people go through when they assume that a "computer guy" that they know is a jack of all trades and an expert in all areas and aspects of computing. (Simply because they know so little so they have no way to assess competence.).

But even with respect to sub specialties (say computer security) there is the tendency to think that someone who knows more than you knows everything.

It's really difficult to pick a good professional for all situations. And unfortunately simply relying on other's opinion (which seems to be the obvious way, referrals) may not work either. [1]

[1] Specifically, for law, part of what an attorney advises on is protection against future things that might happen. [2] If a friend recommends an attorney that they were happy with and they have only been in business a short time how do you know that things will be find years later? Additionally, there is a great deal of bedside manner and likability with any professional that can cloud judgement. (Happens with medicine as well.)

[2] Not to mention the entirely separate concept of to much protection against a super unlikely occurrence may impede a business.