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Shows like Suits and Law & Order play a role in determining the vocational decisions of legal professionals, according to research conducted by a UK-based law firm.
London-based multi-service firm EM Law recently undertook a survey of 500 professionals who work in law firms — “about half” of whom are practising lawyers — to determine the extent to which media’s influence over the public extends to the career decisions of individuals.
“Legal TV shows often depict law professionals as those who earn big in high-stake cases, never tire of intense work-related dramas, and live a lavish personal life outside of the courtroom,” he noted.
These shows, the firm went on, “often portraying lawyers as intelligent, confident — and most importantly — successful”.
The findings were as follows:
“They are just as influenced by the power of television as everyone else,” he mused.
When asked what takeaways we have from the firm’s research, he issued a reminder that TV shows are fantasy.
There is, he said, “nothing wrong with dreaming a little and being inspired by TV — like I say, it’s a human thing to do”.
“But, if you believe that your career is going to skyrocket if you carry yourself like Harvey Specter [from Suits], then I don’t see that ending well,” he warned.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
You can email Jerome at: