Most lawyers aren't trial lawyers. Most lawyers, even trial lawyers, don't get their problems solved in a courtroom. We like to go to court. It seems heroic to go to court. We think we're the new, great advocates, better than anything we've seen on TV, and we come home exhilarated by having gone to court.

Janet Reno’s quote reflects on the nature of being a lawyer, particularly a trial lawyer, and the distinction between the idealized image of courtroom drama and the reality of legal practice. She begins by stating that most lawyers, even those who are trial lawyers, do not solve their problems in the courtroom. This suggests that while many lawyers may wish to go to court, most of their work involves negotiation, settlements, and other legal processes outside of a trial setting. Reno is acknowledging the difference between the real-world work of lawyers and the glamorous portrayal of lawyers in media, especially on television.

Reno goes on to discuss the attraction of courtroom battles, saying that "we like to go to court" because it seems heroic. She points out that many lawyers are drawn to the dramatic nature of court trials, where they can present their cases and act as the advocates for their clients. The thrill of going to court and the sense of importance it brings is something that draws many lawyers to pursue it, even if it’s not always the most effective or common way to resolve legal issues.

She then highlights the common illusion among trial lawyers that they are the “new, great advocates” and “better than anything we’ve seen on TV.” This reveals a sense of idealism or ego that some lawyers may have about their role in the legal system, influenced by how lawyers are depicted in popular media. Reno seems to critique this perception, suggesting that the reality of legal work is more nuanced and grounded than the heroic courtroom portrayals.

Ultimately, Reno’s quote reflects the excitement and heroism some lawyers associate with going to court, but she also acknowledges the complexities of legal work beyond the courtroom. It highlights the distinction between the dramatic and often idealized portrayal of legal battles and the more mundane, everyday aspects of legal practice that may not involve public court trials. The quote serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of the legal profession, beyond its media portrayal.