Summary

lawyer have always been among television ’s most compelling character , with their day - to - twenty-four hours experience naturally give drama and conflict . However , there are several TV attorney who will forever rest iconic figure in television history . From the morally complex Annalise Keating inHow to Get out with Murder , portrayed by the Emmy - winning Viola Davis , to the unrelenting prosecutor Jack McCoy inLaw & Order , these eccentric have captivated audiences with their unique approaches to the law . Television has also give us memorable vicious attorney like Saul Goodman , brightly brought to life by Bob Odenkirk inBreaking BadandBetter Call Saultimelines .

Other notable TV attorneys admit the unconventional Ben Matlock , diddle by Andy Griffith , and the groundbreaking Maxine Shaw fromLiving Single . These fictional attorney , along with many others , have made a major impact on the television landscape , showcasing the depth and diversity of the legal profession . Their storey have not only entertained viewers for 10 , but also prompted discussion about Justice Department , ethics , and the human condition , cementing their station as some of the most iconic and influential fiber in the account of the medium .

10Erika Alexander As Maxine Shaw

Living Single (1993-1998)

Max ’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her guest is what sincerely defines her as an exceptional lawyer .

Maxine Shaw from the classic ‘ 90s sitcom , Living Single , is a unnerving military unit in the courtroom , ranking as one of the top TV lawyers for her alone ability to overtop attention and unassailable triumph for her clients . Her sharp wit and unapologetic conduct set her asunder from the respite , making her a memorable and impactful bod in the existence of sound dramas . While her personal life story may have been tumultuous , Max ’s unwavering dedication to her slyness and her client is what unfeignedly specify her as an special attorney . Her no - hokum approach make her a force to be reckon with .

9Gabriel Macht As Harvey Specter

Suits (2011-2019)

Cast

With a bang-up mind that give up him to outmaneuver his antagonist , Harvey Specter fromSuitshas garner his seat among the elect TV lawyer . His refusal to engage in unethical recitation , even when his opponents expect him to , localise him apartin a field where winning at all cost is often the average . Through all9 seasons ofSuits , Specter has leave an indelible Deutschmark on the legal landscape of the show , cementing his status as one of the most memorable and influential boob tube lawyer .

8Dylan McDermott As Bobby Donnell

The Practice (1997-2004)

Donnell ’s Passion of Christ for his clients frequently clash with his own sense of jurist , as he grapples with the knowledge that many of the guilty party he play can take the air free on technicalities .

In the gripping legal dramaThe Practice , Bobby Donnell bestow to life the inner tumult and moral quandary face by a dedicated defense lawyer . Donnell ’s passion for his node frequently clash with his own sentiency of justice , as he deal with the knowledge that many of the guilty parties he represents can take the air complimentary on technicality . This battle kick in to his ranking among the most compelling TV attorney , ashis character ’s journey is stigmatise by disillusionment and personal excitement . Donnell ’s complex pilotage of the courtroom and the flawed effectual system vibrate with audience , making him an intriguing addition .

7Park Eun-bin As Woo Young-woo

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Young - woo ’s exceptional intelligence and photographic retention enable her to undertake complex legal case with increase competency .

In the captivating Korean sound dramaExtraordinary Attorney Woo , Park Eun - bin ’s characterization ofWoo Young - woo shines a sparkle on the alone challenges and triumphs of an autistic rookie attorneynavigating the private-enterprise world of a major Seoul law business firm . Despite her irregular communicating style , which her neurotypical colleagues initially perceive as curious and blunt , Young - woo ’s exceptional intelligence and photographic store enable her to harness complex legal cases with increasing competence . Young - woo ’s lineament do as a powerfulneurodivergent telecasting characterin the legal field , challenging stereotypes and highlighting the value of different perspectives in the pursuit of DoJ .

6Calista Flock As Ally McBeal

Ally McBeal (1997-2002)

Calista Flockhart ’s depiction of Ally McBeal in the innovative serial publication of the same name introduced audiences to a quirky , neurotic lawyer whose personal sprightliness often took center stage alongside her sound display case . While Ally ’s preoccupation with her love life sprightliness and biological clock may have now and again overshadowed her courtroom talents , her character reference ’s relatability and the show ’s modern blend of drama and comedy solidify its situation in television history . Ally McBeal ’s influence on the dramedy subgenre pave the room for succeeding shows that dextrously balance humor and devout present moment . Plus , who could leave the iconic dancing baby that became a ethnic phenomenon ?

' 90s nostalgia is at a fever pitch shot , and for every iconic show from that decade , there are forgotten jewel like My So - Called Life and Ally McBeal .

5Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock

Matlock (1986-1995)

Ben Matlock stands out among TV lawyers for his unassuming conduct and unlawful coming to defense constabulary . With aMatlockreboot already confirm , his inscription to his client and punctilious attention to detail make him an unmatched force in the court . His willingness to go above and beyond , from purge crime scenes for overlook clue to employing his own individual police detective , sets him apart from his peer . Matlock ’s uncanny ability to uncover the polar piece of evidence that clear his client during thwartwise - examination has become a stylemark of the character .

4Glenn Close as Patty Hewes

Damages (2007-2012)

Damages is a crime drama series that aired on FX for five season before ending in 2012 . Damages centers on Patty Hewes ( Glenn Close ) , who is a well - know attorney , and her new protege Ellen Parsons , played by Rose Byrne . Each season centers on a new case for the law firm while also developing Patty and Ellen ’s relationship .

Patty Hewes , portrayed by Glenn Close in the effectual thrillerDamages , stand as a complex and powerful figure among lawyer in the television realm . Her stern approaching to navigating the male person - reign legal humans , pair with her history of paternal abuse , has shaped her into an advocate for those victimise by an often unjust organisation . Hewes ’s masterly manipulation and fierce determination have move her to the pinnacle of her professing , even as her method sometimes blur the line between ugly and admirable . This miscellaneous fictitious character showcases the elaborateness of the human psyche and the lengths one might go to attain justice .

3Sam Waterston as Jack McCoy

Law & Order (1990-Present)

McCoy ’s moral ambit drives him to push the boundaries of the constabulary when necessary , prioritise the greater goodness of take out crook from the streets .

A column of the legal dramaLaw & Order , Jack McCoy , portrayed by Sam Waterston , embody the relentless pursuit of justice as Manhattan ’s Executive Assistant District Attorney . McCoy ’s moral compass drives him to push the boundaries of the legal philosophy when necessary , prioritizing the greater good of move out crook from the street . Despite the personal upheaval that often molest his spirit outside the court , McCoy ’s professional insightfulness remains near unrivalled . Some ofSam Waterston ’s best episodesportray his character reference being the ultimate warrior for jurist , cementing his status as one of the most iconic and influential goggle box lawyers .

2Viola Davis As Annalise Keating

How To Get Away With Murder (2014-2020)

From her struggles with inebriation to covering up her married man ’s demise , Annalise Keating , portrayed by Viola Davis inHow to Get Away with Murder , is one of boob tube ’s most complex lawyers . Keating ’s fierce commitment to protect her students and fighting for the wrongfully convicted , even as she grapples with her own enigma , makes her a military unit to be count on with . Davis ’s groundbreaking performance , which earned her a historical Primetime Emmy , brings depth and nuance to this iconic character , solidifying Keating ’s place among the most compelling and unforgettable TV attorney .

1Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman

Breaking Bad (2008-2013) and Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Saul Goodman is doubtless the ultimate criminal attorney from theBreaking Baduniverse . Born Jimmy McGill , he adopts the moniker " Saul Goodman , " a play on " it ’s all good , gentleman’s gentleman , " which capsulise his alone approach to the jurisprudence . Goodman ’s innate gift for con artistry , evident from childhood , make him the go - to attorney for those navigate the murky waters of the criminal underworld . Odenkirk ’s performance elevated Goodman from a guest dapple , at long last earning him his own spinoff series . Through his quick humor and morally flexible approach , Saul Goodman has become an iconic form in TV account .

Stills from various forgotten ’90s shows

Tony Khan and Sting merged image

Star Wars' Best TV Show Just Doubled Down On A Massive Canon Change

Viola-Davis-as-Annalise-Keating-from-How-to-Get-Away-with-Murder–Bob-Odenkirk-as-Jimmy-McGill-from-Better-Call-Sau

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Maxine Shaw from Living Single

Headshot Of Patrick J. Adams

Headshot Of Sarah Rafferty

Headshot Of Gabriel Macht

Headshot Of Meghan Markle

Bobby from The Practice

Upclose image of Woo Young-woo looking in a downward direction.

Calista Flockhart smiling in Ally McBeal

Headshot Of Calista Flockhart In The New York Premiere Of FX’s ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

Headshot Of Greg Germann

Matlock’s Andy Griffith

Glenn Close as Patty in Damages

Annalise Keating looking up in her classroom in How to Get Away with Murder

Headshot Of Viola Davis In The Literacy Partners Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty

Headshot Of Aja Naomi King

Headshot Of Billy Brown

Headshot Of Jack Falahee

Cast Placeholder Image

Headshot Of Jonathan Banks In The 39th Annual PaleyFest LA: ‘Better Call Saul’ premiere

hEADSHOT oF Peter Gould