Top 50 Best Fictional Lawyers Of All Time

Fictional Lawyers

 

For what is such a serious profession that cannot be practised without perfecting one’s knowledge of law, the film industry is populated with motion pictures that focus on lawyers and take place in the courtroom.

 

History has it that storytellers have taken great pleasure in fictionalizing courtroom drama by writing characters that we love to both hate and love. Needless to say, film and television have spawned countless lawyers over time.

 

While some of them are known for their efforts in reminding us what it is to be human, others derive their strength from their action, humour, and suspense. Indeed, the rich world of entertainment has familiarized us with the work of all kinds of lawyers.

 

A majority of them have managed to make an indelible mark by doing their best to stick up for what’s right and by being noble crusaders of justice. However, there are also a select few who have strived to stand out by banking solely on their unique style and magnetic courtroom presence.

 

It is not surprising then that the profession is packed with people who resort to both ethical and unethical means to win a case for their own gain. So, if you’re looking forward to hiring a lawyer who can not only bend rules by making you laugh and create a dramatic scene but also get you out of whatever jam you find yourself in, then you’ve probably come to the right place.

 

We say so because we’re going to be discussing fictional lawyers who stand out from the crowd in more ways than one. Continue to read and we’re sure you’ll be pushed to concur with us.

 

 

 

1. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

 

Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

 

Those who’ve read Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird or seen the iconic motion picture inspired by it believe that the admirable Atticus Finch is the perfect Southern Lawyer and single father in the world of fiction.

 

The man won hearts the world over when he decided to legally represent a wrongfully accused Black man in the racist 1930s. Indeed, his representation of Tom Robinson made him arguably the most popular and revered lawyer in the rich world of entertainment.

 

While we catch him being compassionate towards the accused, we also see him harshly cross-examining the fragile, “abused” Mayella Ewell. Over time, his credibility, understanding of the legal system, and bright persona have inspired many lawyers to take up the profession.

 

This legendary attorney spans literature, stage and screen and is the perfect example of how a lawyer should be; especially in a world as one-dimensional and impassive as ours. The amazing Gregory Peck successfully portrays the champion of civil justice and brings him to life with finesse.

 

 

 

2. Perry Mason (Perry Mason)

 

Perry Mason (Perry Mason)

 

If there’s a lawyer in the world who feels that he can better Perry Mason’s winning streak, he should think again before Perry re-starts thinking. The man has solved murder cases in eighty-two novels, thirty television movies, and three television series over the past nine decades, and is perhaps more than willing to solve more.

 

Needless to say, this criminal defence attorney character continues to live through different screen performers and is known for taking matters into his own hands. First brought to life by legendary actor Raymond Burr, Mason is one of the most well-known fictional lawyers in television or film history.

 

Not only is he often able to find the “real” murderer himself but he also believes that protecting the innocent is far more satisfying than putting the guilty behind bars, and we truly do stan him for that thought.

 

 

 

3. Lt. Daniel Kaffee (A Few Good Men)

 

Lt. Daniel Kaffee (A Few Good Men)

 

Superstar Tom Cruise may not be too keen to put his acting range on display anymore, but he’s been nothing short of amazing when he’s tried to do that. Take 1992’s A Few Good Men for example.

 

The actor plays a brash Navy lawyer who goes toe-to-toe with one of the most intimidating Marines in cinema history, Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson). Sure, Jessup believes that Kaffee can’t handle the truth, but the latter is more than adamant to make him think otherwise, for he wants nothing but the truth.

 

Cruise is simply brilliant in the lead role of this acclaimed motion picture. Seeing him get the better of the egocentric Jessup is delightful, to say the least. I’m certain we were all rooting for Tom’s character to come out on top!

 

 

 

4. Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich)

 

Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich)

 

The incredible Julia Roberts set the stage on fire and received Hollywood’s Curvy Golden Prize for her outstanding portrayal of Erin Brockovich. While she is first seen as a troubled single parent with little financial resources to boot, it doesn’t take her long to turn into a legal crusader against energy giant, Pacific Gas & Electric.

 

Erin is a paralegal and consumer advocate who doesn’t give up. She has seen her fair share of ups and downs and has come out of various situations stronger than ever before.

 

That being said, a lot of females can relate to her personality courtesy of the many female stereotypes present in the conservative legal world. What makes the lady irresistibly charming is that she believes in standing up for those who can’t afford to have their voices heard.

 

 

5. Jack McCoy (Law & Order)

 

Jack McCoy (Law & Order)

 

Portrayed by the silver-haired and confident Sam Waterston during the show’s original run from 1994 to 2010 and again from 2022 until his retirement in 2024, Jack McCoy is not your traditionally good lawyer.

 

In fact, he can tend to get a tad belligerent from time to time. Not only that but the man has also been seen withholding evidence, harassing witnesses, and disobeying court orders during his stint on Law & Order.

 

However, what puts him on our story of the best fictional lawyers is his passion and the compelling drama that it incites throughout the series. Also, his antics over the years have ended up earning him the nickname “Hang ’em High McCoy”, and Waterston has made us believe that this role was tailor-made for him.

 

 

6. Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)

 

Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)

 

Thanks to the genius of Breaking Bad, fans were introduced to the sensational Saul Goodman. But, there is barely anything good about the man for he seemed more like a scam artist than a lawyer.

 

Either way, people ended up liking this character so much that he was given his own show. Besides being someone who fibs, Saul is also a late-night TV huckster and a master extortionist.

 

Matter of fact, he can go to the extent of murdering someone if he believes that his cover can blow. Needless to say, the obscenely greedy man can go to extreme lengths to prove himself right.

 

Unfortunately for him though, he is almost always wrong, which is why we love to hate him.

 

 

7. Ben Matlock (Matlock)

 

Ben Matlock (Matlock)

 

Make way for the gentlemanly Southern lawyer, Ben Matlock. He may move slowly but his mind isn’t slow at his profession for sure, for he always seems to get his man or woman.

 

Actor Andy Griffith’s career found a lifeline as he started playing the character during the 1980s and ’90s. In the world that he lives in, there is absolutely no better or more popular defence attorney than him.

 

If the court of law is an ocean, Matlock is a great shark who believes in going for the throat when needed. Also, he fancies a hot dog every now and then.

 

 

8. Andrew Beckett (Philadelphia)

 

Andrew Beckett (Philadelphia)

 

Let’s just start by stating that the great Tom Hanks ended up receiving his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his turn as Andrew Beckett in the critically acclaimed film Philadelphia.

 

In the story, we catch him playing a lawyer living with AIDS, who decides to sue the firm that fired him for his diagnosis. Hanks set the bar really high with his character projection in the movie.

 

Not only was he dealing with a controversial yet incurable disease but he was also a homosexual in the story. The actor brings his A-game to the fore and demonstrates remarkable strength right to the end.

 

 

9. Vincent Gambini (My Cousin Vinny)

 

Vincent Gambini (My Cousin Vinny)

 

Trust Vincent Gambini to stir things up in the most unusual of ways in the court of law. The man has no trial experience but can be seen doing his best (or worst) to learn and execute some legal tricks in real-time.

 

While his shenanigans and aggressive demeanour aren’t permitted for long in the court, they do help us like him a lot. So what if he’s a rookie and a rowdy one at that, he has the zeal to put up a show while defending “two yutes” who have unfortunately been charged with a murder they did not commit in the Deep South.

 

Even though Gambini packs a punch when it comes to his humour, his sound reasoning and attention to detail are something to rave about. Br that as it may, it’s his brass nature and undaunted confidence that make us want him to win the case.

 

 

10. Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)

 

Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)

 

Harvard’s own Elle Woods derives her charm from the fact that she is both unconventional and brilliant at the same time. Blonde, bubbly and a fan of the pink shade, she can be seen carrying her Chihuahua most of the time.

 

For all her eccentricities, Woods is equally forgiving, quick-witted, and loyal. While she certainly has to shoulder her fair share of responsibilities, her perseverance and willingness to break up with a jerk make you want to root for her.

 

 

11. Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder)

 

Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder)

 

If the inimitable Viola Davis takes up a character and decides that it has to be portrayed in the best way possible, you can expect nothing short of an extraordinary performance from her.

 

Enter Annalise Keating: a passionate, intelligent, and charismatic criminal defence attorney who thrives on her confidence and knowledge of her profession. Unpredictable and empowering at the same time, Keating is always up for a challenge even when you’re made to believe that she’s perhaps on the backfoot.

 

Davis, who brings the deliciously amusing character to life with elan, went on to become the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

 

 

12. Jake Brigance (A Time to Kill)

 

Jake Brigance (A Time to Kill)

 

If you’re a fan of author John Grisham’s novels, you’d know that his attorneys are usually strong individuals. Needless to say, they have to be depicted with equal zest on the big screen as well.

 

In the motion picture A Time to Kill, we witness Matthew McConaughey’s Jake Brigance withstanding a ton of obstacles while defending a black man from a murder charge in front of an all-white jury.

 

However, the many life-threatening issues that he faces don’t let him stop being a champion of good. In fact, he is willing to go all the way to ensure that his client emerges triumphant over evil.

 

His closing arguments take the cake and help him get rewarded in the end.

 

 

13. Martin Vail (Primal Fear)

 

Martin Vail (Primal Fear)

 

Actor Richard Gere, who was used to playing more soppy or romantic roles, took a different route when he decided to step into the shoes of the self-proclaimed “hot shot” attorney, who loved the spotlight as much as he loved money.

 

Martin Vail was willing to even let go of the truth so long as it helped him win cases. The money-hungry defence lawyer thrived on legal technicalities and was more than convinced of his client’s innocence in the amazing film Primal Fear.

 

That is perhaps why he ended up defending him with vigour.

 

 

14. Frank Galvin (The Verdict)

 

Frank Galvin (The Verdict)

 

The legendary Paul Newman hits the ball out of the park by portraying a washed-up, alcoholic Boston lawyer looking for ways to redeem himself in 1982’s The Verdict. Frank Galvin is given an easy medical malpractice suit to settle and win, but there’s more to the case than what meets the eye.

 

While a win certainly can help the disillusioned man fix his career, the result, at the end of the day, isn’t something he can predict. Be that as it may, Newman delivers an Oscar-nominated performance that begs for attention and acclaim.

 

As Galvin, the star sweeps you off your feet and his intense sincerity is worth experiencing if you’re a true film buff.

 

 

15. Major James Francis Thomas (Breaker Morant)

 

Major James Francis Thomas (Breaker Morant)

 

Jack Thompson plays the slightly dishevelled but honest Major James Francis Thomas in the 1980 Aussie flick Breaker Morant, which is based on a true story. His fiery cross-examination in defence of his clients reflects the extent to which he can go in pursuit of justice, irrespective of the circumstances.

 

While the final scenes in this feature remain its strong points, it is Thompson’s admirable and audacious Major James Francis Thomas who is credited with bringing it to life through his understanding of justice and fair play.

 

 

16. Patty Hewes (Damages)

 

Patty Hewes (Damages)

 

We all know that the terrific Glenn Close excels in any kind of role; especially when she is playing a person in a position of power. Seeing her bring her ruthless side to the fore is truly a delight, and, to be honest, always will be.

 

In Damages, for which she won a pair of Primetime Emmy Awards, the actress plays Patty Hewes who runs her own firm. While she shares an interesting rapport with her protégé Ellen Parsons, what truly makes us like the show is seeing her cement her solid place in a male-dominated profession.

 

However, like a select few men of law in our story, she is also not afraid to resort to methods of blackmailing, extortion, or murdering if and when she feels there’s a need to.

 

 

17. Harvey Dent (The Dark Knight)

 

Harvey Dent (The Dark Knight)

 

If you’re a fan of contemporary cinema, you’d know that both the Marvel and DC universes have their share of attorneys. However, it is The Dark Knight’s Harvey Dent who proves to be an enduring and deadly antagonist to the seemingly unbeatable Batman.

 

A well-known and publicly-elected District Attorney for Gotham City, he becomes dreadfully disfigured when a mob boss ends up throwing acid on him during a trial. Following the awful accident, the man starts to show his other side as well and is, therefore, known as Two-Face.

 

Since he has a solid background in criminology, he tends to have that perfect criminal mind. However, the reason we’re adding him to our story also has a lot to do with his tragic fall from grace.

 

 

18. Billy Flynn (Chicago)

 

Billy Flynn (Chicago)

 

Reportedly based on two real Chicago lawyers, William Scott Stewart and W. W. O’Brien, Billy Flynn is one of the most important characters in the 2002 feature film Chicago. Played effectively by Richard Gere, he is an adroit defence attorney who seems to have a knack for representing women who have been accused of murdering their lovers.

 

Aside from working his magic in the court of law by conjuring self-defence and insanity pleas, he can also be seen tap dancing. Either way, we soon get to learn that he is a witness manipulator whose mere presence stirs the media and gives them new material to work on.

 

 

19. Joe Miller (Philadelphia)

 

Joe Miller (Philadelphia)

 

In Philadelphia, starring screen icons Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, we catch gay lawyer Andy Beckett asking Joe Miller to represent him after the former is discriminated against and fired by his employer.

 

Even though Miller is reluctant at first due to his client being both HIV-positive and a homosexual, his vision starts to transform as he gets to learn more about the disease.

 

Sooner than later, we catch him building a solid working relationship based on mutual respect and understanding with Andy. Miller experiencing a change of heart and deciding to eventually represent Beckett ends up providing a lesson not only to the people involved with law but also to those who are misinformed about the homosexual community and the HIV disease.

 

 

20. Deepak Sehgal (Pink)

 

Deepak Sehgal (Pink)

 

Legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan deserves a special mention for his turn as retired lawyer Deepak Sehgal in 2016’s critically and commercially successful drama, Pink. As a successful and seasoned lawyer, he was not only aware of his surroundings but he also had his unique and hard-hitting ways to prove his point in the courtroom.

 

The man did his best to make his clients stand up for themselves and pretty much stood between the movie’s three actresses and a deeply patriarchal Indian society that seldom takes time to judge women for their actions.

 

Needless to say, the actor delivered a powerful performance playing Sehgal and left a lasting impact on the audience.

 

 

21. Sandy Cohen (The O.C.)

 

Sandy Cohen (The O.C.)

 

Sandy Cohen is a lawyer who can double as your surrogate father. Yes, as soon as The O.C. begins, we catch the man adopting troubled teen Ryan Atwood and welcoming him into his family.

 

Throughout the series, we see him trying to give the right advice to those around him. That being said, the entire show isn’t focused on how competent a lawyer Cohen is.

 

In fact, we get to see a lot about how he goes about his personal life. However, we can imagine his winning personality reflecting on his profession. The thoughtful man doesn’t leave people to fend for themselves, especially when he thinks that they truly need him.

 

 

22. Jeri Hogarth (Jessica Jones)

 

Jeri Hogarth (Jessica Jones)

 

Netflix’s Jessica Jones is credited with introducing us to Jeri Hogarth first. However, she has now been seen in the other Netflix Marvel shows as well. The lady happens to be a senior partner at an influential law firm and is often seen crossing paths with the titular character.

 

Hogarth is yet another individual who tends to use blackmail to achieve her goals. While she begins as a help to Jessica, she also goes on to become a major hindrance to her as the plot progresses steadily.

 

Sure, she can be seen manipulating others to get the better of them, but she also has a visibly softer side; a glimpse of which can be seen in her relationship with Danny Rand/Iron Fist and her hiring of Foggy Nelson.

 

 

23. Arnie Becker (L.A. Law)

 

Arnie Becker (L.A. Law)

 

The intriguing and enigmatic Arnie Becker is arguably the most popular character on the long-running series L. A. Law. As a viewer, he makes you despise him at times. However, he soon pushes you to change your opinion by doing something unexpectedly heroic.

 

Back when the show was at its prime, its core audience couldn’t wait to see what the man had in store for them from week to week. Actor Corbin Bernsen will always be remembered for his character projection of Becker.

 

 

24. Ally McBeal (Ally McBeal)

 

Ally McBeal (Ally McBeal)

 

If you’re one of those people who has spent a better part of their life exploring the content produced for television, you’d know that Ally McBeal is one of the most celebrated female lawyers in television history.

 

Matter of fact, she is credited with making Calista Flockhart a star back in the day. Since Ally had not been very lucky when it came to love, she tended to come off as vulnerable.

 

However, that would only make her even more relatable as a character. Either way, the lady was confident in her job and her skin.

 

 

25. Lawrence Preston (The Defenders)

 

Lawrence Preston (The Defenders)

 

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that Lawrence Preston was one of the first lawyers to have become popular through television. The man made a name for himself by starring in The Defenders on CBS from 1961 to ’65.

 

The show introduced us to a formidable father-son duo of defence attorneys who took some of the most complicated cases of their time. Preston, as an integral part of the socially conscious series, managed to stand out courtesy of a highly intelligent brain and tacitly commanding presence.

 

Actor E. G. Marshall received two Emmy Awards for his performance in the show.

 

 

26. Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer)

 

Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer)

 

Mickey Haller first impressed us with his personality and antics in the 2005 novel by Michael Connelly. Later, the character was brought to life in the 2011 film starring Matthew McConaughey in the lead, as well as in the David E. Kelley-created Netflix series.

 

One of the more exciting lawyers to make it to our piece today, he’s a Los Angeles-based defence attorney who spends most of his time working from his Lincoln Town Car.

 

Friendly, creative, and cunning, he is fine with using any method at his disposal to help his clients. Even though his portrayal is slightly different in each medium where he is represented, what remains common is the fact that Mickey respects the law, come what may.

 

 

27. Jax Stewart (Reasonable Doubt)

 

Jax Stewart (Reasonable Doubt)

 

Emayatzy Corinealdi’s Jax Stewart from the Hulu original Reasonable Doubt might just be one of the better lawyers working on television today. We catch the actress playing a mother of two and trying to save a fractured marriage.

 

At the same time, she is seen putting her best foot forward as a high-profile Los Angeles defence attorney. While she may not be a very well-known character in popular culture today, it is quite obvious that she has done her part to empower female characters on TV.

 

Needless to say, the savvy and confident lawyer deserves a spot on the list.

 

 

28. Dan Fielding (Night Court)

 

Dan Fielding (Night Court)

 

Nobody would have been able to gauge that the NBC sitcom Night Court from the ’80s would be revived in 2023. It was a delight to catch John Larroquette portraying Dan Fielding once again, for the man was solely responsible for driving the original show to the heights it achieved back in the day.

 

Those who’ve seen the OG show recognize Dan for being a harmless assistant DA in the Manhattan Municipal Court, who actually fancied spending a better part of his time with the ladies.

 

However, since there were a ton of roguish characters around him, it didn’t make him come across as crass or unlikeable. Often in the story, he was seen being the butt of many jokes, which made him come across as fun.

 

 

29. Alan Shore (Boston Legal)

 

Alan Shore (Boston Legal)

 

It is no secret that James Spader manages to make an impression almost every single time he plays a smarmy and pompous character. His turn as Alan Shore in Boston Legal wasn’t any different.

 

He plays a competent lawyer whose moral values can often be questioned in the story. The character is arguably the best to have ever been portrayed by Spader throughout his screen career.

 

The man delivers a stellar performance as a champion of the underdog. And, yes, his self-deprecating humour is refreshing, to say the least.

 

 

30. Harvey Spector (Suits)

 

Harvey Spector (Suits)

 

One of the finest litigators in New York City, Harvey Spector may have failed to keep his love life straight, but never let it impede his progress in the courtroom.

 

Ruthless and intelligent in equal measure, he believed in doing things by the book. However, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t apply other methods to win the verdict. While his confidence made him stand out both inside and outside of the courtroom, he also seemed to have a ton of knowledge about pop culture.

 

 

31. Denny Crane (Boston Legal)

 

Denny Crane (Boston Legal)

 

Boston Legal should have become more popular among the contemporary audience than it actually did. Since the show ceased to get its due, its characters couldn’t become very famous either.

 

However, it did comprise a few characters worthy of being included in our story today. One of them happens to be Denny Crane, portrayed with perfection by William Shatner. The son of a prominent lawyer in the story, Denny was expected to breach the heights of success in the profession.

 

He went on to become one of the founding partners of Crane, Poole & Schmidt, and barely ever let his advanced age slow him down. The man claimed to have never lost a case and, therefore, was seen as one of the most brilliant attorneys in the world during his prime.

 

While he was flexible with his principles, it seemed like he was having a hard time believing that his time at the top had come to an end.

 

 

32. Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)

 

Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)

 

Smart, confident, and caring, Clair Huxtable is truly good at what she does. She tries to give her best both on and off the job and uses her skills as a debater to her advantage in everyday life.

 

Aside from putting her best foot forward in the court of law, she also happens to be great at parenting. Even though she works full-time, she manages to balance her private and professional life by being there for her children whenever they need them.

 

Needless to say, she gives paramount importance to her family’s happiness and security. That being said, if Claire ever feels passionate about a topic, she will go all out to back her opinion.

 

So, trust us when we say that you can’t beat her at arguing.

 

 

33. Rudy Baylor and Deck Shifflet (The Rainmaker)

 

Rudy Baylor and Deck Shifflet (The Rainmaker)

 

The unlikely duo of Deck (Danny De Vito) and Rudy (Matt Damon) are two lawyers who need to be mentioned in the same breath. In The Rainmaker, we catch the men being entangled in a story about triumphs, trials, and ethical issues.

 

Even though the duo faces several roadblocks during the trial, their determination doesn’t really take a hit. Matter of fact, Rudy’s searing cross-examination of the notorious insurance guy is one of the major highlights of the full-length feature.

 

The man not only exceeds expectations towards the end as he ends up giving a lesson or two in legal ethics but also decides to leave the profession soon after he’s done with the case.

 

 

34. Fred Gailey (Miracle on 34th Street)

 

Fred Gailey (Miracle on 34th Street)

 

A lot many of you out there respect Miracle on 34th Street’s Fred Gailey for going out of his way to keep the case. The man puts in the hard work required to win a case, as is seen via his visit to the mental institution to have a heart-to-heart attorney-client sit-down with his client.

 

Needless to say, he believes that the first major step towards victory is trying one’s best to keep the case. As the story progresses, we catch him using the media to his case’s advantage by enticing the common man into sending letters to the courthouse.

 

He took the Santa Claus case with grace and dignity and it is clear that it bore fruit for him.

 

 

35. Arthur Kirkland (…And Justice for All)

 

Arthur Kirkland (...And Justice for All)

 

Al Pacino in And Justice For All is a character to study with the utmost attention. Much of the bleak legal world in this satirical courtroom drama revolves around his character and the actor ensures to not disappoint us with his performance.

 

In this undeniably argumentative movie, we see Arthur Kirkland’s morals and ethics being tested as he is asked to represent Judge Fleming, who has been arrested for rape. Now, Pacino’s Arthur, who believes in the idea and possibility of justice for all, may be stressed and frustrated, but has no option but to come to the man’s aid for he has pals in high places.

 

Needless to mention, what happens next surely requires you to sit through the drama.

 

 

36. Mitch McDeere (The Firm)

 

Mitch McDeere (The Firm)

 

For someone who is better known as a superstar today than an ‘actor’, Tom Cruise has played several roles where he’s had to put his acting skills on display. One such character was The Firm’s Mitch McDeere.

 

One of the most hard-working legal men to have ever graced the silver screen, McDeere was highly sought after having studied at Harvard. However, we soon catch him signing a contract with a small Memphis law firm that seems to be working with the mob.

 

What follows is a series of adventures (and misadventures) that show him taking them down; therefore, providing ceaseless entertainment to the viewers of this legal thriller.

 

 

37. Adv. Chandru (Jai Bhim)

 

Adv. Chandru (Jai Bhim)

 

India’s Justice K Chandru was the inspiration for actor Suriya’s character in the critically acclaimed Tamil feature film, Jai Bhim. In it, themes of justice, prejudice, corruption, and police highhandedness are duly explored.

 

Suriya allows his trademark heroism to take centre stage in his character’s relentless pursuit of the truth. The film turned heads when it was released for it aimed to bring to light the sabotaging of India’s criminal justice system.

 

 

38. Michael James “Mike” Ross (Suits)

 

Michael James "Mike" Ross (Suits)

 

The popular and enthusiastic Mike Ross from Suits cheated his way into the profession with a fake Harvard degree. Even though his character is based on an absurd premise, his charisma makes it work.

 

While he certainly can turn a bit roguish from time to time, he is a tad more compassionate than his boss-slash-colleague, Harvey. Mike, who lives taking care of his grandmother and thrives on marijuana and fast food, can be seen matching his boss’s comeback for comeback more often than not.

 

 

39. Lionel Hutz (The Simpsons)

 

Lionel Hutz (The Simpsons)

 

Voiced by the late, great Phil Hartman, Lionel Hutz was one of those minor characters who you wished to see more often on The Simpsons. A truly amusing side character, he makes you want to believe that he can be trusted at all times, even though his practice is located in a shopping mall under the name “I Can’t Believe It’s a Law Firm!” However, as we know, the Simpsons are a strictly middle-class clan who cannot do better than Hutz.

 

 

40. Jackie Chiles (Seinfeld)

 

Jackie Chiles (Seinfeld)

 

In the popular ’90s television sitcom Seinfeld, we are introduced to Jackie Chiles, who goes on to represent his client Kramer in cases of suing both companies and individuals. He is an almost cartoon-like character who has a faithful secretary who goes by the name of Susie.

 

Portrayed by actor Phil Morris, the character is widely considered to be a parody of Johnnie Cochran.

 

 

41. Jared Franklin (Franklin & Bash)

 

Jared Franklin (Franklin & Bash)

 

Jared Franklin happens to be best mates with fellow lawyer Peter Bash. Charming, witty, and smart, he often comes up with creative ideas to crack jokes and pull crazy stunts.

 

He may deliver one outlandish performance after another in the courtroom, but it is a well-known fact that the man really cares about helping people and winning their cases.

 

 

42. Peter Bash (Franklin & Bash)

 

Peter Bash (Franklin & Bash)

 

Since we have mentioned Franklin in our story, it is only fitting that Peter Bash also finds a place in it. This defence lawyer practises with his best mate and has been recruited by a major law firm, Infeld-Daniels, along with him.

 

Assertive and confident in his own skin, he always seems to be ready with a clever word. Add to that the fact that Bash is the master of comebacks and takes the problems of his clients very seriously.

 

 

43. Joyce Davenport (Hill Street Blues)

 

Joyce Davenport (Hill Street Blues)

 

Veronica Hamel plays the competent and tenacious public defender Joyce Davenport in the long-forgotten program Hill Street Blues. The actress plays the part sophistically and is incredibly likeable doing the same.

 

While she has fetches a strong sense of justice to the show, her love angle with Captain Furillo manages to work as well.

 

 

44. Matt Murdock (Daredevil)

 

Matt Murdock (Daredevil)

 

Thriving on his sharp wit and sense of awareness is Matt Murdock, who, during the day, is an able blind lawyer you’d like to trust with your issues. However, during the night, he transforms into the superhero Daredevil who believes in his own form of justice.

 

Even though he was blinded in an accident as a child, he hasn’t let this impede his life. In fact, it has only made him a tad more compassionate, for we only catch him representing those in need rather than actual criminals.

 

Also, it is imperative to mention that the loss of his vision has caused his other senses to grow impeccably.

 

 

45. Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law)

 

Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law)

 

While it is true that Jennifer Walters is less known for her legal skills and more for her physical prowess, it is also difficult to deny that she, at the end of the day, is a lawyer.

 

Since she has the blood of cousin Bruce Banner inside her, it is not surprising that she works for a firm that handles cases involving superhumans. Interestingly, she has grown to become a 6-foot-7 green giant, who one shouldn’t take for granted.

 

That being said, the lady finds it incredibly tough to balance her life in two very different bodies.

 

 

46. Barry Zuckerkorn (Arrested Development)

 

Barry Zuckerkorn (Arrested Development)

 

A lot of you would think that Barry Zuckerkorn from Arrested Development is the worst lawyer imaginable. He proves to be a thorn in the ways of Michael in the show.

 

However, it is his incompetence, foolishness, and laid-back attitude that make him stand out in a story populated with predictably disastrous characters. Oh, and do not make the mistake of underestimating him, for he is more than capable of getting himself arrested from time to time.

 

 

47. Harvey Birdman (Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law)

 

Harvey Birdman (Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law)

 

Sure, we acknowledge that Harvey Birdman has his range of superpowers, but is also equally true that he wins most of his cases through sheer luck. Since he wants to help those in need, he has ended up amassing a list of elite clients.

 

Needless to mention, he has a heroic personality, which is only aided by the fact that he’s quick enough to realize his mistakes.

 

 

48. Jeff Winger (Community)

 

Jeff Winger (Community)

 

The power-hungry and manipulative Jeff Winger is the main protagonist of the once well-known sitcom Community. He may have been good at his job, but he goes on to become a victim of circumstances and pettiness.

 

Sooner than later, he’s pushed to become a community college student to make amends and perhaps do justice to his talent. A textbook narcissist, Winger’s biggest challenge is to get his job back.

 

But, we soon discover that he adds to his list of challenges by starting to lust over the alluring Britta.

 

 

49. Will Truman (Will & Grace)

 

Will Truman (Will & Grace)

 

Will may have found it a tad difficult to come to terms with his sexuality, but he was able to find peace in the fact that he is a good human being; especially when compared to his friends.

 

Pragmatic, loyal, and witty, he was a lawyer on Will & Grace, even though he wasn’t exactly seen being a lawyer. However, we could catch the man giving out free advice to Grace Adler, Jack McFarland, and Karen Walker from time to time.

 

A fascinating character by all means, Truman graduated from NYU Law and joined a successful law firm out of college.

 

 

50. Marshall Eriksen (How I Met Your Mother)

 

Marshall Eriksen (How I Met Your Mother)

 

Arguably the nicest member of the gang in How I Met Your Mother, Marshall Eriksen is a dependable friend, a loyal boyfriend, and a lovable dork. Since he cares so much about nature, he dreams of working in environmental law.

 

Throughout the series, we have seen him struggling with awful corporate clients; thus, making his resolve to work for the environment get stronger. While we haven’t seen the tall and tender Marshall as often in a court of law during the series, we do know that he is willing to go all out for his lady love Lily, his friends, or the environment.

 

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