Why do bankruptcy lawyers expect to be paid?

First, it is their business and they should be paid for their skill. But, it is ILLEGAL for a lawyer to do a free bankruptcy. The lawyer MUST prove to the court, in fact provide proof of payment for services to the court before the case can go forward. Failure to do so will void the filing and subject the lawyer to penalties.

Even if a lawyer wanted to do a free bankruptcy he can't unless he is doing his own. In that case the legal fees are free but he must pay the filing fee. So, they don't just expect to be paid but their hands are tied also, they must be paid. This rule is in place to provide controls on the number of bankruptcy cases each year to prevent overload of the court, and make it harder to file. Funny how you can actually be too broke to file!

yes

Because they are lawyers. They will charge you just to recommend what brand of toilet paper you should buy in the grocery store.

I suppose if they didn't they may face bankruptcy...

Yes, they expect to be paid and paid up front besides. Most of them will not do a thing for the person filing until they are paid, either.

They know the TRUTH.

Do you not want to get paid for practicing your profession? Oh wait, you probably don't have one.

Of course. They do a job, they should be paid.

Why should they work otherwise? Why should they do work that is often tedious (digging through mounts of paperwork), sometimes unpleasant (laying people off) and requires considerable professional skills if they are not being paid.

Why should doctors and undertakers expect to be paid? They are dealing with sick and dead people, while bankruptcy lawyers deal with sick and dead companies or financially sick people. Professional grade work needs to be paid for.