Legal dramas have always captivated audiences with their intricate plots, courtroom tension, and compelling characters. While the genre has traditionally been dominated by male leads, there’s been a significant and welcome shift towards showcasing powerful and complex female lawyers. These shows not only entertain but also offer nuanced portrayals of women navigating the legal world, breaking stereotypes and delivering justice in their own unique ways. If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy watch, explore our curated list of top Female Lawyer Tv Series that are sure to keep you hooked.
Fairly Legal (2011 – 2012)
Stream On The Roku Channel
Fairly Legal offers a refreshing take on the legal drama by focusing on mediation rather than traditional courtroom battles. The series stars Sarah Shahi as Kate Reed, a former lawyer who, disillusioned with the adversarial nature of the legal system, becomes a mediator. Kate’s strength lies not in aggressive tactics, but in her empathy and ability to see beyond the black and white of the law. She thrives on finding common ground and harmonious resolutions, making Fairly Legal a compelling watch for those who appreciate a character-driven legal show with a heart. Instead of portraying a ruthless lawyer, Fairly Legal highlights the power of compassion and understanding in resolving disputes.
Drop Dead Diva (2009 – 2014)
Available To Buy On Apple TV
For a legal drama with a fantastical and body-swapping twist, Drop Dead Diva is a must-see. Brooke Elliot shines as Jane Bingum, a plus-size lawyer who is inhabited by the soul of Deb Dobkins, a recently deceased aspiring model. This unique premise allows Drop Dead Diva to explore not only legal cases but also themes of self-acceptance, body image, and the challenges women face in society. While the show has its comedic and lighthearted moments, it doesn’t shy away from tackling serious issues within the legal profession and personal lives of its characters. It offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a female lawyer, blending legal proceedings with personal growth and self-discovery.
Pearson (2019)
Available To Buy On Apple TV
Jessica looks sternly in Suits
Spinning off from the hit series Suits, Pearson centers on the formidable Jessica Pearson, played by Gina Torres. Leaving the corporate law world behind, Jessica ventures into the gritty world of Chicago politics. While no longer strictly practicing law after being disbarred, Jessica’s legal acumen and strategic mind are central to her role as a fixer and advisor to the Mayor of Chicago. Pearson showcases a different facet of a female lawyer’s career, demonstrating how legal skills are transferable and valuable in diverse power structures. Jessica’s journey is about navigating political landscapes, ethical dilemmas, and personal challenges, making her a compelling and complex female lead.
Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit (1999 – )
Stream On Hulu
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a landmark series that has consistently featured strong female lawyers within its ensemble cast. While Olivia Benson is the central figure, Assistant District Attorneys like Alexandra Cabot and Casey Novak have become fan favorites for their dedication and fierce pursuit of justice for victims of sexual assault. These women are portrayed as intelligent, compassionate, and unwavering in their commitment to upholding the law, even when faced with difficult cases and moral ambiguities. SVU provides a long-running example of how female lawyers can be portrayed as powerful advocates within a procedural drama, contributing significantly to the show’s enduring appeal.
Women’s Murder Club (2007 – 2008)
Stream On Tubi
Inspired by James Patterson’s novels, Women’s Murder Club features an ensemble cast of female professionals, including a young assistant district attorney, Jill Bernhardt. This series distinguishes itself by highlighting the collaborative efforts of women in different fields – law enforcement, medicine, journalism, and law – as they work together to solve complex murder cases in San Francisco. Beyond the intriguing crime plots, Women’s Murder Club emphasizes the strong bonds of friendship and support among these women. Jill’s legal expertise is crucial to their investigations, showcasing the vital role of female lawyers in the pursuit of justice and the strength of female solidarity in high-pressure environments.
Ally McBeal (1997 – 2002)
Stream On Hulu
Ally McBeal was a groundbreaking series that brought a quirky and often comedic perspective to the legal drama genre, with a female lawyer at its center. Ally McBeal, portrayed by Calista Flockhart, is a young lawyer navigating the complexities of her professional and personal life at a Boston law firm. The show explored Ally’s inner world, her insecurities, and her romantic entanglements alongside her legal cases. While sometimes criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of the legal profession and stereotypical depictions, Ally McBeal was undeniably influential in paving the way for female-led legal dramas. It offered a relatable, albeit exaggerated, portrayal of a woman striving to balance career ambitions with personal desires in a demanding profession.
Damages (2007 – 2012)
Stream On Hulu
Damages offers a darker and more morally ambiguous portrayal of a female lawyer with Glenn Close’s Emmy-winning performance as Patty Hewes. Patty is a ruthless and brilliant litigator who operates in the high-stakes world of class-action lawsuits. The series delves into the complex and often ethically questionable tactics employed by Patty and her firm to win cases. Damages stands out for its intricate plotting, non-linear storytelling, and exploration of power dynamics and moral compromises within the legal system. Patty Hewes is a fascinatingly flawed character, showcasing the lengths to which some female lawyers might go to achieve victory, challenging the traditional “do-gooder” stereotype.
Scandal (2012 – 2018)
Stream On Hulu
While not strictly a traditional legal drama, Scandal features a powerful female lawyer, Olivia Pope, at its core. Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Olivia Pope, a crisis management expert in Washington D.C., who previously worked at the White House, is iconic. Olivia and her team “fix” problems for the political elite, often operating in morally grey areas. Although the show delves more into political intrigue and personal relationships, Olivia’s legal background and sharp intellect are fundamental to her problem-solving abilities. Scandal exemplifies how female lawyers can extend their influence beyond the courtroom, becoming key players in high-stakes situations and wielding considerable power in different spheres.
How To Get Away With Murder (2014 – 2020)
Stream On Netflix
How To Get Away With Murder redefined the legal drama with its dark, suspenseful storylines and Viola Davis’s tour-de-force performance as Annalise Keating. Annalise is a brilliant criminal defense attorney and law professor who becomes entangled in a murder plot with her students. The series is known for its twists, turns, and exploration of complex moral and ethical dilemmas within the legal system. Annalise Keating is a multi-layered character – strong, vulnerable, and fiercely intelligent – representing a nuanced and compelling portrayal of a female lawyer grappling with personal demons and professional pressures. How To Get Away With Murder is a masterclass in suspense and character development, solidifying its place as a top-tier legal drama.
The Good Wife (2009 – 2016)
Stream On Paramount+
The Good Wife is a critically acclaimed and highly popular legal drama that centers on Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies. Alicia, a stay-at-home mother, returns to her legal career after her husband, a prominent politician, is embroiled in a public scandal. The series follows Alicia’s journey as she rebuilds her life, navigates the competitive world of corporate law, and discovers her own strength and independence. The Good Wife is praised for its realistic portrayal of the legal profession, its complex characters, and its exploration of themes of resilience, ambition, and gender dynamics in the workplace. Alicia Florrick is a relatable and inspiring female lead, making The Good Wife a standout example of a successful female lawyer TV series.
Conclusion
From courtroom dramas to political thrillers, female lawyer TV series have become a powerful force in television. These shows offer diverse and compelling portrayals of women in law, moving beyond stereotypes and showcasing their intelligence, strength, and complexity. Whether you prefer character-driven narratives, intricate legal cases, or suspenseful mysteries, there’s a female lawyer TV series on this list for you. These series not only entertain but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative landscape on television, celebrating the achievements and multifaceted experiences of women in the legal profession.
