They are twisted, sharp, witty and extremely strategic. And that’s what makes lawyers great at what they do. Those who live and work by the books are the “good” ones. But good stories are made by those who change the rules in the interests of themselves and their clients. As Charles Lamb said, “He is not a lawyer who cannot take two sides.” It’s not that that makes them “bad,” they’re just being dishonest, working their way through loopholes in the law and still helping people and winning. That’s why we love these pioneering TV lawyers who look so good they deserve special admiration. From the morally unstable Jimmy McGill of Better call Saul to the suave and virtuoso Alan Shore of Boston Legal, each of these lawyers is far from perfect, but they are all exceptional in what they do.

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Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill - Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad

In execution: Bob Odenkirk

First appeared on:Breaking Bad Season 2, episode 8, “Better Call Saul”

Where to see: Watch both series on Netflix.

What we like about the character: The first name that comes to mind when a questionable lawyer is mentioned is Saul Goodman (not Jimmy McGill). Even when he was a small-time lawyer, working from a matchbox in the back of a nail salon and trying to be decent, he was never an arrow. So when circumstances forced him to become Saul Goodman, it wasn’t a surprise. If like Jimmy he was smart, then like Saul he became a master at bending the law. Whether it’s Jimmy, Saul or Gene, this is a brave and courageous person who throws caution to the wind and can change his destiny, as well as the law, for better or worse. There can be many nasty sides to his character, but you can’t ignore his wit and dark sense of humor, as well as the personality that helps him in any situation and saves his clients, even if they are dangerous people.

Annalize Keating - How to Get Away with Murder

In execution: Viola Davis

First appeared on:How to Get Away with Murder Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot”

Where to see: Watch on Netflix

What we like about the character: Annalize Keating, one of the most powerful female lawyers on television, will remain a memorable name in the history of fictional lawyers. In her own words, she is “a 53-year-old woman from Memphis, Tennessee named Anna Mae Harkness…ambitious, black, bisexual, angry, sad, strong, sensitive, scared, ferocious, talented, emaciated.” As a professor, Annalise inspires admiration and fear in equal measure from her students, judges and opponents. One of the most prolific lawyers in Philadelphia, Annalize has solved some of the most incredible cases and helped hundreds of people. But when she becomes involved in a murder, she decides to cover it up with the help of her top five students. As more corpses pile up in their lives, Annalize takes the hard way to protect herself and her students, no matter the cost. From life-threatening decisions to betrayal, more deaths, legal cover-ups, and dangerous connections, Annalize continues to navigate the never-ending maze of law enforcement, even if it makes her corrupt.

Patty Hughes - Damage

In execution: Glenn Close

First appeared on:Damage 1 season, 1 episode

Where to see: Look at Hulu

What we like about the character: She is often described as “ruthless, adept at manipulating and brilliant”, all rolled into one personality. Meet Patricia “Patty” K. Hughes, Litigator and Partner at Hewes & Associates’ own law firm. The daughter of a judge with an abusive childhood, Patty has never been shy about being unscrupulous and dedicates her life to destroying those who abuse their power and position, even if it means she has to become one of them. Thus, Patty’s professional personality remains in a gray moral zone. She stops at nothing to win her cases, including betraying her allies or befriending her enemies and sacrificing innocents along the way. However, her ruthlessness is not limited to enemies. She has been known to betray her friends and family, repel people who get close to her, deceive people, and even threaten the lives of those who stand in the way of her goals.

In execution: James Spader

First appeared on:PracticeSeason 8, Episode 1 “We the People”

Where to see: Watch both shows on Hulu.

What we like about the character: Alan Shore is a lawyer and advisor to Crane, Poole, & Schmidt. He is great with a strong moral code. However, he would not shy away from unethical means to achieve ethical goals, such as illegal connections, cyberhacking, blackmail or bribery, which Alan uses without hesitation. At the same time, he tirelessly defended outsiders. As much as he enjoys his profession, he is greatly disillusioned with the country’s legal system and still uses his methods to get around it. From annoying opposing attorney to harassing witnesses and even insulting judges and other people in the courtroom, Alan Shore is a highly hated character. He has everything you can’t imagine as a legal professional, but he’s also someone to be admired for his wit and clever methods he uses to save his clients.

Billy McBride - Goliath

In execution: Billy Bob Thornton

First appeared on:Goliath Season 1, Episode 1, “Of Mice and Men”

Where to see: Watch Prime Video

What we like about the character: William “Billy” McBride is the co-founder of the law firm Cooperman McBride. A failed lawyer, Billy is known to take on petty criminal cases. Simply put, Billy is no ordinary, dishonest lawyer who is constantly looking for questionable methods to get his way. He is exceptional at his job, but after a suspect goes free and starts killing, Billy loses his charm and becomes an alcoholic. Not only is he a corrupt professional, he mainly struggles with alcoholism and mental health and spends more time in the bar than in the courtroom. But when he puts his mind to work, he’s wonderful, and because of his lifestyle, he also knows a thing or two about doing things in a dubious way but with good intentions.

Mickey Haller Lincoln Lawyer

In execution: Manuel Garcia Rulfo

First appeared on: Lincoln Lawyer Season 1 Episode 1 “He Rides Again”

Where to see: Watch on Netflix

What we like about the character: A tough lawyer working in a flashy blue Lincoln Town Car doesn’t sound like what you’d expect from a lawyer. That’s why Mickey Haller doesn’t look like your average cop at all. He is a popular defense attorney in Los Angeles and comes from a long line of attorneys. He is also the half-brother of a famous LAPD detective. Harry Bosch. Aside from all the swagger of his car and his persona, Mickey, or “Lincoln’s lawyer” as he is called, has conflicting opinions about the legal system and criminals. For example, he is categorically against the idea of ​​the death penalty and believes that it is not a sign of an “enlightened society”. On the other hand, he is known to take cases and defend clients who are really guilty. Mickey doesn’t care if his clients are guilty or innocent, he takes on cases that intrigue and challenge him, regardless of moral code or expected outcome.

Harvey Specter - Suits

In execution: Gabriel Macht

First appeared on: 1 season, 1 episode

Where to see: Watch Prime Video

What we like about the character: Harvey Specter is the most insightful and charismatic lawyer New York City has seen in a long time. But he has a reputation as “the best closer in New York” and is much hated for “being right all the time.” A playful charmer, Harvey is persuasive and extremely determined, especially when he is trying to convince someone or win a case. It also means that his professional qualities do not contribute to a satisfactory social life. To win his case, Harvey will do everything in his power and/or whatever the city has to offer. His unconventional methods often include coercion, bribery, bluffing, and pulling strings from influential and powerful social circles, which he is sure remain indebted to him. But Harvey isn’t devoid of honesty either. In fact, he never forges evidence or witnesses and despises lawyers who do. The highlight of Harvey’s professional life is Mike Ross, the prodigy he discovered, mentored and made his partner, who becomes his most trusted ally.