The Lincoln Lawyer

Mick Haller runs his defense from the driver's seat of a battered Lincoln Continental, treating the courtroom like a high stakes street hustle. He defends the kind of people other lawyers overlook, until a glamorous client changes everything. Louis Roulet, a Beverly Hills playboy accused of attempted murder, hires Haller, and the payoff looks big enough to fund lunches. At first, the case seems straightforward, a win that showcases Haller's charm and clever wordplay. But as evidence and testimonies collide, the case reveals a darker web of connections, threats, and possible collusion that forces Haller to reassess who truly holds power inside the justice system. The film blends legal strategy with suspenseful twists without tipping its hand.

Directed by Brad Furman, The Lincoln Lawyer adapts Michael Connelly's bestselling novel with Matthew McConaughey starring as Mickey Haller. The film was released in 2011, with John Romano adapting the screenplay.

Box office earnings totaled about 85,412,898 worldwide against a 40,000,000 budget, marking a solid commercial run for a courtroom thriller and helping establish the film as a viable adaptation of Connelly's work.

Critical response was mixed but generally favorable, with McConaughey singled out for his breezy, confident portrayal and the brisk pacing praised by many reviewers. The story explores ethics versus ambition, the corrupting pull of money, and the pressure lawyers face when truth clashes with victory.

Beyond the screen, the character of Mickey Haller endured, inspiring a later TV series adaptation that kept the Lincoln Lawyer name in public view. The film helped popularize courtroom thrillers anchored in smart dialogue and legal maneuvering.