Let's shoot for some reality between us.    How important is legal representation in the ideal of 'equal opportunity'?   Not talking civil rights, although I could, but just having legal representation for business or financial support.*   

Equal opportunity is a myth, a nice ideal that has nothing to do with being born in America or any other nation for that matter.
Representation by legal council gives clear advantage to those who can afford one, or two, or maybe staff of 100's if you're  a corporate 'person'.    

I am proud that the American justice system supports civil law and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.   But courts are not the only place that requires legal assistance and advice.     Money is a clear advantage in acquiring the legal advice necessary to expand one's wealth or for having elite quality legal representation for both criminal and civil law/regulation.    

Reality.

* I believe we're overly litigious.