Law-related television series have been popular for decades, but their representation of the legal community has been criticised for glamorising the work and promoting misunderstandings about the area. While these shows can be enjoyable and engaging, they frequently provide a false view of the legal profession, which leads to incorrect preconceptions about the work and its reality.
It is critical to recognise that the actual practice of law differs greatly from the dramatic events and conversations frequently shown on television.
As a result, although it can be appealing to see legal TV dramas as a realistic image of the occupation, it is vital to exercise caution when embracing them because they’re a genuine reflection of the sector.
EM Law questioned 500 individuals working in the legal business to find out if legal entertainment affected their job decisions and if not, what alternative driving reasons existed.
The Results
- More than 56% of those polled cited a “genuine passion for the field of law” as the key motivator for choosing a legal career.
- Over half of those polled indicated legal TV series affected their profession choice.
- According to 30% of participants, “Suits” was the show that impacted their job decision.
- Over 57% of those questioned said that their favourite television series accurately depicted a legal job.
- If given the chance, 30% of participants stated they would switch careers to ones unrelated to the legal sector.
Overview of Popular Law-Related TV Shows
There have been many popular legal TV series over the years, each with its own unique take on the legal profession. Here are some of the most well-known legal TV series and what they are about:
Law & Order – This long-running series focuses on the criminal justice system, with each episode divided into two parts: the investigation and arrest of a suspect and the subsequent trial.
Suits – This series follows the lives of lawyers at a fictional New York law firm, with a focus on the relationship between a successful lawyer and his new associate, who has never attended law school.
Boston Legal – This comedy-drama series focuses on the lives of lawyers at a Boston law firm, with a particular focus on the eccentric senior partner and his young protégé.
How to Get Away with Murder – This series follows a group of law students and their professors as they become embroiled in a murder investigation. The show explores themes of ethics, ambition, and the law.
Better Call Saul – This spin-off of Breaking Bad follows the early career of the criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. The show explores themes of crime, corruption, and the moral grey areas of the law.
The Reality of the Legal Profession
The glamorous portrayal of the courtroom and trial process, the amplification of antagonistic relationships between lawyers, and the false representation of the time and work necessary to prepare cases are some of the most widespread myths.
Working in this sector is different based on the precise area of law and the sort of legal career you have. Here are some general features of what it’s like to work in the legal industry:
- Long hours: Lawyers and other legal professionals frequently work long hours, including nights and weekends. This is especially true while working on critical cases, interacting with clients, or preparing for court.
- Attention to detail: Legal work frequently necessitates close attention to detail. To minimise mistakes and assure accuracy, lawyers and legal experts must go over legal documents, contracts, and other materials with a fine-tooth comb.
- Stressful situations: Working in the legal sector, particularly in litigation or criminal law, might include dealing with high-pressure circumstances. Clients may be in tough situations, and attorneys may be required to negotiate complex legal systems.
- Continuous learning: The legal profession needs constant education and learning, especially as laws and regulations evolve. Lawyers and legal professionals must keep current on legal changes, which may require extensive continuous training and professional development.
- Wide range of career paths: From litigation to corporate law to public interest work, the legal business provides a diverse range of job opportunities. Working in the legal sector may be a very different experience based on the subject of law and the sort of legal employment.
- Fulfilling work: Despite the obstacles of working in the legal sector, many people find it quite rewarding. For individuals who are enthusiastic about the law, assisting clients in navigating challenging situations and attaining justice may be extremely fulfilling.
Finally, the impact of television shows on legal profession choices is an issue that merits thorough investigation. While famous TV dramas have clearly enhanced the visibility of the legal profession and drawn many people to careers in law, there are also worries about how these programmes may be fostering misconceptions and propagating stereotypes about the profession.
Individual viewers must ultimately judge how attorneys and the legal system are portrayed in TV series and decide if a profession in law is suited for them based on their own interests, abilities, and beliefs. For individuals who want to pursue a legal profession, the reality of the legal sector can be both hard and rewarding, with chances to make a difference in the lives of clients and contribute to the larger society via the application of the law.