Fall TV season brings with it a fresh batch of legal dramas, and one that continues to captivate audiences is ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.” While the show is known for its thrilling plot twists and dramatic storylines, it begs the question: how much of what we see on screen reflects the reality of law school and the legal profession?
As someone immersed in the legal world, I’ve often found myself on the fence about legal dramas. They frequently lean heavily into fiction, prioritizing entertainment over accuracy. “How to Get Away with Murder“, with its sensational cases and intricate conspiracies, certainly falls into this category. However, after watching an episode recently, I began to see glimpses of truth amidst the drama, particularly in its portrayal of law school dynamics and the challenges of the legal job market.
The Allure of the Adjunct Professor
One aspect the show captures effectively is the appeal of learning from adjunct professors. Viola Davis’ portrayal of Annalise Keating, a formidable criminal defense attorney and law professor, is a major draw. Keating isn’t just an academic; she’s actively working in the trenches of the legal system. Her class, focused on advanced trial skills, isn’t a dry lecture hall but a practical, high-stakes environment. The students are depicted as eager to learn from someone with real-world experience, lining up for her course and even transferring schools to study under her.
This enthusiasm for practitioner-professors rings true. In my own law school experience, the most impactful courses were often taught by adjuncts – lawyers who balanced teaching with their legal practice. These professors brought practical insights and real-world anecdotes that textbooks simply couldn’t offer. There’s an inherent credibility in learning trial skills from someone who has actually argued cases in court, making this element of “How to Get Away with Murder” surprisingly accurate. Many law students indeed value and seek out courses taught by adjunct professors for this very reason.
The Pressure Cooker of Law School
“How to Get Away with Murder” also touches upon the intense pressure and competitive nature of law school, albeit in a dramatized fashion. In one scene, Annalise Keating famously dismisses a student from her class for not demonstrating sufficient “legal passion” and for struggling to answer a question. She bluntly states, “I don’t care if you follow the rules. I care if you can kick ass in the courtroom.” She further challenges first- and second-year students, suggesting they are not ready for her demanding course.
While the show exaggerates the extent to which a professor can unilaterally dismiss students, the underlying sentiment of law school being a high-pressure environment is accurate. Law school, especially in competitive courses, can be demanding and even intimidating. Professors often use the Socratic method, pushing students to think on their feet and defend their reasoning. While perhaps not as overtly harsh as Keating, some professors do set a demanding tone to prepare students for the adversarial nature of the legal profession. The show captures this pressure, even if it amplifies it for dramatic effect.
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating in 'How to Get Away with Murder' classroom
The Harsh Realities of the Legal Job Market
Beyond the classroom, “How to Get Away with Murder” delves into the often-unforgiving nature of the legal job market. The series depicts Annalise Keating, despite her stellar reputation and legal victories, facing significant obstacles in securing employment at a new law firm. She navigates a series of promising offers that are abruptly rescinded due to past controversies and enemies she has made. Firms express concerns about malpractice insurance and political pressures, suggesting she is being “blackballed” from certain legal circles.
This portrayal, while heightened, reflects a genuine concern within the legal profession. Reputation matters immensely in the legal field, and past actions can indeed have long-lasting consequences on career prospects. While the show’s depiction of blackballing might be extreme, the legal job market is undeniably competitive and often influenced by factors beyond just skill and qualifications. Professional ethics, networking, and even past cases can impact an attorney’s ability to move between firms or secure certain positions. “How to Get Away with Murder” touches upon this reality, albeit with a dramatic flair.
Conclusion: Drama vs. Reality in Legal TV
“How to Get Away with Murder” is, at its core, a television drama designed to entertain. It employs sensational storylines and dramatic license to keep viewers hooked. However, beneath the surface of murder plots and shocking twists, the show occasionally reflects some genuine aspects of law school and the legal profession. From the appeal of adjunct professors and the pressure of law school to the complexities of the legal job market and the importance of reputation, the series offers glimpses of reality, albeit amplified for dramatic effect. While viewers should not take “How to Get Away with Murder” as a documentary on legal life, it does provide a compelling, if exaggerated, look into the world of law, making it a captivating watch for those intrigued by the legal system.
