It's amazing the amount of times people come to lawyers with the mindset that the lawyer can help them get out of a situation.   Attorneys have the ethical obligation to inform you of the pros and cons of your case.  In addition, attorneys are responsible for informing you of the probability of success. However, there are some of those times when the options to resolve your case are EXTREMELY limited: 1) Statute of limitations. Typically, legal actions have only a set period of time for you to file your cause of action.  As such, it is important that you take it upon yourself to initiate your action as soon as possible.  Interestingly, some of types of cases will allow a "good cause" exception for late filing. 2) No legal option. In some instances, you may not have any legal option available.  In other words, the situation that you are faces may not be illegal or their may be no law to deal with those situations.  In those instances, with the help of a clever attorney, you may be able to put a 'unique spin' on a situation in order to obtain a legal recourse. 3) No factual option. As an attorney, we spend alot of time trying to make the best of bad situations.  Sometimes, the facts of the case are so bad that they offer almost no recourse whatsoever.  In the words of some of my peers, "you're arguing just to argue". 4) Tough jurisdiction. How many of you have found yourself with a legal situation and said "YAYY, it's ON" only to find out that you have to go to a different jurisdiction to seek a remedy?  The next time you go on a cruise or vacation, look at your contract.  Typically, companies will choose a venue that is advantageous to them.  In other words, they go to the jurisdiction where the laws may be more favorable to them. 5) Only a limited bite at the apple. In some legal situations, you only get a limited number of opportunities to present your case.  In some rare cases, you may only get one. 6) Took the wrong path. In some cases, you must go through certain processes and procedures BEFORE taking certain steps.  If you don't go through those steps, you may not have an option. 7) Already decided. There is a legal phrase that is called "Res Judicata" which is latin for "Matter already judged".  Sometimes, we have situations where a decision has already been made.  Now, don't get me wrong, if you have appeal options, you can always file those appeals accordingly.  However, if all remedies are exhausted, you may not have any other option. I'm a firm believer that  you can always argue something, you can always sue someone, and you can always try the system even though there doesn't appear to be option.  However, there are some times when you are clearly facing a problem where there is no solution.