Popular Lawyers in Fiction

Audiences have been captivated by courtroom dramas for hundreds of years. While the real-life legal system can be filled with long waiting periods and less-than- exciting minutiae, court portrayals on the printed page and big screen allow readers and viewers to skip the monotony and get straight to the gripping drama. These dramatized stories often revolve around either the restoration of justice to a corrupt world, or an otherwise upstanding professional succumbing to their own moral shortcomings under the pressure of the case.

There are innumerable lawyers in fiction, ranging from Uncle Phil in “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (who later becomes a judge) to Phoenix Wright of the “Ace Attorney” video game series to Harvey Dent, She-Hulk and Daredevil in the comic book world. Atticus Finch “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Whether you read Harper Lee’s 1960 novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” in English class or watched Gregory Peck’s Oscar-winning portrayal on the big screen, Atticus Finch’s noble nature likely made a grand impression.

Finch is considered a beacon of integrity and justice in a very dishonest, unjust world. He defends Tom Robinson, an innocent black man accused of sexually assaulting a white woman, despite living in a deeply prejudicial town.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” was extremely well-received and has been published continuously since its release. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and has been used as a mechanism to teach about racial in- equality in classrooms all over the country. Lee was even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007 for the cultural significance of her literary work. Professor Annalise Keating “How to Get Away with Murder”

At the opposite end of the spectrum from Atticus Finch is Professor Annalise Keating, a law professor and defense attorney in ABC’s show “How to Get Away with Murder.” Unlike Atticus, she is a morally gray character involved in heinous murder plots, complicated love affairs and the unethical manipulation of the people around her.

Though some may dismiss the show as yet another sensationalist, unrealistic crime drama, it performed well in the 2016 – 2017 season, with IndieWire ranking it the 15th most popular broadcast or cable show above heavy-hitters like “NCIS” and “Law & Order: SVU.”1 Viola Davis’ powerful and emotional portrayal has earned her numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

1 – http://www.indiewire.com/2017/05/most-watched-tv-show-2016-2017-season- the-walking-dead-this-is-us-football-1201832878/ Jack McCoy “Law & Order”

Unless you’ve been living off the grid since the 1990s, you’ve probably seen at least one episode of “Law & Order” and its spin-offs. Starting in 1990 and ending in 2010, the original “Law & Order” boasts an impressive 456 episodes. It’s the longest-running crime/legal drama, the longest running hour-long TV show and the fourth longest-running scripted TV series ever.

One notable star of the series is Executive Assistant District Attorney – and later, District Attorney – Jack McCoy, played by Sam Waterston. McCoy has won over audiences for the past few decades with his eagerness to win, stubborn opinions and willingness to break the rules in the name of justice. Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee “A Few Good Men”

Unlike all the other works of fiction on this list, “A Few Good Men” takes place in a military court. The plot revolves around a case where two Marines have been charged with the murder of a comrade. Lt. Kaffee, an amateur and somewhat apathetic Navy lawyer (at least in the beginning of the movie), eventually decides to defend them in court.

Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Lt. Kaffee stands out among years of fictional on-screen lawyers due to a blend of Cruise’s own acting prowess, the tension built between his character and the arrogant, fearsome Colonel Jessup (Jack Nicholson) and the film’s excellent screenplay. The movie’s script was based on a play written by Aaron Sorkin, who was inspired by his sister’s real-life experience in military court. Vinny Gambini “My Cousin Vinny”

It’s almost easy to forget that “My Cousin Vinny” is a courtroom dramedy thanks to Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei’s feisty personalities taking center stage. You may be surprised to learn it is one of the most realistic legal movies of the century. This is because director Jonathan Lynn has a law degree from Cambridge University that informed his directorial choices.

Several elements of the fictional trial in “My Cousin Vinny” render it a favorite among legal professionals, including the focus the movie places on witness testimony and expert testimony. One notable scene revolves around a witness mistaking how long it took him to cook his grits, while another centers on Mona Lisa Vito (Tomei) using her general automotive knowledge to distinguish which car the perpetrators used during the crime. Elle Woods “Legally Blonde”

Like Vinny Gambini, Elle Woods is a comical figure, though with a much more positive personality. Unlike many of the characters on this list, though, she is not taken seriously because of her appearance and ditzy good nature. Through hard work and sheer boldness, the Southern Cali sorority girl manages to get into Harvard Law School anyway, even if it is just to win back her ex.

While Woods is originally a character of novelist Amanda Brown’s imagination, audiences more likely remember her from the movie adaptations starring Reese Witherspoon. The movie has been received decently well since its lackluster release in 2001, getting a rating of 68 percent from critics and 72 percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.2 Still, the movie’s influence is not to be discounted, as many cite Elle Woods as positive inspiration during their journey as law students.

2 – https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/legally_blonde/ Hardy, Wolf & Downing Injury Lawyers Fight for Your Rights

When you find yourself injured due to another’s negligence, you want to make sure you have a lawyer on your side that’s as dedicated as the ones you see on TV and in the movies. At Hardy, Wolf & Downing, our Maine injury lawyers aim to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our 40+ years of combined experience have taught us the importance of client communication, thorough investigation and the detail-oriented preparation you often miss out on in fictional legal accounts. You can rest assured that you will be guided through the process every step of the way.

If you believe you may have a personal injury case, call us today at 1-800-INJURED for a free legal consultation.