TV law shows have been a staple since – well, since before Perry Mason. So the ABA Journal have come up with the top 25 law TV shows, starting with LA Law and running through the gamut of trial attorneys, small and big lawyers and everyone in between.

TV law shows have been a staple since – well, since before Perry Mason. So the ABA Journal have come up with the top 25 law TV shows, starting with LA Law and running through the gamut of trial attorneys, small and big lawyers and everyone in between.

TV has always loved lawyers. From Perry Mason to Leland McKenzie, Jack McCoy to Patty Hewes, lawyers have been among the most durable and popular characters on the small screen.

But what law shows do lawyers consider the best of all time?

ABA Journal put that question to a jury of 12 experts—nine lawyers, two scholars and a TV critic—who write or teach about the nexus of law and pop culture. They were asked to pick their favorites among the scores of legal-minded shows that have come and gone over the years. We stayed away from those daytime judge shows and reality television, sticking to shows with actual scripts—though with some episodes of Law & Order it might be hard to tell the difference.

1. LA Law
2. Perry Mason
3. The Defenders
4. Law and Order
5. The Practice
6. Ally McBeal
7. Rumpole of the Bailey
8. Boston Legal
9. Damages
10. Night Court
11. Judging Amy
12. Owen Marshal

That’s the first half of the law show top 25 list. Check the rest.