The Netflix Effect: What Legal Dramas Get Right (and Wrong)

I can see why people love a good legal drama. They’re entertaining—not because they’re accurate, but because they shape how people think lawyers work. For me, the last thing I want to do in my free time is watch a fictional version of my day job.

But since these shows were so popular, let’s break them down. What do they get right? And where do they take some serious creative liberties?

Real-life lawyering is a lot less like Suits

Let’s begin with the hit series Suits. Suits highlight legal strategy and office politics, but the premise? Completely unrealistic. A brilliant college dropout with a photographic memory practicing law without a license? It’s never going to happen. And those last-minute courtroom stunts? In real life, they’ll get a lawyer sanctioned—or worse.

What They Get Right

One thing these shows do well is the high-stakes intensity. Being a lawyer, especially in litigation, does mean handling pressure, making quick decisions, and sometimes, delivering that one question in court that shifts everything. The thrill of a great cross-examination? That’s real. The adrenaline of arguing in front of a judge? Absolutely.

Legal dramas also highlight the importance of strategy. A great lawyer isn’t just one who can argue well—it’s one who thinks ten steps ahead, understands human nature, and knows when to push and when to hold back.

And then there’s the relationships. The legal world is built on trust—between lawyers and clients, among colleagues, even with judges. Good lawyers don’t work in isolation. Those moments in The Good Wife or Boston Legal where lawyers debate strategy over drinks? That happens…maybe without the drinks and without the amazing one-liners….those are not so realistic.

What They Get Totally Wrong

First, the speed of justice. Netflix makes it seem like cases move from filing to courtroom showdown in a matter of weeks. In reality? Months, sometimes years. Discovery, motions, hearings, negotiations—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Second, the drama in court. The number of cases that actually go to trial is much lower than these series suggest. Most cases are resolved through settlement, negotiation, or mediation. And those fiery courtroom monologues? They’ll get shut down fast. Judges like efficiency, not theatrics.

Third, the idea of a lawyer as a one-man army. In Hollywood, one brilliant lawyer seems to do everything—research, filing, trial prep, arguments. In real life, it’s a team effort. A strong case is built by associates, paralegals, and support staff working together.

Why It Matters

I don’t mind the exaggerations—legal dramas make the profession look exciting, and in some ways, that’s good. But the downside is that they set unrealistic expectations for clients. Some walk into my office expecting a Hollywood-style defense and a dramatic, game-changing moment in court. Instead, I tell them the truth: real lawyering is less about grandstanding and more about careful, strategic thinking.

So the next time you’re watching a legal netflix series, just remember—real law is often less flashy, but in its own way, just as fascinating.

Sincerely,??

Stephen Le,??Lead Litigator

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