Here’s a little secret about our staff – we’re movie and TV series buffs!
We’ve had a bit of fun compiling some of our all-time favourite legal films and TV series.
8. The Lincoln Lawyer
What is it about?
The Lincoln Lawyer is a 2011 American legal-thriller starring Matthew McConaughey as lawyer, Mickey Haller. Mickey Haller works out of his Lincoln Town Car and defends the ‘worst of the worst’.
Why did it make our list?
The film highlights a number of legal ethical issues. Haller is conflicted throughout the film with upholding client confidentiality and acting in the best interests of his clients.
7. Boston Legal
What is it about?
Boston Legal is a US legal comedy-drama which aired in the early 2000’s.
It primarily follows lawyer, Alan Shore (James Spader) and his colleagues as they work on civil cases – often using brilliant, yet less than honest, methods to win a case.
Why did it make our list?
Whilst the series is comedic in nature, it also is issue-orientated. It addresses social and moral issues throughout the series.
We also love the chemistry between characters Alan Shore and Denny Crane (William Shatner).
6. A Civil Action
What is it about?
A Civil Action is a 1998 American film based on a true story, starring John Travolta. It is about an environmental pollution case in Massachusetts USA, in the 1980’s.
Why did it make our list?
This film demonstrates the difficult, lengthy and costly process of a major civil action case, particularly against giant corporations.
5. The Firm
What is it about?
The Firm is an American 1993 film based on the 1991 novel, The Firm, by author John Grisham.
It follows Mitch (Tom Cruise), a recent law school graduate who joins a prestigious law firm in Memphis. Mitch discovers that there may be a much more sinister and corrupt side to the firm.
Why did it make our list?
It’s an interesting legal thriller depicting corrupt/criminal dealings of a law firm.
It also stars a young Tom Cruise – think Top Gun and Risky Business
4. Legally Blonde
What is it about?
Legally Blonde is a fun American film following Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a sorority girl who will stop at nothing to win back her ex-boyfriend – even going to Harvard Law School to complete a law degree.
Why did it make our list?
We love this film because it demonstrates that with hard-work and dedication, you can achieve almost anything.
There is nothing wrong with being a dedicated law student whilst also treating yourself to the occasional mani and pedi – and who doesn’t love re-enacting the “Bend and Snap!”?
3. Double Jeopardy
What is it about?
Double Jeopardy is an American film about Libby Parsons (Ashley Judd) who is wrongfully imprisoned for her husband’s murder.
Whilst in prison, Parsons discovers that her husband is still alive and that he may have framed her for his murder. She learns of the legal defence known as ‘double jeopardy’, which prevents an accused person from being tried again for the same offence.
Why did it make our list?
We love the interesting concept of ‘double jeopardy’ and it being utilised by a scorned wife taking justice into her own hands.
2. Erin Brockovich
What is it about?
Erin Brockovich is a biographical film starring Julia Roberts who plays single mother, Erin Brockovich.
The film focuses on Erin Brockovich, who helps uncover a major cover-up of industrial poisoning of a city’s water supply. The film demonstrates how Brockovich almost single-handedly obtains justice and compensation for the victims.
Why did it make our list?
Erin Brockovich is a true ‘underdog’ story. It demonstrates how hard work and dedication can result in success – even against giant destructive corporations.
1. Suits
What is it about?
Suits is an American legal drama set in NYC. It follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), employed as a law associate by Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), a partner of a top NYC law firm.
The series focuses on Mike and Harvey working together to resolve interesting legal cases whilst maintaining Mike Ross’ secret, he has never attended law school!
Why did it make our list?
Of course, we love that the new Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, plays a leading role in the series!
We also love it because of the interesting and entertaining plot and the ‘cool’ portrayal of working in a corporate law firm.
Also, who can deny Harvey Specter’s motivational quotes?
“work until you no longer have to introduce yourself”
“the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary”.
What’s your favourite legal film and TV series? Send us a message on facebook!