Now I know your LSAT prep may be in full swing soon, but it's always important to take a step back and take a breather. And what better way to take a break from LSAT prep than a movie pertaining to law?! I was perusing my own modest DVD collection and was surprised at the pretty decent "legal-movie" collection I had. So here's the list of my legal movies and why I think you should see them. Now remember, this is merely based on the movies I own, not the possible selection there is in Hollywood-land. I hope you enjoy!
- Philadelphia
This film is an inspiring tale that was based in part on the real life story of attorney Geoffrey Bowers, a homosexual Ivy-league educated lawyer who was fired by his law firm when he contracted AIDS. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington give amazing performances in this inspiring story. - A Few Good Men
You can't handle the truth! If you have yet to see this movie, I give you full permission to put down that Logic Games section and run to your nearest Blockbuster or whatever movie renting service you may prefer and watch it immediately! That's all I'm going to say about that. - Amistad
This is classic Speilsburg based on the famous 1839 slave uprising. We've got none other than Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Hopkins and Morgan Freeman. The really cool thing about the film that not many people know is that Justice Harry Blackmun has a cameo in the movie as Justice Joseph Story! - The Paper Chase
Paper Chase is a classic law school story about 1L Harvard student James Hart. The film follows Hart along on his journey through the hardest year of law school. It's very funny and can give you a taste of what you might just be in store for. - Erin Brokovich
This movie is absolutely amazing. It recounts real life story of paralegal Erin Brokovich whose investigation into a shady real estate case unveils a pattern of illegal dumping of highly toxic chemicals. - Compulsion
This is definitely an oldie but a goodie. If you are an Orson Welles fan, then definitely check out this movie. And if you're first reaction to that was who is Orson Welles, then my God! Get on it now! The story is based on Clarence Darrow's actual defense of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. It's really a must see. - Chicago
I like musicals, so sue me! The original creator of the play was reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins and it was about two actual murder trials she covered while she was working for the Chicago Tribune. - Miracle on 34th Street
Now come one, wouldn't this be any soon-to-be attorney's dream? To try and prove that your client is the real Santa Claus! Think of all the amazing research opportunities, comp-ed travel to the North Pole, all the fresh baked cookies you could eat, and a possible "photo opp" with the reindeer?!? Sign me up!
Remember when studying, to always give yourself a break. At some point you'll run into a wall of exhaustion and if you keep pushing yourself at that point, you're getting diminished returns for your hard work.
Keep up the LSAT prep, and remember to sprinkle a little bit of fun into your logic-filled days!
Happy Studying!
