How much legislation have you actually read? I never have a problem when I have to. It's not always easy, because it deals with complex subjects. But the water regulations are a big part of my job, and they're pretty straightforward. And come with a handy guide.
When I've done jury service we got a paper with the indictments and the legislation in question, which was all pretty straightforward. Plus a judge's summing up to help of course.
And I've had to look up specific laws to write nasty letters in a couple of financial disputes. Got the money back too.
It's only as hard as reading a technical manual. You have to concentrate, and often make notes. Which is because laws are modular. They refer you to a specific section rather than repeat the relevant text, to make them easier to amend later.
You do get a lot of obscure crap in contracts. Much of it seemingly pointless arse covering. But then if you read the technical spec for a building design it's usually 400 pages of irrelevant bullshit about working in avcordance with the right standards, with 50 pages of actual description, 50-100 pages of equipment schedules and 100 pages of drawings. I bet it's no different in many other industries.