GUEST COLUMN: Iconic Actors Who Have Played Defense Attorneys

Iconic Actors Who Have Played Defense Attorneys

by Andrew Adams

Defense attorneys are some of the most iconic actors in Hollywood, having played an important role in many popular movies. Whether they're defending a client against murder charges or working to expose corporate corruption, these talented actors have brought their characters to life on the big screen. Here are just a few of the most iconic defense attorneys from some of the most popular movies of all time.

Tom Hanks in "A Few Good Men"

One of the most iconic defense attorneys in Hollywood is Tom Hanks, who played the role of Lt. Daniel Kaffee in the 1992 film "A Few Good Men." Kaffee is a military lawyer who is assigned to defend two Marines who are accused of killing a fellow Marine. Throughout the film, Kaffee uses his wit and intelligence to cross-examine witnesses and ultimately expose the truth behind the murder.

Al Pacino in "The Devil's Advocate"

In "The Devil's Advocate," Al Pacino plays the role of defense attorney Kevin Lomax. Lomax is a young, ambitious lawyer who moves to New York City with his wife to take on high-profile cases. However, Lomax soon learns that the legal system is not as fair as he thought it was when he agrees to work for a dangerous and influential law firm.

Denzel Washington in "Philadelphia"

Denzel Washington is one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood, and he has played some memorable defense attorneys in his time. One of his most famous roles was as lawyer Andrew Beckett in the 1993 film "Philadelphia." In the film, Beckett is a gay man who is fired from his job at a prestigious law firm because of his HIV status. He then hires a homophobic lawyer to help him sue his former employer for discrimination.

Julia Roberts in "Runaway Jury"

Another iconic defense attorney from Hollywood is gumshoe Marlee Maitland, played by Julia Roberts in the 2003 film "Runaway Jury." In this legal thriller, Maitland is a single mother who is hired to keep tabs on a jury in a high-profile case against gun manufacturers. However, her investigation eventually begins to uncover corruption within the justice system and exposes the truth behind the trial.

Russell Crowe in "The Insider"

Russell Crowe is no stranger to playing defense attorneys on the big screen. In the 1999 film "The Insider," he plays the role of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, a scientist who blows the whistle on a tobacco company that was knowingly selling cigarettes to children. Wigand is threatened with lawsuits and violence if he speaks out, but he decides to testify against the company anyway.

Harrison Ford in "The Fugitive"

Harrison Ford is another iconic actor who has played a defense attorney on the big screen. In the 1993 film "The Fugitive," he plays the role of Dr. Richard Kimble, a man who is falsely accused of murdering his wife. Kimble escapes from prison and goes on the run to prove his innocence and track down the real killer.

Matthew McConaughey in "The Lincoln Lawyer"

One of the most iconic defense attorneys in film in recent years is Matthew McConaughey, who played the role of Mick Haller in "The Lincoln Lawyer." In this 2011 film, Haller takes on a high-profile case defending a wealthy Beverly Hills lawyer who is accused of attempted murder. Despite his initial doubts about the case, Haller uses his skills as a lawyer to uncover the truth and get his client acquitted.

Whether they're defending clients against murder charges or fighting for justice, these seven iconic actors have made a lasting impression as Hollywood's most popular defense attorneys. With their talent and determination, they've brought these characters to life on the big screen and shown that justice can prevail in even the most difficult cases.