You need frat/soro groups for "connection." Especially if you're a law student in big universities. These organizations will help you in your future career as a lawyer.
You don't need frat/soro groups for "protection."
AFAIK, fraternities/sororities originated by honorable and distinguished people of the society in the past. In university setting, most of these organizations started as honorary societies where members belong to the top of the class (dean's lister, consistent high grades, quiz bee members, etc..). Here in the Philippines, it's almost the exact opposite..