Some of the most iconic TV shows ever made feature some of the most iconic lawyers. From crusading courtroom defenders to morally ambiguous businessmen to unapologetically corrupt defense attorneys, lawyers continue to provide entertainment with their professional acumen and legal theatrics. While there are thousands of well-written lawyers on the small screen, a few stand out from the pack. Here are the some of the best lawyers in TV shows.
Atticus Finch
Arguably, one of the most well-known lawyers from TV shows is Atticus Finch from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The character is played by the late great Gregory Peck in the 1962 adaptation, and is based on the courageous lawyer and father, who is willing to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. He is a strong moral force in a society that is rife with racism and inequality. Atticus Finch is a valuable reminder of the courage and strength it takes to stand up for what is right in the face of injustice and prejudice.
Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal is a hilarious and endearing TV show from the late 90s, which follows titular character played by Calista Flockhart. The show follows Ally, a quirky and ambitious lawyer who works for a high profile law firm in Boston. Ally’s moral ambiguity and her strong sense of justice make her a complicated and empathetic lawyer. She is constantly looking for fairness, but is also willing to bend the rules when necessary. Additionally, the show follows the personal lives of all the characters in the show, including Ally, who we watch spiral into love triangles and break downs.
Jack McCoy
The long-running Law & Order series has been a reliable presence on TV since the early 1990s. Jack McCoy played by Sammy J. Newman, takes on the role of prosecuting attorney throughout most of the shows run. He’s a moral, honest and relentless attorney who is willing to take on high-profile cases and fight for justice for his clients no matter the cost. Jack’s passion and drive make him one of the most iconic lawyers on TV.
Saul Goodman
Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad is a masterful study in amorality. Played by Bob Odenkirk, Saul Goodman is a corrupt defense attorney with a knack for getting his clients exonerated. While his unethical practices appear to make him a villain at times, another side of him also prides himself on being a friend to those truly in need. He is a master at convincing juries, manipulating evidence and intimidating witnesses to help his clients get acquitted.
Michael Kuzak
Michael Kuzak was a lawyer in the courtroom drama L.A. Law. He was played by the late Harry Hamlin. Kuzak was an enigmatic lawyer with a strong sense of justice who worked at the law firm McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak. Kuzak also had a strong moral compass that guides him in his complicated and tumultuous life. He was also often torn on ethical decisions, as he refused to compromise his morals to win cases. This made him a complex and interesting lawyer to watch.
Lawyers on TV often provide viewers with memorable characters who captivate their viewers with lawyers’ ethics and morals. From Atticus Finch’s passionate defense of those in need to Saul Goodman’s questionable ability to get his clients exonerated, these characters have made a lasting impression on viewers. The characters have raised an important conversation about justice and have inspired viewers to pursue moral justice. While there are plenty of great lawyers in TV shows, these five have certainly had a strong impact on viewers and will be remembered for some time to come.
