This morning I noticed that today is the international day of the endangered lawyer. This day is an international initiative that takes place each January 24 to draw attention to the situation of lawyers in a particular country and to the threats and challenges legal practitioners face in the exercise of their profession in that country.
But that is just an introduction and a bridge to today’s list as I would like to stay away from politics. But this got me think about my favorite tv/movie lawyers. So I came up with this list.
10. Franklin & Bash – Jared Franklin & Peter Bash – 2011-2014
Let’s lick off with not one, but two great lawyers who make a big impression to their opponents and tghe judges. These guys really can drive any court to madness. Malcolm McDowell has a great role in this serie as well as owner of the lawfirm who hires Franklin & Bash.
9. Boston Legal – Alan Shore – 2004-2008
Do you remember this one? From the time where James Spader still had hair? Different role than Raymond Reddington in the Blacklist, but I can see some resemblances. At least they are bot very good at arguing.
8. Dark Waters – Robert Bilott – 2019
A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution. Based on a true story. Great role from Mark Ruffalo.
7. The Firm – Mitch McDeere – 1993
In the early ’90 the books of John Grisham were a huge success and resulted in many screen adapts. This is the first one in this list starring a young Tom Cruise. Besides Cruise this movie had quite the line-up with other parts being played by Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Holly Hunter, Hal Holbrook and Gary Busey.
6. Rainmaker – Rudy Baylor – 1997
Immediately we go on with the next movie based on a John Grisham book. Again with a youngster at the start from his law career. This time it is a very young Matt Damon, helped by Danny de Vito. Also starring in this movie is a really young Claire Danes (Homeland).
5. A Time to Kill – Jake Brigance – 1996
Three Grisham movies in a row. Same story, different angle. This time starring Matthew McConaughey, what a great performance!
4. Lincoln Lawyer – Mick Haller – 2011
Another great performance by Matthew McConaughey. And also based on a book, not a Grisham novel this time, but the book series from James Patterson. This name might pop-up in a few more of my lists. Last year a Lincoln Lawyer series was releases on Netflix. That one was pretty good too.
3. Goliath – Billy McBride – 2016-2021
Never have been a big fan of Billy Bob Thornton, but with this role he finally convinced me.
2. Suits – Harvey Specter – 2011-2019
No explanation needed I assume? Don’t we all want to be Harvey in a certain way?
1. A Few Good Men – Lt. Daniel Kaffee – 1992
Have seen this movie countless times. Second role by Tom Cruise in this list. But the other cast in this movie is pretty decent too, Demi Moore, Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Pollak & Jack Nicholson.
Runners up that did not make the list: Wendell Rohr (Dustin Hoffman) in John Grisham’s Runaway Jury, Matlock and Harmonn Rab from Jag.