the primary function of a programming department is to crank out code
OP didn't say the primary function of the legal department was to crank out legal language. He does say their job is to crank out advice that "prevents legally actionable mistakes".
Similarly, I think most developers at core are expected to output code that fulfill some communicated requirement.
Most programmers code to a "spec" - what they were asked to do. Only a small minority would voice their opinion if the spec is badly written or the product is not a good business idea.
OP didn't say the primary function of the legal department was to crank out legal language. He does say their job is to crank out advice that "prevents legally actionable mistakes".
Similarly, I think most developers at core are expected to output code that fulfill some communicated requirement.