Embarking on a legal career means immersing oneself in the complexities of justice and morality. For lawyers and law students, movies provide a fascinating way to explore it. In this selection of must-watch Hollywood films, the stories shed light on the ethical dilemmas and human dramas within the legal world. From classics to contemporary gems, these movies offer valuable insights and emotional resonance for legal enthusiasts.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Year Released– 1962
Rating– 8.3/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream– Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– A timeless masterpiece that every lawyer should watch, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The movie centres on Atticus Finch, a moralist attorney in the racially volatile American South of the 1930s, as he defends a black man who has been wrongly convicted of raping a white lady. Racial injustice, empathy, and the strength of standing up for what is right are some of the topics that the film tackles via Finch’s unshakable dedication to justice and moral purity. For attorneys, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a powerful reminder of the moral obligations associated with practicing law and the significance of preserving justice in the face of difficulty.
12 Angry Men
Year Released– 1957
Rating- 9/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– Known as one of the best courtroom dramas ever, “12 Angry Men” is a master class in the mechanics of jury deliberation and persuasive techniques. The film centers on a group of twelve jurors who must determine the fate of a young man who is being held on murder charges. One juror, portrayed by Henry Fonda, painstakingly undermines the prosecution’s case as tensions build and prejudices emerge, pushing the other jurors to reconsider their preconceptions and biases. “12 Angry Men” provides insightful teachings for attorneys about the value of critical thinking, persuasion, and keeping an open mind when engaging in legal processes.
Erin Brockovich
Year Released– 2000
Rating- 7.4/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- SonyLiv
Synopsis– Based on a true event, “Erin Brockovich” follows the named legal assistant in her battle against a large corporation that she believes has tainted the water supply of a tiny community. Through her perseverance, ingenuity, and compassion for the impacted community, Erin Brockovich overcomes all obstacles and secures a historic court victory. The movie is a monument to the power of grassroots activism, the necessity of standing up for the weaker party, and the necessity of empathy in the struggle for justice, particularly for lawyers.
A Few Good Men
Year Released– 1992
Rating- 7.7/ 10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- SonyLiv
Synopsis– A Few Good Men movie immerses viewers in the world of military justice by having Tom Cruise play a rookie lawyer assigned with defending two Marines who are suspected of killing a fellow soldier. The lawyer needs to discover the truth about the incident as he maneuvers through the intricacies of military protocol and faces off against Jack Nicholson’s Colonel Jessup, who is a strong opponent. The movie provides legal professionals with valuable perspectives on the difficulties of defending clients in high-stakes trials, the morality of legal advocacy in a military setting, and the conflict between loyalty and the truth.
Philadelphia
Year Released-1993
Rating- 7.7/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– Philadelphia movie addresses the problem of HIV/AIDS discrimination in the legal field by narrating the story of Andrew Beckett, a prosperous lawyer who experiences an unjust termination from his employers upon disclosing his HIV status. In a ground-breaking case that defies societal stereotypes and legal restrictions, Beckett takes his old firm to court with the aid of a determined lawyer played by Denzel Washington. “Philadelphia” illuminates for attorneys the relationship between the law and social justice, the need to stand up for marginalized populations, and the continuous struggle against discrimination in the legal industry.
The Firm
Year Released– 1993
Rating- 6.9/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– “The Firm” is a gripping legal thriller centered around Mitch McDeere, a young attorney drawn to the glamor of a famous law firm. However, his dream job becomes a nightmare when he discovers the firm’s illegal activities, including ties to organized crime. The film explores issues including ethical integrity, loyalty, and the fight for justice in the face of corruption. It serves as an insightful reminder for lawyers of the ethical pitfalls that can come with professional success, as well as the importance of preserving integrity in pursuit of truth and justice.
The Verdict
Year Released– 1982
Rating- 7.7/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– Paul Newman plays an outstanding performance as Frank Galvin in “The Verdict,” a film about a broken lawyer who finds redemption in a case involving medical malpractice against a prominent hospital. Galvin finds a newfound sense of purpose in pursuing justice as he battles his personal issues and deals with an untrustworthy legal system. The movie reminds lawyers of the moral difficulties that arise in the practice of law, the value of honesty and modesty, and the possibility of redemption through deeds of courage and integrity.
Michael Clayton
Year Released– 2007
Rating- 7.2/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– The film “Michael Clayton” presents an intriguing depiction of the ethical complexities of corporate law through the perspective of its lead character, a “fixer” for a prominent legal firm who becomes entangled in a high-profile court dispute with significant ramifications. Michael Clayton faces his own involvement in an unfair system and wrestles with the moral conundrums facing his line of work as he navigates the murky waters of corporate greed and corruption. The movie makes lawyers think about the conflict between allegiance to their profession and personal integrity, the moral obligations of corporate lawyers, and the boundaries of their ability to pursue justice through legal advocacy.
The Social Network
Year Released– 2010
Rating- 7.8/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream – Netflix
Synopsis– “The Social Network” is an intriguing examination of the legal disputes around Facebook’s founding and the intricacies of intellectual property law in the digital era, despite not being a conventional courtroom drama. As it depicts Mark Zuckerberg’s ascent to fame and the ensuing legal battles, the movie poses thought-provoking queries concerning creativity, self-reliance, and the moral obligations of internet innovators. “The Social Network” offers valuable perspectives for legal professionals on the convergence of technology and law, the difficulties of managing legal conflicts in the digital sphere, and the dynamic terrain of intellectual property rights.
Kramer vs. Kramer 
Year Released– 1979
Rating- 7.2/10 (IMDB)
Where To Stream- Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis– “Kramer vs. Kramer” delves into the emotional complexities of divorce and custody battles through the story of a married couple, played by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, who find themselves at odds over the custody of their young son. As they navigate the legal process and confront their own flaws and insecurities, both parents undergo profound personal transformations. For lawyers, the film offers a heartbreaking dimension of legal disputes, the impact of family law on individuals and families, and the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts.
