The series The Lincoln Lawyer marks the second adaptation of the fictional lawyer created by bestselling author, Michael Connelly. Not to be confused with the 2011 movie, which was the first adaptation of the character, the legal drama series is based on Connelly’s 2008 book The Brass Verdict, the second book in the Lincoln Lawyer series. The plot follows Mickey Haller, a morally ambiguous defense lawyer who works out of his Lincoln Town Car rather than an office like you would see regular lawyers do. But despite working from the back of his car, Haller specializes in taking up cases that are complex and might often question one’s morality.
Developed by Ted Humphrey (The Good Wife) and created by David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies), The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, the titular lawyer and is now gearing up to release its second season. Apart from Garcia-Rulfo, the series also stars Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, and Christopher Gorham in major roles. While you wait for Season 2, read on to find out how, where, and when you can watch the first season of The Lincoln Lawyer.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on June 21.
When Did The Lincoln Lawyer Premiere?
The Lincoln Lawyer premieres on Netflix on May 13, 2022.
Is The Lincoln Lawyer Streaming Online?
The Lincoln Lawyer is a Netflix original show, which means it is available for streaming only on the service. You can sign up for Netflix on your smart devices. In case you're not keen on watching a show on your browser, you can also install the Netflix app on gaming consoles, various smart TVs, Roku, and Fire TV devices. While most Netflix shows are available only on the streamer, there's another way you can watch The Lincoln Lawyer.
Is The Lincoln Lawyer Coming Out on Blu-ray?
Yes, it is! The Lincoln Lawyer is reportedly getting a Blu-ray release on August 15, 2023, exclusively on Amazon. The physical media release comes with a blooper reel, and is to be sold at a retail price of $24.99.
Watch the Official Trailer for The Lincoln Lawyer
The official trailer for The Lincoln Lawyer, released by Netflix in April 2022, introduces the LA lawyer with his snazzy blue Lincoln Town Car and characteristic swagger. Mickey Haller (Garcia-Rulfo) operates out of his car, and very comfortably so, because he “thinks better on the road” and takes on all kinds of cases, particularly the ones where the accused is actually guilty. It’s clear from the first look at the character that he knows what he does and why he does it, and he doesn’t regret it. This says a lot about what to expect from the character arc of Mickey Haller. Apart from the legal thrill and slick scenes of crime and investigation, the trailer also hints at some personal conflicts with his estranged wife and daughter. The trailer also introduces us to other major characters that appear in the course of the story, like Haller’s wife, Maggie McPherson (Neve Campbell), his chauffeur Izzy (Jazz Raycole), and his assistant Lorna (Becki Newton), among others.
What Is the Plot of The Lincoln Lawyer?
Here’s the official synopsis of The Lincoln Lawyer:
When his former law partner is killed, Mickey Haller is left to take over the firm, including a high-profile murder trial. With the biggest case he's ever had to tackle out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, Mickey discovers there may be more at stake than he thought.
The Lincoln Lawyer is essentially about Mickey Haller and how he runs his one-man show in the big city, with complex cases while he navigates his own character and personal challenges.
How Many Episodes Does The Lincoln Lawyer Have?
The Netflix legal drama consists of ten, one-hour episodes, all of which were released together on the day of the show’s premiere, that is, May 13, 2022. David Grossman, Alonso Alvarez, Bill D'Elia, Erin Feeley, and Liz Friedlander serve as directors for some episodes. Here are the episode titles and plots of the first season:
Episode 1: "He Rides Again"
Following a personal and professional spiral, Los Angeles defense lawyer Mickey Haller receives an unexpected opportunity from a fellow attorney.
Episode 2: "The Magic Bullet"
A high-profile murder trial sends Mickey scrambling to find evidence for his defense, while Maggie offers him a chance to help rebuild her trust.
Episode 3: "Momentum"
Mickey looks for a link between the Trevor Elliott case and his mysterious new client; Lorna chases down a lead; Cisco voices security concerns.
Episode 4: "Chaos Theory"
After a close call at his office, Mickey hashes things out with Detective Griggs; a witness in Maggie's human trafficking case has second thoughts.
Episode 5: "Twelve Lemmings in a Box"
Trevor's demands during jury selection frustrates Mickey, who reaches out for some unorthodox help; Cisco uncovers another person with a motive.
Episode 6: "Bent"
As Mickey tries to track down the source of a possible bribe, he meets with Lara's former colleague, revisits an old case and does a favour for Maggie.
Episode 7: "Lemming Number Seven"
On the first day of Trevor's trial, Mickey tries to prove the police had tunnel vision; Maggie's new witness provides a lead; Lorna steps in with Hayley.
Episode 8: "The Magic Bullet Redux"
After a damaging day of testimony, Mickey searches for the one piece of evidence that will crack his case wide open; Maggie faces a deadline on Soto.
Episode 9: "The Uncanny Valley"
Determined to clear his name, Trevor pushes to take the stand, but the risky strategy leaves Mickey with more questions than answers.
Episode 10: "The Brass Verdict"
Mickey confronts Trevor as the pieces fall into place, and his chance to right a past wrong could have dire consequences for Maggie.
More Legal Series You Can Watch on Netflix
If you are a fan of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas, then here are a few more options that you can explore. And yes, they are all available on Netflix.
Better Call Saul: If Mickey Haller’s moral compass is iffy, Saul Goodman’s is better not even mentioned. A spin-off of the hit award-winning series Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul focuses on Jimmy McGill, a con-man turned lowly lawyer, who changes his identity and work ethic to prove to the world his worth. In the process, he gets his hands dirty with shady corporations and drug cartels. The highly acclaimed series stars Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Giancarlo Esposito, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, Michael McKean, and Tony Dalton in major roles.
How to Get Away With Murder: Created by Peter Nowalk and starring Viola Davis in the leading role, this Shonda Rhimes series remains one of the most popular legal drama thrillers on television. The multiple award-winning series follows a lawyer and law professor, Annalise Keating, and her five students and how they cover up a murder, for years. The series ran for six seasons, with new twists and turns, characters, and new challenges that force all of them to stick together.
Suits: A class apart from Haller and Goodman, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) personifies ideals, charisma, and suavity. He is popular among clients and colleagues but becomes more interesting when he hires Michael (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout, to be his assistant. Together, they solve cases and work their way through the complex legal system. Created by Aaron Korsch, and featuring an ensemble cast, Suits is a highly popular and critically acclaimed series of the 2010s.