As a firm of leading solicitors we are understandably biased in our choices so we would love to hear your thoughts. Did we miss anyone?
10) Alan Shore, Boston Legal
James Spader’s fearless and ethically questionable lawyer is the bad boy of the list. Regardless of the consequences, this charismatic menace to the opposition does whatever it takes to get a win for his client. It’s difficult to tire of Alan Shore’s antics throughout all 101 episodes of Boston Legal.
9) Olivia Pope, Scandal
Although Pope (Kerry Washington) is no longer a practicing solicitor, her fierce tenacity earns her a place on our list. Olivia’s charm and attention to detail are gripping to watch. Her character is one of female empowerment and dramatizes the raw strength that many of the leading ladies in the legal profession demonstrate. Once a lawyer always a lawyer.
8) Blue-Haired Lawyer, The Simpsons
Springfield’s most prominent lawyer doesn’t even have a name. This by-the-book (yellow) face in the crowd is portrayed by Dan Castellaneta as a legal “suit”. Despite this, he represents professionalism and proficiency in each episode; traits any solicitor should pride themselves on.
7) Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Despite initial appearance, Reese Witherspoon’s bombshell lawyer is fighting the good fight for female empowerment in the legal practice. Although not taken seriously by her peers to begin with, Elle Woods demonstrates that she is smart, cunning and a very capable lawyer.
6) William Garrow, Garrow’s Law
Garrow’s Law was a short-lived British period drama that depicted the life of the real life pioneering Barrister, William Garrow (1760-1840). The legal legend, played by Andrew Buchan, introduced the phrase “presumed innocent until proven guilty” and fought and won many criminal cases at the Old Bailey, where the TV show was set. This addition is more out of respect for the historical figure than the fictional depiction.
5) Sally Carrera, Cars
Sally from the Pixar modern-classic, Cars, is the local lawyer in the small town of Radiator Springs. Although her practice is small, Sally (Bonnie Hunt) was once the District Attorney of California. However, the Porsche 911 got bored of how impersonal her career was becoming and decided to move to a small town and make a difference in the lives of its inhabitants.
4) Lt. Daniel Kaffee, A Few Good Men
Military lawyer Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) displays a deep seeded passion for the law throughout A Few Good Men. This love of law and justice is undoubtedly echoed by solicitors worldwide. We would tell you more, but “you can’t handle the truth”.
3) Perry Mason, Perry Mason
Brought to life in novels, radio, TV & film, Perry Mason is the depiction of the model lawyer for many. Raymond Burr is arguably the most well-known face of the skilled solicitor who is often presented with impossible odds. However, through determination and an insatiable desire to solve a problem, Mason comes out on top.
2) Harvey Specter, Suits
Gabriel Macht portrays a brilliant and effortlessly cool lawyer who makes the legal profession look as glamourous as every solicitor wants it to be. Harvey’s style and ability to win cases before they even get to court make Suits worth watching.
1) Atticus Finch, To Kill A Mockingbird
The proponent of social justice, Atticus Finch, is the symbol of unbiased professionalism in the classic novel & film. All lawyers, solicitors, attorneys and barristers should strive to adopt some of Finch’s (Gregory Peck) characteristics and adhere to the moral codes demanded by the legal industry. Atticus Finch is arguably the personified values that the law hold dear.
Honorary Mention:
Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad
Although Jimmy, later known as Saul (Bob Odenkirk), is a new kid on the fictional legal block, he deserves a mention on our list. He is described as a criminal and a lawyer throughout the hit show, Breaking Bad, however his spin-off prequel show, Better Call Saul, showed that the character is much more complex than that. Jimmy McGill is guided by an unwavering sense of what is right, even when the ethical path is detriment to his own goals. Unfortunately, sometime between the prequel show and Breaking Bad, McGill lost his way and became Goodman. This shady solicitor should be seen as a warning and a reminder to those in the legal profession – Even in the darkest hour, there’s no better path than the ethical one.
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