Matthew McConaughey is back on the big screen this week as he takes on another role as a lawyer in The Lincoln Lawyer, a big screen adaptation of Michael Connelly's novel.
So to celebrate the release of the movie, which also stars Marisa Tomei, Michael Pena and Ryan Phillippe, we take a look at some of the best legal movies that have graced the big screen.
- To Kill A Mockingbird
To Kill A Mockingbird was released back in 1962 and it still remains one of the best courtroom movies - as well as a career defining performance from Gregory Peck.
Directed by Robert Mulligan it was a big screen adaptation of the Harper Lee novel, which also starred John Megna and Frank Overton.
Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice.
The movie has become a classic over the years and Peck's performance has become synonymous with the character of Atticus Finch.
The film went on to be nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture - going on to win three; including Best actor for Peck.
- Erin Brockovich
While there may not have been any courtroom action in Steven Soderbergh's 2000 movie Erin Brockovich.
The movie told the real life legal fight between Erin Brockovich and energy corporation Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
An unemployed single mother becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply.
The movie was a critical and commercial, which saw Julia Roberts go on to pick up her first Best Actress Oscar, going on to take in excess of $256 million at the global box office.
The movie packed an emotional punch as this woman and is one of the best message movies that has graced the big screen in the last decade.
- Philadelphia
Tom Hanks has enjoyed a career that has been littered with great performances and Philadelphia remains one of his most powerful.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, Philadelphia was one of the first mainstream Hollywood movie that focused on HIV/Aid as well as homosexuality and the prejudice connected with it.
When a man with AIDS is fired by a conservative law firm because of his condition, he hires a homophobic small time lawyer as the only willing advocate for a wrongful dismissal suit.
It's a powerhouse performance from Hanks, who is supported by Denzel Washington and Antonio Banderas, in what is a very brave and moving film.
Hanks went on to pick up a Best Actor Oscar for his central performance.
- A Few Good Men
In 1992 Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson teamed up in the Rob Reiner directed movie A Few Good Men, which was based on the play by Aaron Sorkin.
Neo military lawyer Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder; they contend they were acting under orders.
A Few Good Men is fast paced and compelling movie - with some great performances from the central cast.
The movie went on to be nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best actor in a Supporting Role for Nicholson.
- Amistad
In 1997 Steven Spielberg was back in the director's chair to deliver a true story of slave mutiny and the court case that followed.
And all star cast lined up to tell this true story including Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou and Matthew McConaughey.
Based on the true story of the failed mutiny on board the slave ship Amistad in 1839, and the courtroom battle that followed.
In the trial that would challenge the very foundation of the American legal system, abolitionist Theodore Joadson, trial lawyer Roger Baldwin and ex-president John Quincy Adams argue for the freedom and civil rights of the captive African slaves.
- The Verdict
Paul Newman is another actor who has had a glittering career and The Verdict is another movie where he delivered a top notch performance.
A lawyer sees the chance to salvage his career and self-respect by taking a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settling.
The movie was a hit with the critics and Paul Newman picked up a Best actor Oscar nomination while the movie was also nominated for Best Picture.
The Lincoln Lawter is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw