L.A. Law

L.A. Law is an American legal drama television series that premiered on NBC on September 15, 1986, and concluded on May 19, 1994. Created by television writer and producer Steven Bochco in collaboration with Terry Louise Fisher, the show became one of the most influential and iconic series of the late '80s and early '90s. Throughout its eight seasons, L.A. Law captivated audiences with its blend of courtroom drama, romance, social issues, and comedic moments, while providing a behind-the-scenes look into the personal and professional lives of a group of attorneys working in a high-powered Los Angeles law firm.

The series is set in the fictional law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak, a prestigious legal practice in Los Angeles. Here, the attorneys handle a variety of cases, ranging from criminal defense to civil suits, personal injury claims to corporate dealings. By presenting an array of legal scenarios, L.A. Law became notable for its portrayal of real legal and ethical issues, continually questioning the law's fairness and integrity as it sometimes collided with morality.

The ensemble cast features a diverse array of characters that offer a range of personality types, backgrounds, and legal expertise. Co-founder Leland McKenzie, portrayed with a dignified authority, acts as a father figure and moral compass for many in the firm. The team includes Michael Kuzak, a charismatic and principled attorney known for his courtroom savvy and high-profile cases. Grace Van Owen is an ambitious prosecutor who later joins the firm, while Arnie Becker is the charming and somewhat unscrupulous divorce lawyer with a knack for manipulating both the courtroom and the heartstrings of women.

Other notable characters include Ann Kelsey and Stuart Markowitz, two attorneys whose romantic relationship provides a closer look into the trials and tribulations of balancing love and law. As the show progresses, audiences watch new characters enter the firm, each bringing a fresh dynamic and new legal battles to the foreground.

One of the defining features of L.A. Law is its willingness to tackle contemporary social issues head-on. The show's storylines have delved into topics such as capital punishment, gay rights, racism, and sexual harassment long before they were widely discussed in popular media. This not only reflected the evolving societal landscape but also set the show apart as a progressive force in television fiction.

Stylistically, L.A. Law was recognized for its sophisticated dialogue, sharp wit, and a degree of humor that was uncommon for legal dramas of the time. The series benefitted immensely from well-crafted storytelling that blended episodic subplots with longer, character-driven arcs, thus inviting viewers to form a deeper connection with the protagonists and their journeys.

Throughout its run, L.A. Law received critical acclaim and multiple awards, including several Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. It was praised for its high production values, including the use of authentic-looking sets and, for its time, innovative cinematography that gave the series a polished, cinematic feel.

Moreover, the show had a significant impact on legal culture and the public perception of lawyers. With its slick attorneys dressed in the latest '80s and '90s fashion and driving luxury cars, the programme helped cement a particular image of the legal profession in the popular imagination. It also inspired a surge in law school applications, a phenomenon nicknamed the "L.A. Law effect" as people became intrigued by the dramatized version of a lawyer's life.

L.A. Law also helped pave the way for future legal dramas, setting a precedent for series such as The Practice, Ally McBeal, and Boston Legal, which would all draw on the complex characterizations and topical storytelling that L.A. Law had mastered. The show's influence extended beyond the confines of its genre, demonstrating the power of television to reflect and influence cultural attitudes.

Over its eight seasons, the series evolved, with cast changes and varying storylines reflecting the shifts within the legal profession and broader societal changes. However, at its core, L.A. Law remained committed to its depiction of the legal system and its practitioners—a portrayal that was at times idealistic, at times cynical, but always deeply human.

L.A. Law remains emblematic of a particular era of television, remembered for its legal jargon, moral debates, and the fully realized lives of its characters. The show's balance of soap opera elements with courtroom drama and its ability to simultaneously entertain and provoke thought ensured its place in television history as a benchmark for all legal dramas that followed.