The daily practice of law can prove challenging to even the most enthusiastic lawyer. Impossible deadlines, demanding clients, and unreasonable judges can be enough to make any attorney question their choice of career. When you find yourself in this position, an inspirational legal movie can offer a dose of needed distraction, while rekindling the flame that that attracted you to the law years ago. Here are five great options for your summertime viewing pleasure.
Rainmaker (1997)
The wide-eyed, bushy tailed young lawyer sets out on the fight for his life, as he seeks to secure compensation from a powerful insurance company and its arrogant counsel. It is the ultimate underdog movie, where the committed solo lawyer triumphs over the stereotypical big firm, with little consideration for justice. With charming southern accents and a tear-jerking love story on the side, Rainmaker is just the ticket to get your legal juices flowing.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Who will fight for the little guys? Erin Brockovich, that’s who. Based on a true story, this movie follows a California legal assistant as she uncovers an extensive groundwater contamination case and the intricate plot to cover it up. Add a foul mouth and contentious relationship with her attorney boss to the mix, and you have the makings for one of the most intriguing and inspirational legal movies of our time.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
A funny and engaging comedy about a lawyer who lacks polish, but makes up for it with some invaluable street sense and a big dose of personality. My Cousin Vinny is the story of Vinny, a New York wanna-be lawyer who hilariously tries to defend his young cousin against murder charges. The exchanges between Vinny and the hard-nosed trial judge are hilarious, with a few of the greatest courtroom scenes of all times. My Cousin Vinny is such a great legal movie that law professors across the country use it to instruct and inspire their law students.
Legally Blonde (2001)
For a comedic view of law school and an extremely unconventional student, pick up Legally Blonde for some serious laughs. Elle Woods makes her way into Harvard Law, but not to receive an outstanding legal education. She wants to win back her annoying ex-boyfriend from his pretentious new fiance.. When she finally realizes that he isn’t worth pursuing, she also discovers her potential to become a great attorney. A murder allegation against her former fitness instructor gives her the opportunity to showcase her legal prowess and emerge as the unexpected (and well dressed) heroine of the courtroom.
A Few Good Men (1992)
This movie is responsible for another one of the greatest courtroom scenes of all time – one that brought us the infamous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” A Few Good Men pits a young JAG attorney against an imperious superior officer who finds any questioning of his actions insulting. A strenuous investigation, coupled with some relationship drama on the side, makes this a riveting movie that will have you cheering for justice.
About Erika Winston:
Erika Winston is a freelance writer with a passion for law. Through her business, The Legal Writing Studio, she helps legal professionals deliver effective written messages. Erika is a regular contributor to TimeSolv and a variety of other publications.