The court is in session, and we are determining the top 10 legal TV shows led by kickass female protagonists. These are the lawyers who are not afraid to go all in to find the truth and won’t let the traditionally male-dominated society stop them.
If you are looking to watch compelling and character-driven courtroom dramas, here are the 10 shows you must add to your watchlist.
10. For The People
This one brings a fresh perspective to the legal genre by presenting arguments from both the prosecution and defense sides. It is set in the Southern District of New York Federal Court, also known as “The Mother Court.”
The show follows the work of 6 newly appointed lawyers trying to navigate the legal world. They try to handle high-profile, high-stakes cases while also managing their personal lives. From their perspective, we get to see the opposing sides fighting for true justice and the moral dilemmas that come with it.
Related: Top 10 Female-Led Action Movies You Must Watch
9. Harry’s Law
Always beloved, Kathy Bates leads ‘Harry’s Law’ as Harriet Korn, once a highly paid, top-level patent attorney who has lost all her drive toward her career and was fired. As she begins to find a new passion in criminal defense law, she teams up with her associates to run a unique law firm from a rundown shoe store in Cincinnati.
‘Harry’s Law’ blends courtroom drama with comedy, and at the heart of it is the sarcastic and witty Harriet, brilliantly portrayed by Bates. The law firm’s sole focus on helping clients who cannot afford traditional legal representation makes it a compelling watch.
8. The Law According to Lidia Poët
This Italian historical drama has quickly garnered an international fanbase thanks to its brilliantly memorable protagonist, Lidio Poët. Based loosely on the life of the first modern female lawyer in Italy, the series is set in 1883, where practicing law is not considered a woman’s job.
After getting disbarred by the court, Lidia Poët returned to the legal scene by joining her brother’s law firm, all while secretly preparing her appeal to overturn the court’s decision.
7. Scandal
Shonda Rhimes has somehow figured out the formula to make the perfect legal drama. This time, she comes together with Kerry Washington to bring to life one of her best roles to date. Washington takes on the role of Olivia Pope, a high-power fixer whose legal expertise and unlimited charisma are the driving force of the show.
Set in the political scene of Washington, D.C., Olivia Pope is the person everyone runs to whenever they need their problem to go away before anyone even knows they exist. Along with her crisis management team, Olivia Pope approaches every problem thrown her way with fearless strategy and an open heart.
6. Silk
It primarily follows the daily goings-on of Shoe Lane Chambers and its many members in both their professional and personal lives. Through this myriad of characters, we get to learn about life at the Bar and the dilemmas and problems faced by modern-day barristers aiming for the position of Silk.
But at the start of the show is the undeniable Maxine Peak, one of the most compelling female barristers. The show takes up her journey through the competitive legal world, especially her struggles as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Her ability to maintain moral clarity with compassion makes her story even more compelling.
In case you missed it: Top 10 Legal Dramas You Need To Watch
5. Ally McBeal
This era-defining ‘Ally McBeal’ has undeniably become a cultural phenomenon for transforming the legal drama genre. It follows its titular protagonists, a young attorney navigating the field of law with her quirky charms.
The show takes the legal setting to create a hilarious workplace sitcom that frequently departs from the genre to focus on the personal lives of its main character. If you want to watch a character-driven legal drama led by a grounded and relatable female protagonist, ‘Ally McBeal’ will be your top pick.
4. The Good Fight
Being a spin-off to another iconic legal drama already makes ‘The Good Fight’ a fan favorite. On top of this, it is also led by Diane Lockhart, a powerhouse of intellect, style, and moral complexity. After losing her job due to an enormous financial scam, Diana starts over in the legal world.
Lockhart embodies the idealistic, unflinching commitment to justice that we all want to see in legal dramas. Along with it, we get to see her balance her chaotic professional and personal life with graceful conviction. She not only challenges gender expectations but also proves that fierce authority and heartwarming empathy can exist together.
3. How To Get Away With Murder
Another iconic Shonda Rhimes show, ‘How to Get Away With Murder’, is one of the most important representations of women of color on screen. Viola Davis takes up the role of Annalise Keating, a defense attorney and law professor who, along with five of her students, becomes involved in a complex murder case.
Annalise Keating has unmatched courtroom skills, yet she is not afraid to cross ethical lines to ensure justice is served. That is what makes her so humane. She is not just an idealistic role model. Instead, the show embraces contradictions and brings us a vulnerable yet formidable lawyer.
2. Damages
Led by the ferociously intense Glenn Close, ‘Damages’ introduces us to one of the most formidable on-screen lawyers of all time. The plot revolves around the brilliant and yet ruthless lawyer Patty. Hewes and Ellen Parsons, freshly out of law school.
The show is notable for its attention to detail in legal technicalities. Moreover, Glenn Close brings to life the terrifying and unforgettable Patty, a master strategist who is always 3 steps ahead of her opponent. Her relationship with the young protégé, Ellen, will surely hook you from the start.
1. The Good Wife
This one remains the best female-led legal show of all time, thanks to its protagonist, Alicia Florrick. After being forced back to her career in law because of her husband’s political and personal scandal, Alicia takes this chance to turn it into a journey of self-definition.
Alicia rebuilds her career from the ground up. As she navigates the power dynamics and corruption in the legal field, we are hooked by the quiet determination and emotional depth she brings to seek true justice.
You might also like to read: 10 Best Crime Dramas Like ‘Scarpetta’ With Brilliant Female Leads
