10 Shrewdest lawyers we see across shows and movies

As easy as it sounds, the idea of what is right and what is wrong is much more complex in real life, and more so for advocates and legal practitioners whose entire identity is shaped by law and order. Being a lawyer is not just about donning an expensive suit or smooth-talking through trials. It often comes with a bigger responsibility: a lawyer is someone you can trust to be able to deliver justice for one’s life, which may be dependent on it.

Thus, a courtroom battle requires wit, courage, determination, and morale. The heroes who defend innocent lives and stand up against injustice have long been celebrated in movies and TV shows. The genre Legal Drama explores the ethical complexities and professional challenges of shrewd lawyers who have to fight not just the opponent but themselves. Here are 10 such characters in the field of law, who have astonished us with their prowess and sharp minds.

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1. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) is one of the most brilliant and sharp-witted lawyers to have ever existed in the history of cinema and literature. In a case of severe racial apartheid and prejudice, when an African American is falsely accused of raping a white woman in Alabama, Atticus, through his legal expertise and unwavering logic, defends the innocent Black man.

His unshaken hope in the face of bias and power dynamics is nothing short of extraordinary. With a calm and poised demeanor, he attacks the flaws of societal norms and ingrained bigotry through the sheer influence of his words. Gregory Peck received the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1963 for his skillful portrayal of the character of Atticus.

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2. Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)

If you find yourself in the middle of any kind of shady problem, “better call Saul!” A former con artist, Jimmy McGill, after a shocking turn of events in his life, assumes the persona of a criminal lawyer under the name Saul Goodman. Played by Bob Odenkirk, Saul and his ways are often morally dubious, including most of the clients he defends. But he is so quick and clever at bending the rules and spotting loopholes that you can't help but root for him, despite his ethically gray character.

His bizarre commercials, charming appearance in over-the-top suits, and uncanny ability to escape law are what make him a true badass in the legal world. Whether he's laundering money for the fierce chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin, Heisenberg, or facing off against his brother in the courtroom battle called “Chicanery,” Saul’s genius remains undeniable and unprecedented.

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3. Andrew Beckett (Philadelphia)

Tom Hanks delivers one of the most gut-wrenching performances in Philadelphia as the wise, adept lawyer, Andrew Beckett. The role also fetched Hanks the 66th Academy Awards for Best Actor. Andrew Beckett begins his career at a major corporate law firm in Philadelphia, but as soon as he’s detected with AIDS and his homosexuality comes into light, he's fired from the company.

To add more to his misery, not a single soul is willing to take up his case of unjust termination because of the stigma and prejudice attached to homosexuality. However, Beckett does not lose hope; instead, he finds a homophobic lawyer to defend his case. His shrewdness shines through his staunch willpower and calm manner of handling every setback.

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4. Harvey Specter (Suits)

One of the most calculated and confident legal practitioners in the cutthroat world of corporate law, Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht, has the ability to turn the most difficult cases into his court. His sharp wit and vast knowledge, along with his commanding demeanor, make him stand out from the rest of the crowd in a courtroom. Every time he's presented with a case that seems almost impossible to win, he taps into his ultra-careful observations, shrewd intuitions, and knack for risk-taking.

This charming young man will not stand being defeated, no matter how high the stakes are. His strategy is more than just bookish knowledge; it lies in his talent to thoroughly read people and situations and always stay one step ahead in the game. Be it in tense corporate negotiations, showdowns against rival attorneys, or strategically flipping complex cases on their heads, Harvey Specter is undoubtedly one of the shrewdest lawyers across television.

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5. Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer)

Played by the charming Matthew McConaughey, Mickey Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) was one of the coolest and most unconventional legal executives. The most offbeat part of his career in law was how he operated from his beloved Lincoln Town Car, taking calls and working through cases in between trials.

He is effortlessly edgy, bold, and intelligent and has a rebellious knack for challenging the rules. Even though his methods are questionable, it makes his character more attractive and sharp. While defending a high-profile client charged with a ruthless crime, Haller digs up some dark truths behind the accusations. With the help of his keen instincts and a passion for justice, Haller is a lawyer who solves cases from the backseat of his car.

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

Annalise Keating is the intelligent and fierce lead character in the legal drama thriller, How to Get Away with Murder. As a talented criminal lawyer and an efficient law professor, Annalise, portrayed by Viola Davis, commanded respect and fear in the courtroom as well as in her classroom. Through her strategic planning and sharp instincts, she could turn the most complex of cases to her side.

Her journey was one of sacrifice and empowerment, as she grappled with grief, loss, moral dilemmas, and strenuous trials. Despite her personal struggles, she does not lose heart or let it affect her law career. She remains one of the most astute lawyers in a world where her ethics are constantly put to the test.

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7. Fletcher Reede (Liar Liar)

Even though Fletcher Reede appears to be a downright comical character who built his entire legal career on the foundation of lies, his unpredictable and shrewd mind is bound to leave you in awe. However, in a strange turn of events, he is forced to speak the truth for one whole day. It is then we get a glimpse of his expertise as a talented legal practitioner.

Stripped of his usual tricks to lie and deceive in the courtroom, Fletcher is left with solving a difficult case through strict honesty. It is both hilarious and commendable how he manages to turn the case around from what could have been a total disaster through his keen ability to study minds and predict the opponent's next move. Jim Carrey, in the role of Fletcher Reede, delivers an outstanding performance.

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8. Mike Ross (Suits)

With a genius photographic mind, Michael Ross, portrayed by Patrick J. Adams, is one of the most talented and capable lawyers in the history of television. Without attending Harvard or any prestigious law school as such, Mike earned his way into the legal world not just because of his graphic memory but also because of his sheer enthusiasm to learn.

Impressed by his gift, Harvey Specter hired him at the law firm Pearson Hardman, and ever since then, Mike Ross has nailed some of the most complex and cryptic cases with his unbeatable talent of meticulously observing and reading people. Whether he is mugging up a big, fat rule book or swooping in with some last-minute details to win an absolutely gone case, Mike remains one of the most captivating legal minds.

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9. Kevin Lomax (The Devil’s Advocate)

Keanu Reeves delivers a striking performance as Kevin Lomax in the 1997 horror movie, The Devil's Advocate. Kevin is a keen and over-ambitious lawyer who has not lost a single trial throughout his career. His undeniable charm and prowess often seem to be a stark contrast to his greedy and immoral nature. As he struggles to maintain his sanity, the pressure of surviving in a competitive world seems to have a consuming impact on him.

The conflict in his head about what is right and what is wrong is what makes his character so compelling. From his successful law career in Florida to his mysterious job offer at a New York firm, Lomax’s encounter with John Milton (spoiler alert: the Devil himself) delves deeper into the darker side of his persona. However, it is through the tussle between balancing ambition and virtues that Kevin stands as an astute lawyer.

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10. Erin Brokovich (Erin Brokovich)

Julia Roberts, in the role of the titular real-life character, Erin Brockovich, delivered an extremely impactful performance. The movie gained pace when Erin, a single, unemployed mother, filed a case against a powerful energy plant on account of contaminating and disrupting the city’s water distribution system.

Without a certified degree in law, Erin becomes a legal assistant through her sheer determination and wisdom. She is resolved to teach the corrupted men a good lesson. However, the obstacles in her path only make her appear stronger. She does not sugarcoat anything; her approach is rather straightforward. Besides her shrewd legal mind, Erin also has a heart of gold, which further adds merit points to her character.