The impact of television shows and films on society is frequently debated in social settings, but they can also have a significant impact on real-world choices. The legal profession has some of the most famous television shows in the world, with many people crediting their interest in law to shows like Law & Order and Boston Legal.
To better understand whether drama series starring lawyers can influence someone’s choice to seek a profession in law, it’s necessary to look at both perspectives.
The Impact of Legal Drama Series on Viewers – The Pros
These shows provide a riveting glimpse inside the interior workings of courtrooms and law companies, providing viewers with an entertaining perspective on what life as a lawyer might be like. Young people can be inspired to seek jobs in law by seeing characters with strong values and ethical presentations.
Attorneys, detectives, and judges, for example, show more than just a grasp of legal concepts; they also demonstrate interpersonal skills, business acumen, and emotional intelligence, all of which are required components for success in this field.
These series enable viewers to identify with characters who face difficult choices linked to their legal practice. Viewers can gain insight into how these characteristics can impact choices both on and off-screen by embodying qualities such as regard for coworkers, moral fortitude, empathy, and unbiased judgement.
These drama series provide a valuable stage for many prospective legal professionals to learn lessons relevant to their chosen field while also assisting in choices related to future decisions or career pathways.
Cons of Legal Drama Series
The major topics depicted in legal dramas tend to be reality-distorting aspects that fictionalise the real-life judicial system and criminal justice process. These plots frequently depict attorneys and judges as heroes with near-infinite power who resolve conflict and acquire “justice” through spectacular judicial battles that rarely correspond to actual resolution paths.
Furthermore, many shows fail to discuss the role of ethical issues presented in legal circumstances, promoting false expectations when making legal job choices.
After viewing the series, viewers may overestimate their general understanding of legal terminology and procedures, leading them to think they have more experience than they do when auditioning for parts or continuing their schooling in this field.
Before making any decisions that involve engaging with this profession in real-life scenarios, those researching potential paths within this speciality should carefully monitor what they consume and consider any potential inaccuracies involved with the portrayal of court-involved cases.
Popular Legal Drama Series
According to an EM Law survey, 30% of 500 respondents said Suits became the series that influenced their choice to seek a legal profession. Law & Order came in second with 22%. Furthermore, more than 57% said their favourite TV series accurately depicted a legal profession.
With so many series accessible, it’s no surprise that people are turning to these forms of media for insight into the industry and making employment choices in the legal field. These television shows have had a significant influence on how viewers perceive the practice of law and its complexities, possibly inspiring individuals to seek a law degree or a related education show,
Legal dramas frequently depict attorneys as “heroes,” while also emphasising cases that elicit emotional responses from viewers, which can increase an individual’s interest in pursuing a profession in law.
Conclusion
With their compelling plots and colourful characters, legal drama series can pique viewers’ interest in the law, stimulate thought, and provide a peek at the possibilities available to lawyers.
However, the influence of these programmes on job choices should not be overstated. While these programmes may inspire some people to pursue a legal career, they cannot provide an accurate or complete overview of what a legal profession entails. As a result, those interested in a future in law should also take advantage of other tools such as legal seminars, work shadowing, and informational interviews.
