Why are there so many lawyers elected into office?

I guess because most people elected to office become involved with making more laws and a knowledge of existing law helps understand the purpose of new laws. I don't necessarily believe it is a good idea but that is probably part of the reasoning.
Also, lawyers were the best educated citizens in the colonies and I believe many of the first legislators in the history of the US were lawyers.

In some cases, being a lawyer themselves helps them hire a good lawyer , so they can get out of being put in jail for something they did after they were elected.lol

Having a high level of education and an understanding of the laws of our nation are critical to becoming an elected official.

Who besides a lawyer would fit such a mold?

I suppose a doctor could obtain the high level of education, but falls short in knowledge of the laws.

A lawyer is a perfect fit.

Many lawyers are wealthy, one can not run for any major state or national office unless they have the wealth to do so normally.

Excellent answers, thanks.

They have more money and have access to the high rollers. They don't necessarily make better elected officials though in my opinion. It would be nice if more normal people were elected to office instead. Lawyers always seem to have their hands in our pockets looking for more.

Because it is a natural progression from being a lawyer to thinking you are qualified to write the laws.