Last Chance Lawyer

Last Chance Lawyer is a gripping series from Investigation Discovery that premiered in 2018. The documentary-style show gives a real-life look into the caseloads and courtroom antics of a truly non-conventional attorney fighting for justice in New York City.

Howard Greenberg is a maverick New York lawyer who doesn't mind bending the rules a bit if it means securing a winning verdict for his clients. Known for his eccentricities, impassioned arguments, and downright outlandish courtroom behavior, Greenberg is a defense attorney like no other. An unapologetic advocate for justice, he fiercely shapes the tenor of his defense around the strong belief that 'justice is a dirty business.' Howard Greenberg is the athlete in the boxing ring of justice, rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty, regardless of the potential costs to his personal reputation or professional career.

Last Chance Lawyer is fueled by Greenberg's intense personality, a chain-smoking, rambunctious defender of both the guilty as hell and the innocent caught in a bad place. He has no qualms about playing devil's advocate in the courtroom because he firmly believes everyone deserves a fair trial and robust representation in front of the judge and jury. With his quick wit, a sharp tongue, and fierce determination, Greenberg pushes boundaries and tests the patience of judges, juries, and even his fellow attorneys.

The series brings viewers into the inner workings of Greenberg's Brooklyn office, where he handles anywhere from 80 to 100 cases at once. His intense legal practice includes a team of loyal, albeit equally eccentric, associates who help him navigate the treacherous legal waters of New York City. Manny, his trusted legal assistant, is an ex-client who served time for a crime he didn't commit, while Sonya, his loyal paralegal, efficiently keeps the hectic office running despite daily chaos.

Often taking on last-minute, high-profile cases, Greenberg's tenacious spirit never wavers. Whether it's a drug dealer accused of murder, a RICO defendant connected to the mob, or a mentally ill man who acted out in violence, Greenberg remains unphased by the magnitude of the charges and dives headlong into each challenge. To him, every defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and he has pushed and prodded the scales of justice more than once in his decades-long career.

Donning a hodgepodge of mismatched ensembles, Greenberg's unconventional appearance is only outdone by his unusual methods. From speed-reading through files while driving to court to running across the city to pull witnesses, there seems to be method in his madness. His unusual tactics sometimes shock, often amuse, but frequently serve their purpose - getting the best possible outcome for his clients.

Last Chance Lawyer is a blend of true crime, legal drama, and reality television that engages viewers with real-life legal battles and the raw humanity behind the courtroom dramas. The show effectively captures the reality of what it's like to fight for justice on the front lines, often going against public opinion and fighting uphill courtroom battles.

Yet, beyond the eccentricities, the show is a surprisingly touching portrait of a man deeply committed to his work. Greenberg claims to have been shaped by personal experiences of injustice and archaic thinking in the legal system and sees himself as a crusader, standing against a system that often seems unfairly stacked against those who are marginalized, misunderstood, and maligned.

The one-season series, Last Chance Lawyer, offers a fascinating, no-holds-barred immersion into the hectic life and high-stakes career of one of New York's most vibrant and controversial defense attorneys. While viewers might not always agree with his methods, they can't deny the passion and dedication that Howard Greenberg brings to the pursuit of justice. This is one of those rare shows that have the capacity not only to entertain but also challenge preconceived notions about the role of defense attorneys and the justice system as a whole.