Ace of case: The 25 greatest fictional lawyers

The Marvel superhero, in his everyday form, is Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with a keen sense of awareness. Not to mention a wit that's as sharp as a knife. A Hell's Kitchen native, Matt was blinded as a youth when a radioactive  substance fell off a truck. Murdock has been able to use his special abilities and new physical gifts to help fight crime, along with some stellar martial arts talent. Through the decades, from pages of comic books to the big screen (we won't highlight Ben Affleck's portrayal), to the popular Netflix (then Disney+) series (with Charlie Cox  solidly handling the lead role), Matt remains a vital part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Sticking with Marvel -- and Disney+. Walters is a lawyer whose firm handles cases involving superhumans. This is quite interesting, considering she has the blood of cousin Bruce Banner inside her and grows to become a 6-foot-7 green creature -- much like the related Hulk. In the 2022 Disney+ series, Canadian Tatiana Maslany took on the starring role. Whether as the Walters or the She-Hulk, she's one of the more underrated members of the MCU, while humbling and valiantly trying to come to grips where her life in two very different bodies. 

It's the role that won Tom Hanks his first Academy Award. Beckett was a brilliant lawyer living with AIDS. He sued the firm that recently promoted him, then fired him for what he believed was a wrongful dismissal. Based on the fact he was a homosexual dealing with a controversial yet incurable disease. Beckett is an immensely strong character who demonstrated that strength right to the end, even while trying to cherish every day he was alive. Not to be forgotten is Denzel Washington's Joe Miller, the self-proclaimed homophobic, ambulance-chasing attorney who represented Beckett. 

When it comes to nailing a role, often smarmy and pompous, James Spader seems to stand out in just about any character he plays. His turn as Alan Shore, the talented lawyer whose moral values can be questioned more times than not, is at the top of the list of his stellar acting career. Though he's been known to boast a win-at-all-cost attitude, Shore is a champion of the underdog, which lends a certain amount of likability to the character from this David E. Kelley favorite. He's also afraid of clowns, and his self-deprecating humor is quite refreshing. 

Perhaps the best thing about those the main attorney, or attorneys, in John Grisham's novels which were rightfully turned into popular movies, is that they are strong, solid figures. The champion of good, willing to risk life and limb to triumph over evil. Brigance (Matthew McConaughey) endures plenty (threats, burning crosses and even having his house set on fire) while defending a black man from a murder charge in front of an all-white jury. Yet, Brigance stands tall throughout, and is rewarded in the end. And, when it comes to closing arguments, Jake can drive it home.

In a nutshell, Harvey seems to be all over the place as a person. Regarded as one of the best litigators in New York City, Specter (Gabriel Macht) can be ruthless but is also highly intelligent, both when doing things by the book or taking other means (favors, coercion, or anything else along those lines) to win the verdict. Not to mention, Harvey's confidence is also appealing, whether inside or outside of the courtroom. And, there might not be a fictional lawyer with a better knowledge of pop culture than Specter. 

The story of John Larroquette's classic character has not ended, thanks to the 2023 revival of this favorite sitcom from the 1980s. Back then, Dan was not a bad assistant DA in the Manhattan Municipal Court. However, he seemed more preoccupied with the ladies than the law, which considering the other characters surrounding him, did not make him too bad of a person. Fielding was pretty harmless, the butt of many jokes and quite entertaining. In the updated version of the show, Dan is a public defender while helping a new judge, and daughter of late pal Harry Stone (the late Harry Anderson). That is until he receives a higher judicial calling.

Whether talking about the novels of Michael Connelly, the 2011 film, starring Matthew McConaughey, or the David E. Kelley-created Netflix series, with Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in the lead role, that debuted in 2022, Mickey Haller is one of the more intriguing lawyers on this list. He's a Los Angeles defense attorney who works out his Lincoln Navigator rather than an office. That alone lends a certain element of creativity that's not found with most other entries on this list. Now, the various portrayals of the character are different, one thing is the same, Mickey respects the law, regardless who he has to defend.

In terms of current lawyers on television, Jax Stewart might be the best of the bunch. Brilliantly played by Emayatzy Corinealdi, Stewart is the protagonist of this Hulu original, which debuted in 2022, about a mother of two, who is trying save a strained marriage, while also doing her job as a high-profile Los Angeles defense attorney. When it comes to empowering female characters on TV, or streaming, at the moment, Jax needs to have a prominent place on the list. She's smart, and savvy, and confident, but also has her moment of vulnerability, which makes for a truly genuine role.

When it comes to the significance and popularity of the fictional television lawyer, E.G., Marshall's Preston is a pioneer of sorts. The popular series ran on CBS from 1961-'65, with Marshall starring, alongside Robert Reed, as a father-son combo of defense attorneys who take on some of the toughest cases of the time -- civil rights, pornography, etc. The Museum of Broadcast of Communications said of the show: "Perhaps the most socially conscious series the medium has ever seen." Preston is stoic, highly intelligent and boasts a subtly commanding presence, with that never-let-them-see-you-sweat vibe. Marshall won two Emmy Awards for the role.

More from the mind of David E. Kelley. While she can probably do without the Vonda Shepard theme song and a dancing baby, Ally McBeal is one of the most celebrated female lawyers in television history. Not to mention, she made Calista Flockhart a star. Back in the late 1990s, Ally and Co. were part of the "It" television series. Smooth-talking, trendy lawyers and staff, armed with quick wits and ample amounts of legal knowledge. Ally might did not have a lot of luck in the love department, but she is refreshingly vulnerable, yet still confident in her job and herself — most of the time. 

A true shyster of an attorney, Chiles (Phil Morris) represented Kramer in such cases as going after a coffee company, Sue Ellen Mischke, the Oh Henry! candy bar heiress, and even the daunting tobacco companies. A true character, almost cartoon-like, Jackie also has a loyal secretary known only as Susie, and is partial to the preferred, but never seen, Dr. Byson, when it comes to needing some medical reinforcement. Chiles, though, could not get the Seinfield gang off on breaking of the "Good Samaritan" law in the often-maligned series finale.

The first of two Tom Cruise legal roles that we'll highlight on this list. And, another from a film version of a John Grisham classic novel. One of the hardest-working lawyers in film history, McDeere (Cruise) was highly sought after coming out of Harvard. However, he did not know what he was getting himself into when he signed on with a small Memphis law firm that was working with the mob. That still didn't stop Mitch, with the help of his friends and family, from taking them down. When it comes to screen law thrillers, The Firm stands out mightily. 

When it comes to animated, fictional attorneys, the kind of the court remains one of The Simpsons' most entertaining side characters. Voiced by the late, great Phil Hartman, Hutz was your typical, ambulance-chasing attorney, whom every town has, and most tend to loathe. We learn that Hutz should not be trusted, considering his practice is located in a shopping mall under the name "I Can't Believe It's a Law Firm!" Due to their modest income, however, Hutz is the preferred lawyer of choice for the Simpsons.

Arguably the most popular character on this long-running NBC series, Arnie (Corbin Bernsen) is a bit of an enigma. Just when he makes the viewer want to wring his neck for some general ruthlessness, he turns around to do something completely heroic. That, in turn, makes his character intriguing. And, at the time, he was quite the fictional heartthrob, as well. Back in the 1980s and into the '90s, fans could not wait to see what Becker was going to do from week to week. It's still the defining role of Bernsen's career. Though Major League's Roger Dorn is a close second.

Viola Davis's excellence is not limited to the big screen. Case in point, right here. There might not be a more empowering fictional female attorney than Keating (for which Davis became the first black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award  for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series). A criminal defense attorney and law professor, no matter how bad things get (alcohol, murder) for and around Keating, she's usually up to the challenge. Her confidence and subtle vulnerability actually mesh well, which makes for a deliciously entertaining character to watch.

Glenn Close excels in any kind of role. However, it's when she's in a position of power, where she is not afraid to step on throats or show off her ruthless side, is when viewers should truly appreciate her celebrated body of work. With Damages , which ran from 2007-'12, notably on FX, Close won a pair of Primetime Emmy Awards for the role of Patty Hewes, who runs her own firm and thrives when it comes to taking on all comers. What's also entertaining to watch is the character dynamic between Hewes, and her protégée Ellen Parsons (played extremely well by Rose Byrne).

There aren't many actors who are known for more than one iconic television role. Then again, there aren't many actors like the legendary Andy Griffith, who found a second life during the 1980s and '90s with Matlock. In the fictional Atlanta-area law community, there is not a better or more renowned defense attorney than Ben Matlock. Now, Ben does not come cheap ($100,000 fee), but despite his AARP appearance and old-school Southern know-how, he's a shark in the courtroom, and will go for the throat if needed. He's also a big fan of hot dogs, and is rather cheap outside of the courtroom.

As we came to learn in this guilty pleasure comedy that ended up taking on a multi-media life of its own, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon ) is more than a pretty face filled with a kitschy vocabulary and an exuberant penchant for fashion. One thing we learn about the underrated law dynamo is that when she puts her mind to something, she can get what she wants. If the odds and academic universe seemed stacked against her. Also, what seems like useless facts to most, can end up saving a client's life when used with a little deductive reasoning.

For 18 seasons, Jack McCoy presided over the "Order" part of the show, first as assistant district attorney, and then district attorney. In his desire to see justice done, he was often aggressive in his tactics, earning him the nickname "Hang 'em High McCoy," even while his personal life was often a mess (abused by his father, affairs with his female assistants). And Sam Waterston's performance as McCoy was so popular that he was declared a "Living Landmark" by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. In 2022, after a 12-year hiatus, the original recipe Law & Order was back on the air with new episodes -- and McCoy was leading the way.

It would not be a stretch to believe that Joe Pesci's Vinny can be considered iconic. It's easy to like Vinny, who is unabashed in his brass nature, and quite confident in his legal skills and talent. That's despite needing multiple attempts to pass the bar exam. His Italian-American, New York-fueled accent, and attitude are the highlight of this comedy favorite. He's easy to root for while defending those "two yutes" (one of which is played by Ralph Macchio, in a supporting role) charged with a murder they did not commit in the Deep South.  

More from Tom Cruise, who is simply brilliant in the lead role of this Aaron Sorkin/Rob Reiner classic from 1992. Despite what the egocentric, gung-ho Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson) might think, Cruise's Kaffee certainly can "handle the truth." Even though the young, brash Navy lawyer had a history of taking the easy way out of cases via the plea bargain, Kaffee went toe-to-toe with one of the most intimidating Marines in film history. And, came out on top by proving he's a better attorney than he probably gave himself credit. 

Spanning two of the most celebrated series in cable history, we were first introduced to Saul (Bob Odenkirk) during the brilliance of Breaking Bad. Then fans of that series were thrilled when he got his own stage to shine . Goodman is not really a good lawyer, but more of a scam artist, who still has a soft spot for criminals. He also pushes the edge of the law in both his practice and life. Saul, or even Jimmy, is fun to watch, mostly because Odenkirk seems made for this part. In fact, would is it right to say that Saul has surpassed Walter White (Bryan Cranston) in overall popularity within the universe of these shows?

When it comes to various mediums and entertainment outlets, it doesn't get much more prominent than the legendary Atticus Finch. In fact, this might be the most famous fictional attorney that spans literature, stage and screen, Finch (most notably and successfully portrayed by Gregory Peck) is there for the little man — and woman. He's a champion of civil justice in a time when such thinking was unacceptable in most parts of the country, especially the South. No case is too small, or too challenging for Atticus Finch to handle.

Arguably the most popular, and well-known fictional lawyer in television or film history, "Perry Mason" defined the career of legendary actor Raymond Burr, who brought the famed defense attorney to life during a lengthy television run on CBS in the 1950s, and then into the '60s. While Mason took to the courtroom on various mediums, it was Burr's portrayal that is most memorable. Gruff, but wise. He's arguably the greatest fictional trial lawyer of all time. And, of course, he had quite the flair for the dramatic. Which, obviously, played well in a Hollywood setting.