L. A. Law

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Synopsis

L.A. Law, a legal drama that aired on NBC from 1986 to 1994, is one of the defining TV shows of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Set in a prestigious Los Angeles law firm, the series combined elements of legal drama with character-driven stories, offering viewers a captivating look at the intricacies of the legal world. With its bold social commentary, complex characters, and compelling courtroom drama, L.A. Law carved out its place in television history. The series balanced high-stakes legal battles with personal drama, blending comedy and intense moments to provide a complete viewing experience. Often praised for its sharp dialogue, stellar ensemble cast, and exploration of contemporary social issues, L.A. Law remains a beloved classic in TV history.

Technical Sheet

• Air dates: 1986-1994
• Number of episodes: 172
• Creator: Steven Bochco, Terry Louise Fisher
• Genre: Legal Drama

Summary

L.A. Law revolves around the personal and professional lives of the attorneys at McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak, a prestigious law firm located in Los Angeles. The series offers a detailed and often gritty look at the legal profession, covering a range of cases from civil rights lawsuits to high-profile criminal cases. The attorneys and staff navigate not only the complexities of the law but also the difficulties of maintaining personal relationships and balancing their professional lives. The show’s tone fluctuates between sharp humor and emotional drama, often highlighting the moral dilemmas that the characters face in their everyday lives. As it unfolded over eight seasons, L.A. Law explored key issues such as racial and gender discrimination, same-sex relationships, and the ethics of law practice. The show earned widespread acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of legal issues and the human element behind them.

Main Cast

• Jimmy Smits as Victor Sifuentes
• Corbin Bernsen as Arnie Becker
• Harry Hamlin as Michael Kuzak
• Richard Dysart as Norman Chaney
• Jill Eikenberry as Ann Kelsey
• Alan Rachins as Douglas Brackman
• Susan Dey as Grace Van Owen

Why Was It Iconic?

• Groundbreaking Storylines: L.A. Law was revolutionary for its time, tackling controversial topics such as sexual harassment, AIDS, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights long before many of these issues became widely discussed in mainstream television. The show became a cultural touchstone for its bold storytelling and willingness to engage with real-world legal and social issues.
• Complex Characters: The characters of L.A. Law were multidimensional and complex, ranging from the charming and morally ambiguous Arnie Becker (played by Corbin Bernsen) to the socially conscious and dedicated Ann Kelsey (played by Jill Eikenberry). These characters resonated deeply with viewers because of their flaws, strengths, and development over the course of the series.
• Iconic Cast and Performances: The ensemble cast, including Jimmy Smits, Harry Hamlin, and Richard Dysart, brought a wealth of talent and charisma to the series. Their performances elevated the drama, making the characters’ personal and professional struggles compelling to audiences. The show also helped launch the career of Jimmy Smits, who became a breakout star as Victor Sifuentes.
• Memorable Music: The soundtrack of L.A. Law was also a defining aspect of the show. Its use of contemporary music helped underscore the emotional and dramatic moments of the series. The theme song, composed by Mike Post, became instantly recognizable, further cementing the show’s place in pop culture.
• Cultural Influence: L.A. Law not only reflected the social issues of its time but also helped shape public perception of the legal profession. The show’s portrayal of lawyers as both heroes and flawed individuals influenced how legal dramas were portrayed in the years that followed, paving the way for future courtroom shows like The Practice and Boston Legal.

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Casting

Harry Hamlin

Michael Kuzak

Jimmy Smits

Victor Sifuentes

Blair Underwood

Jonathan Rollins

Larry Drake

Benny Stulwicz

Alan Rachins

Douglas Brackman Jr

Corbin Bernsen

Arnie Becker

Richard Dysart

Leland McKenzie

Susan Ruttan

Roxanne Melman

Photos

Trivia

This series was created by Steven Bochco to whom it owes it in particular the invisible man and more recently NYPD Blue. It is produced by David E. Kelley that we no longer present and that we find here in one of his universes: the law firm. The series has 8 seasons and begins with a 90 min driver who was broadcast for the first time in 1986.

Filming

Los Angeles, California, USA

United States Government District Court Building - 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, California, USA

Authors of the card

• Creation date: 2003-07-01 by abdest