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If television and films are any indications, America is obsessed with law.
The legal profession has been portrayed by many people in many ways, paradoxically creating a better understanding of the justice system and confusion about how it works. Regardless, the fascination continues.
With so many options available, here are 10 popular lawyers from TV and film.
Annalise Keating on 'How to Get Away with Murder' (2014-present)
Since its first episode, the show has hooked a growing audience. Viola Davis’ portrayal of a defense attorney and professor investigating a murder with connections to her has kept viewers on their toes. The first season uses flashbacks and flash-forwards to show how two murders are related to each other, and it slowly uncovers how Keating and her students may be involved.
Jane Bingum on 'Drop Dead Diva' (2009-2014)
Infusing fantasy and comedy, this show starts with a woman, played by Brooke Elliott, who works as a model and, after her death, puts her in the body of brilliant attorney Jane Bingum. Infusing a cheerful personality and a sharp mind, Bingum relearns how to help her clients and live her life.
Perry Mason on 'Perry Mason' (1957-1966)
In this television classic, defense attorney Perry Mason has an excessive amount of innocent clients and, to add to the drama, finds the true perpetrators through his skilled work in the courtroom, as he draws out the criminal among the witnesses. The show led to a revival and numerous films for the small screen.
Bob Loblaw on 'Arrested Development' (2003-present)
Bob Loblaw, depicted by Scott Baio, represents the Bluth family in their various legal travails in a few episodes of the series. He is a continual source of amusement, often based purely on his name (say it out loud). He has his Bob Loblaw Law Blog and his slogan, “You don’t need double talk; you need Bob Loblaw.”
Ally McBeal on 'Ally McBeal' (1997-2002)
“Ally McBeal” was not afraid to stir up controversy with an office full of antics unusual for a law firm and the titular role, played by Calista Flockhart, with an animated imagination. The show brought important issues to the forefront along with the face bra, the unisex bathroom and, of course, the dancing baby.
Elle Woods 'Legally Blonde' (2001)
The film that brought the world the “bend and snap” introduced Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a seemingly vapid college student who proves her abilities in the courtroom, complete with a last-minute confession from a witness, obtained using her unique abilities. The film spurred a sequel and a live musical.
Everyone on 'The Practice' (1997-2004)
The entire legal team at Robert Donnell and Associates (an evolving name in the series) firmly cemented its place in popular culture. From an earnest desire to do the right thing to the dramatic cases brought in and, of course, the staff’s tumultuous personal lives, Bobby Donnell, Lindsay Dole, Eugene Young, Ellenor Frutt and the rest of the team kept eyes glued to the screen for years.
Saul Goodman on 'Breaking Bad' (2008-2013) and 'Better Call Saul' (2015-present)
Jimmy McGill (aka Saul Goodman) is the attorney and accomplice of the infamous characters Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Played by Bob Odenkirk, Saul's trade name is a play on words, "S'all good, man", to attract clients. His slogan "Better Call Saul" also created a spin-off series by the same phrase that follows Jimmy the years before getting involved in the drug trade.
Lionel Hutz and Blue-Haired Lawyer on 'The Simpsons' (1989-present)
These cartoon lawyers represent extremes when it comes to lawyers. Lionel Hutz, voiced by Phil Hartman, is an ambulance chaser with a less-than-impressive legal prowess. Dan Castellaneta gives voice to Blue-Haired Lawyer, who is clever and cold, frequently represents the richest person in town, Montgomery Burns, and easily wins cases.
Vincent Gambini on 'My Cousin Vinny' (1992)
When two New Yorkers are accused of murder while traveling in the south, one calls on a new lawyer, his cousin Vinny, memorably played by Joe Pesci. In a serious story, this comedic movie illustrates how an outsider can uncover the truth, complete with dramatic courtroom scenes and hilarious personality clashes.
If you have legal questions yourself, reach out to Robert J. DeBry and Associates.
