10 Shows For Law Students To Watch For Courtroom Drama

1. The Good Wife (2009-2016)

Starting with the poster child for modern courtroom drama, The Good Wife is a masterclass in weaving legal intrigue with personal drama. Alicia Florrick, played by Juliana Margulies, is the titular good wife who returns to her law career after her husband, a former Cook County State's Attorney, is embroiled in a humiliating corruption and sex scandal.

This show expertly balances legal drama, political machinations, and personal relationships while providing a fascinating look at the life of a woman redefining herself. It's not just the critics who loved it, but audiences too, with a solid Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 91%.

2. Boston Legal (2004-2008)

Boston Legal, a spinoff of the equally famous legal drama The Practice, might come off as just another procedural drama, but the show's unique blend of absurd humor, poignant social commentary, and intense courtroom drama set it apart. James Spader and William Shatner lead the ensemble cast as Alan Shore and Denny Crane, two eccentric lawyers in the high-powered law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

The show often used its cases as a platform for social issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Also, let's not forget the legendary balcony chats between Shore and Crane – the bromance is real you guys.

3. Murder One (1995-1997)

Murder One was a ground-breaking show during its time, as it deviated from the usual episodic nature of legal dramas, instead opting to focus on a single murder trial throughout its first season. The show dives deep into the trial, scrutinizing every aspect from different perspectives – the defense, prosecution, and the media.

It may not have the glossy style of modern legal dramas, but its focus on legal proceedings and tactics make it a must-watch for law students. Did you know that Stanley Tucci received an Emmy for his guest role as the suspect in the first season? Yep, it's that good.

4. The Guardian (2001-2004)

The Guardian presents a unique take on the legal drama genre by following a corporate lawyer, Nick Fallin, who is sentenced to 1500 hours of community service as a child advocate after a drug conviction. The show excels in depicting Nick's struggle to juggle his community service, his high-pressure job at his father's law firm, and his personal demons.

While the show didn't receive the recognition it deserved during its run, it's a hidden gem with well-crafted storylines and character arcs, making it worth a watch for those seeking a different flavor of legal drama.

5. The Practice (1997-2004)

Created by the renowned David E. Kelley, The Practice is an intense, gritty look at the workings of a Boston law firm. The show focuses on passionate attorneys fighting for their clients, often engaging in ethically questionable tactics in the process. Despite the often grim subject matter, the show has its light-hearted moments, providing a balanced viewing experience. Notably, The Practice won the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy in both 1998 and 1999, showing that it's not just about the law, but about compelling storytelling too.

6. Damages (2007-2012)

Starring the formidable Glenn Close as Patty Hewes, a ruthless litigator, Damages takes us into the dark underbelly of high-stakes civil litigation. Rose Byrne co-stars as Ellen Parsons, a recent law graduate who becomes entangled in Patty's machinations. The show often oscillates between timelines, creating a complex narrative structure that weaves a thrilling, often unnerving, story.

While not strictly a courtroom drama, the show offers a deep exploration of law and ethics that's bound to captivate law students. Close won two consecutive Emmys for her role in this series, cementing Patty Hewes as one of TV's most intriguing characters.

7. Suits (2011-2019)

What happens when a law firm's best closer hires a genius college dropout as his associate? Suits happens. Harvey Specter and Mike Ross make an unlikely but dynamic duo navigating the cutthroat world of corporate law. While the show often strays from the courtroom into more personal drama territory, its charismatic characters, slick dialogue, and sharp wardrobe keep you hooked.

8. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

A prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul chronicles the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to make ends meet, into Saul Goodman, the morally challenged attorney representing Walter White. The series, often punctuated by tense courtroom scenes, delves into the moral complexities of its characters while unraveling the events leading to the Breaking Bad timeline. Its nuanced storytelling and complex character development have earned it a stellar 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

9. Goliath (2016-2021)

Created by the minds behind The Practice, Goliath centers on Billy McBride, a washed-up lawyer who takes on a giant aerospace company in a wrongful death case. Billy Bob Thornton shines as the down-and-out lawyer seeking redemption, delivering a performance that won him a Golden Globe. Goliath expertly balances the gritty reality of legal battles with an examination of personal redemption and justice.

10. The Night Of (2016)

A gritty and realistic portrayal of criminal law, The Night Of is a miniseries that details the murder trial of Nasir 'Naz' Khan, a Pakistani-American student accused of murdering a girl. The series painstakingly explores the criminal justice process from the perspective of both the defense and prosecution, providing a riveting examination of systemic issues within the legal system. The show's attention to detail and outstanding performances make it an engrossing watch for anyone interested in law.