Discover Legal Dramas and Thrillers: Shows Similar to Suits

Are you a fan of the captivating legal drama Suits? Its engaging plotlines, sharp characters, and witty banter have left us craving more. If you're looking for shows that offer a similar blend of legal thrills, compelling characters, and thought-provoking storylines, look no further. Here's a comprehensive guide to shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like Suits:

The Good Wife

Premise: The Good Wife follows Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies), whose husband, the Cook County State's Attorney, is imprisoned for corruption. Having left her career as a prosecutor 13 years prior to raise their family, Alicia is forced to return to work as a junior associate at a prestigious law firm.

Similarities to Suits: Like Suits, The Good Wife features a strong and determined female protagonist navigating a cutthroat legal world. It also explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the complexities of justice.

How to Get Away with Murder

Premise: How to Get Away with Murder revolves around Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a brilliant criminal defense attorney and law professor. When a group of her students become involved in a murder, Annalise must use all her cunning and legal expertise to protect them while keeping her own dark secrets hidden.

Similarities to Suits: Both Suits and How to Get Away with Murder share a focus on legal strategy and courtroom drama. They also feature complex and morally ambiguous characters who push the boundaries of the law.

Bull

Premise: Bull is inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, a trial consultant who uses psychology and behavioral analysis to help clients win their cases. Dr. Jason Bull (Michael Weatherly) and his team of experts provide insights into the jurors' motivations and biases, using their expertise to sway outcomes in favor of their clients.

Similarities to Suits: Bull, like Suits, offers a blend of courtroom drama and psychological thriller. It highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in the legal process.

Damages

Premise: Damages follows Patty Hewes (Glenn Close), a ruthless and brilliant trial attorney known for her aggressive tactics and unorthodox methods. The series follows her as she takes on complex and high-stakes cases, often pitting her against powerful adversaries.

Similarities to Suits: Suits and Damages share a similar fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping atmosphere. Both shows feature compelling and driven characters who engage in strategic maneuvering and courtroom battles.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Premise: The Lincoln Lawyer, based on the popular novel series by Michael Connelly, follows Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a defense attorney who works out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car. Mickey takes on a variety of cases, from small-time crimes to high-profile murders.

Similarities to Suits: The Lincoln Lawyer, like Suits, presents a gritty and realistic portrayal of the legal system. It highlights the challenges and triumphs of defense attorneys as they fight for their clients' rights.

Bosch

Premise: Bosch, based on the best-selling novels by Michael Connelly, follows Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), a veteran LAPD homicide detective. Bosch is a complex and troubled character who relentlessly pursues justice, often blurring the lines of conventional policing.

Similarities to Suits: While not a legal drama in the same sense as Suits, Bosch shares some common elements. It features a driven and dedicated protagonist who must navigate a challenging and sometimes corrupt system to achieve justice.

Perry Mason

Premise: Perry Mason is a reboot of the classic legal drama series based on Erle Stanley Gardner's novels. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the series follows Perry Mason (Matthew Rhys), a private investigator who teams up with E.B. Jonathan (John Lithgow), a defense attorney, to solve complex and often sensational murder cases.

Similarities to Suits: Perry Mason, like Suits, offers a captivating mix of legal mystery and character-driven storytelling. It explores themes of justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of power.

Why Shows Similar to Suits Matter

Legal dramas like Suits and its contemporaries offer more than just entertainment. They provide:

• Insights into the legal system: These shows offer a glimpse into the complex world of law, legal strategy, and courtroom procedure, educating viewers about the intricacies of the legal process.
• Thought-provoking storylines: Many of these shows tackle social justice issues, ethical dilemmas, and the moral implications of legal decisions, encouraging viewers to think critically about real-world issues.
• Relatable characters: The characters in these shows are often flawed and complex, facing personal and moral dilemmas that viewers can relate to and learn from.
• Inspiration to pursue careers in law: For those interested in pursuing careers in law, these shows can provide inspiration and motivation, showcasing the challenges and rewards of the legal profession.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Starting Your Own Law Firm

For those inspired by the success of Harvey Specter and his team at Pearson Specter Litt, here's a step-by-step approach to starting your own law firm:

1. Develop a Business Plan: Define your firm's mission, target market, services offered, and financial projections.
2. Choose a Business Structure: Decide on a legal structure for your firm, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).
3. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Ensure you hold all required licenses and permits to practice law in your jurisdiction.
4. Secure Funding: Determine the start-up costs and explore funding options such as personal savings, loans, or investors.
5. Hire Legal Staff: As your firm grows, consider hiring legal assistants, paralegals, and attorneys to support your operations.
6. Market Your Firm: Establish a strong online presence, develop client outreach strategies, and build relationships within the legal community.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs should be aware of common mistakes when starting their own law firms:

• Underestimating Expenses: Startup costs can be significant, including office rent, legal software, and marketing expenses.
• Not Networking: Effective networking is essential for building a strong client base and establishing relationships in the legal industry.
• Overworking and Burnout: It's crucial to set boundaries and prioritize personal well-being to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Neglecting Legal Compliance: Law firms must adhere to ethical and legal guidelines, such as maintaining client confidentiality and compliance with accounting regulations.

Story #1: Harvey Specter's Negotiating Masterclass

In a pivotal episode of Suits, Harvey Specter faced a tough negotiation against a formidable opponent. He employed a strategy of preparation, confidence, and psychological manipulation.

Lesson: Preparation is key. Understand the other party's interests, strengths, and weaknesses before entering any negotiation.

Story #2: Donna Paulsen's Loyalty to Harvey

Donna Paulsen, Harvey Specter's loyal assistant, consistently demonstrated her unwavering support and loyalty, even in the face of adversity.

Lesson: Loyalty is invaluable. Surround yourself with individuals who demonstrate genuine commitment and are willing to go the extra mile.

Story #3: Mike Ross's Redemption

Despite being a brilliant attorney, Mike Ross faced scrutiny and setbacks due to his lack of a law degree. However, he persevered and eventually proved himself.

Lesson: Never give up on your dreams. With hard work, determination, and the support of others, you can overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

FAQs

Q1: Are there any shows more recent than Suits that are similar?

A1: Yes, shows like The Lincoln Lawyer (2022), Perry Mason (2020), and For Life (2020) offer similar legal drama experiences with contemporary settings and compelling storylines.

Q2: What are some key differences between Suits and The Good Wife?

A2: While both shows are legal dramas, The Good Wife focuses more on political intrigue and the personal lives of the characters, while Suits emphasizes legal strategies and courtroom battles.

Q3: Can non-lawyers enjoy shows similar to Suits?

A3: Absolutely. Legal dramas offer engaging storylines, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes that appeal to a wide audience, regardless of their legal background.

Q4: What are the main lessons I can learn from shows similar to Suits?

A4: These shows emphasize the importance of preparation, strategic thinking, teamwork, and perseverance, as well as the ethical and moral complexities of the legal profession.

Q5: Can I start my own law firm if I'm not a lawyer?

A5: No, you must be a licensed attorney to practice law and establish a law firm.

Q6: What is the financial outlook for starting a law firm?

A6: The financial outlook for law firms can vary depending on factors such as the firm's size, location, practice area, and client base. However, statistics from the American Bar Association show that the median net income for solo practitioners in 2020 was $77,000.

Table 1: Comparison of Legal Drama Series