Fall TV season brings with it a fresh wave of legal dramas, and among them, “How to Get Away with Murder” continues to captivate audiences. This ABC series, also available for streaming on Hulu, delves into the high-stakes world of criminal law through the eyes of law students and their enigmatic professor. While the show is known for its dramatic twists and thrilling storylines, how much of it reflects the actual realities of law school and the legal profession? Let’s dissect the legal accuracy within “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder classroom
Viola Davis masterfully portrays Annalise Keating, the central figure in “How to Get Away with Murder,” a compelling professor at a prestigious Philadelphia law school. Image courtesy of disneyabcpress.com.
The Allure of the Adjunct Professor
One of the show’s initial draws is Annalise Keating, played by the Oscar-winning Viola Davis. Keating isn’t your typical ivory tower academic. She’s a practicing, successful criminal defense attorney who also teaches at a top-tier Philadelphia law school. This immediately sets a tone of real-world relevance. Students in “How to Get Away with Murder” aren’t just learning theory; they’re eager to absorb practical wisdom from someone actively engaged in the legal trenches.
Keating’s class is depicted as highly sought after, with students vying for a spot and even transferring schools to learn from her. This resonates with a genuine aspect of legal education. Often, the most impactful law school courses are those led by adjunct professors – legal professionals who bring their practical experience into the classroom. These instructors bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and the gritty realities of legal practice. Their insights, honed through years of courtroom battles and client interactions, are invaluable to aspiring lawyers. The show accurately captures the magnetism of such professors.
Keating’s opening monologue to her class is a stark portrayal of the demanding nature of criminal defense:
“This is a sacrifice. From this point on, you will have no time for friends or family. Instead, you wake up hating yourself for choosing this life, but you’ll get up anyway, killing yourself to win cases … only to lose and watch innocent people go to jail. And then you’ll drink to make yourself feel better, or take pills, or fantasize about going to sleep … forever. That’s the life you’re choosing. Brutal, mean, depressing, ruthless … but that’s what it costs to change the world. So who wants in?”
The dramatic flair is undeniable, but the underlying message about the sacrifices and emotional toll of a legal career, particularly in criminal defense, holds truth. Law school and legal practice are not for the faint of heart, and “How to Get Away with Murder” doesn’t shy away from portraying this intensity.
The Pressure Cooker of Law School: Sink or Swim
“How to Get Away with Murder” also touches upon the pressure-cooker environment of law school, particularly through Keating’s demanding teaching style. In one scene, she dismisses a student from her class for failing to articulate his “legal passion” quickly and convincingly. She declares, “I don’t care if you follow the rules. I care if you can kick ass in the courtroom. … Are you quick on your feet; can you move mountains with your words? That’s not you.”
While the abrupt dismissal might be exaggerated for dramatic effect, the underlying principle reflects the high-pressure nature of legal education. Law school, especially in competitive courses, can feel like a constant evaluation. Professors often employ the Socratic method, pushing students to think on their feet and defend their reasoning. The show captures this sense of needing to perform and prove oneself from day one.
The series also highlights Keating’s skepticism about first- and second-year law students’ readiness for her advanced class, stating, “And don’t tell me that there are any 1 or 2Ls in this class. I applaud your nerve, but you will not survive. Try again next year.” This resonates with the typical law school curriculum structure where advanced, specialized courses are generally reserved for upperclassmen who have a foundational understanding of legal principles.
While professors likely don’t have the authority to unilaterally remove students from courses as depicted, the scene effectively conveys the competitive and demanding atmosphere that can permeate law school. The emphasis on quick thinking, articulate communication, and resilience – traits Keating values – are indeed crucial for success in the legal field.
The Harsh Realities of the Legal Job Market
Beyond the law school setting, “How to Get Away with Murder” season five delves into the often-challenging realities of the legal job market. The show portrays Annalise Keating, despite her stellar reputation and trial record, facing significant hurdles in securing a new position at a law firm.
Through a montage of scenes, viewers see Keating initially in a position of power, negotiating favorable terms with various firms. However, this quickly turns sour as firm after firm rescinds their offers. The reason? Keating’s past actions and associations have created a “blacklisting” effect. Potential employers express concerns about malpractice insurance costs and political pressures related to her clientele.
This aspect of the show, while perhaps amplified for drama, touches upon a genuine concern in the legal profession. An attorney’s reputation, both positive and negative, can significantly impact their career trajectory. While outright blacklisting as depicted in “How to Get Away with Murder” might be extreme, the legal community is often close-knit, and negative information can circulate rapidly. Ethical missteps, controversial cases, or strained relationships within the legal community can indeed create obstacles to career advancement.
The mention of malpractice insurance and political scrutiny adds a layer of realism. Law firms are businesses, and they must consider risk management and public image. Hiring an attorney with a potentially checkered past, even if they are exceptionally talented, can pose risks that firms might be unwilling to take.
“How to Get Away with Murder”: Fact vs. Fiction
“How to Get Away with Murder” is, at its core, a television drama designed for entertainment. It undoubtedly takes liberties with legal procedures and amplifies the drama inherent in the legal profession. The intricate conspiracies, dramatic courtroom showdowns, and personal lives of the characters are all heightened for viewer engagement.
However, the show also manages to weave in threads of realism. The portrayal of demanding law school professors, the competitive atmosphere, the emphasis on practical legal skills, and the challenges of the legal job market all resonate with genuine experiences within the legal field.
While viewers shouldn’t take “How to Get Away with Murder” as a documentary on legal practice, it offers a compelling, albeit dramatized, glimpse into the high-pressure world of law. It captures the intensity, the intellectual rigor, and the ethical complexities that define the legal profession, making it a captivating watch for anyone intrigued by the intersection of law and drama.
By Adam Banner – Content Creator at how.edu.vn, Legal Expert.
Disclaimer: Adam Banner is a legal expert and content creator for how.edu.vn. His analysis is based on his professional experience and observations of the “How to Get Away with Murder” TV series. This review is for informational and entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
