The Most Famous TV Lawyer, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the lawyer you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 5, 2024 07:14

Debates about the most influential TV lawyers often light up social gatherings, with fans ardently defending their favorites. These characters, armed with compelling dialogue and complex personalities, leave a lasting impact on viewers and shape public perceptions of the legal profession. A clear ranking, based on popular vote, could serve as a fun and engaging reference for discussions, potentially settling debates with a democratic approach to opinion. By participating in this vote, everyone gets a chance to contribute their viewpoint, making the results a comprehensive reflection of collective opinions. This list is not only insightful for tracking trends in the portrayal of legal professionals on television but also helps new viewers prioritize which iconic characters might be worth watching. Your vote matters, as it influences the ranking directly, ensuring that the list remains current and reflective of true fan favorites.

Who Is the Most Famous TV Lawyer?

1

77
votes
CBS Television · Public domain

Perry Mason

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason - played by Raymond Burr, Perry Mason is one of the most iconic TV lawyers in history. The show aired from 1957 to 1966 and was based on the novels by author Erle Stanley Gardner. Perry Mason is known for his sharp wit, intelligence, and ability to defend his clients against seemingly impossible odds.
Perry Mason is a classic legal drama television series that originally aired from 1957 to 1966. The show is based on the popular mystery novels written by Erle Stanley Gardner. It follows the brilliant defense attorney Perry Mason as he defends clients accused of murder, often solving the crime himself in the courtroom. With its intriguing plotlines, courtroom drama, and memorable characters, Perry Mason became one of the most popular and enduring shows on ME TV.

Genre: Legal Drama

Original Run: 1957-1966

Based on: Erle Stanley Gardner's novels

Main Character: Perry Mason

Setting: Los Angeles, California
Perry Mason in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular show on ME TV
2

44
votes
Universal Pictures · Public domain

Atticus Finch

Atticus Finch is although technically a character from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch was played by Gregory Peck in the 1962 film adaptation and is one of the most famous TV lawyers of all time. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality has made him a beloved figure in popular culture.
Atticus Finch in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular main characters
3

22
votes

Matlock

Matlock is played by Andy Griffith, Matlock is a folksy but brilliant lawyer who always manages to find a way to exonerate his clients. The show aired from 1986 to 1995 and remains a classic of the legal drama genre.
4

15
votes

20th Century Fox · Public domain

Ally McBeal

Ally McBeal is played by Calista Flockhart, Ally McBeal was the star of a popular legal comedy-drama that aired from 1997 to 2002. Her quirky personality and romantic entanglements made her a favorite of audiences around the world.
5

12
votes

Jack McCoy

Jack McCoy is played by Sam Waterston, Jack McCoy was a long-running character on the hit TV show Law & Order. He was known for his tough but fair approach to prosecuting criminals, and his dedication to justice made him a fan favorite.
6

18
votes

Ben Matlock

Ben Matlock is played by Andy Griffith, Ben Matlock was the star of another long-running legal drama called Matlock. He was a Southern gentleman with a sharp mind and an unwavering commitment to his clients.
7

10
votes

smary9342@aol.com · CC BY-SA 2.0

Alan Shore

Alan Shore is played by James Spader, Alan Shore was a character on the legal drama Boston Legal. He was known for his unorthodox approach to the law and his willingness to take on controversial cases.
8

14
votes
Saul Goodman

Saul Goodman is played by Bob Odenkirk, Saul Goodman was a character on the hit TV show Breaking Bad. He was a sleazy but effective criminal lawyer who always found a way to get his clients out of trouble.
Saul Goodman in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Breaking Bad character
9

4
votes

Harvey Specter

Harvey Specter is played by Gabriel Macht, Harvey Specter was the star of the legal drama Suits. He was a slick and charismatic lawyer who always seemed to have the upper hand in the courtroom.
10

6
votes

Alicia Florrick

Alicia Florrick is played by Julianna Margulies, Alicia Florrick was the protagonist of the legal drama The Good Wife. She was a smart and determined lawyer who navigated the complex world of politics and law with grace and skill.

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Ranking factors for famous lawyer

Popularity

The lawyer's overall popularity and recognition among viewers play a significant role. This can be determined by factors such as audience ratings, fan following, and general public awareness of the character.
Longevity

The duration of the TV show and the character's presence on-screen also contribute to their fame. Lawyers who have been portrayed consistently for multiple seasons or in multiple shows have a higher chance of being well-known.
Impact

The impact the lawyer has had on popular culture, legal dramas, and the portrayal of lawyers on television is essential. Characters who have influenced or changed the genre in some way or have become iconic in their representation of lawyers may rank higher.
Awards and critical acclaim

Recognition from prestigious awards and positive reviews from critics can demonstrate the lawyer's significance and the quality of their performance.
Cultural significance

The character's cultural impact and relevance, including any social or political commentary they may embody, can also contribute to their fame.
Memorability and quotability

Lawyers who have memorable catchphrases, iconic scenes, or memorable storylines are more likely to be recognized and remembered by viewers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous TV lawyer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Attorney is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1918 views
217 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Attorney once every 24 hours. The rank of each Attorney is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous tv lawyer

When it comes to legal dramas on television, lawyers have always been a popular choice for fans, and many of them have become iconic over the years. From conservative suits to flashy courtroom attire, TV lawyers have captured our imaginations with their quick wit, their passion for justice, and their ability to win almost any case. But who is the most famous TV lawyer of all time? Is it the brilliant and ruthless Harvey Specter from Suits, the sharp-witted and tenacious Alicia Florrick from The Good Wife, or the legendary Perry Mason, who has been solving cases on our screens since the 1950s? There are many contenders for the title of most famous TV lawyer, and each has their own unique style and approach to the law. Whether you prefer a tough-talking litigator or a compassionate defender of the underdog, there is a TV lawyer out there for everyone. So, who do you think deserves the title of most famous TV lawyer? Cast your vote now and let us know!