As a law student — and a UCD one — it’s hard to ignore how lawyers are portrayed in the media. To be honest, it’s probably one of the reasons why many of us choose to study law in the first place. From the dramatic confrontations to the life of luxury shown to us in so many binge-worthy TV dramas, who wouldn’t want to grow up to be a real-life Harvey Specter? However, behind these on-screen glamorous, high-powered lives, we must ask: do these depictions do more harm than good?
Lawyers are framed in a world of extremes. One moment, they are admired as saints, defending the rule of law and advocating for the voiceless — the next moment, they are dismissed as ruthless litigators who can get away with murder. There seems to be no middle ground, and a quick Google search shows that lawyers consistently rank at the top of the list as one of the most distrusted groups of professionals.
Perhaps these stereotypes don’t just make for good drama and entertainment; they shape public opinions and influence how people view lawyers — even how lawyers view themselves. If society can’t differentiate between fact and fiction, this will have real consequences for the legal profession’s future.
Pop culture dramatically influences how lawyers are perceived by society and is one of the main reasons lawyers have an all-round lousy reputation. Movies and TV Shows love to focus on drama—let’s call it their unique selling point—and sometimes, the lines blur between what we deem as reality. Lawyers are seen as cutthroat and confrontational, willing to bend or manipulate the rules to win a case no matter the cost. This image is reinforced in films where a dramatic courtroom showdown depicts winning as the main priority instead of justice. A prime example is The Devil’s Advocate (1997), where John Milton, the ultimate shady lawyer, uses every evil and immoral trick in the book to win the case. Despite the wild exaggeration, it feeds the stereotype of lawyers willing to go to any lengths to achieve victory.
Take the fan favourite Suits (2011), for example, a TV series that has everyone—read: me—fangirling over the one and only Harvey Specter; he is confident, charming and always dressed to impress. But let’s be honest — his character isn’t exactly a role model. He’s all about bending the rules and using ruthless tactics to win, whether in the courtroom or the boardroom. His character is the epitome of the cutthroat corporate litigator stereotype, and while it’s entertaining to watch, sometimes we are blinded by suits and stilettos.
Primal Fear (1996) offers just another stereotype. Richard Gere’s character takes on a case not out of a sense of justice but because it’s a high-profile opportunity to enhance his reputation. This reflects the stereotype of lawyers as “opportunists” who egotistically prioritise their careers over ethical obligations, overshadowing the fact that most lawyers do want to make a difference and help others.
Nonetheless, not all portrayals are negative. Films like Legally Blonde (2001) can be read as a good example of breaking those tired stereotypes. Elle Woods is brilliant, kind, and unapologetically herself, showing that you don’t have to be ruthless to succeed in law. It dismantles the stereotypical image of lawyers and adds an element of quirky compassion, inspiring the new generation to see the profession as both approachable and inclusive.
The consequences of these stereotypes for the legal profession are impossible to ignore. When lawyers are seen as ruthless, untrustworthy, or solely profit-driven, they erode public confidence in the legal system. People hesitate to seek legal advice, fearing manipulation or high fees, and young talent might second-guess pursuing a career in law, worried about being lumped into an unflattering stereotype.
On the flip side, the “saintly defender” image sets impossible expectations, leaving lawyers who don’t meet this standard feeling inadequate or judged for taking on less glamorous, yet equally important, work. These portrayals also affect the internal culture of the profession, with some lawyers feeling pressure to embody the aggressive “pitbull” type to succeed. In a field that relies so heavily on trust, integrity, and public perception, these stereotypes don’t just damage reputations—they threaten the very foundation of the legal system.
So, while it’s fun to watch the drama and chaos unfold on screen, we need more portrayals that show lawyers as they really are—complicated, yes, but driven by a genuine desire to make the world a fairer place. Changing how lawyers are perceived is not easy, but we, as the next generation of legal professionals, are more than capable of doing it. It’s up to us to show that the stereotypes are pure fiction; to quote Elle Woods, “What, like it’s hard?”
Anna Portada O’Driscoll, BBL – Law Contributor
