The Surprising Rule That Makes Mickey Haller the Ultimate Defender in The Lincoln Lawyer

Summary

The Lincoln Lawyer centers around defense attorney Mickey Haller, who is willing to cross plenty of ethical lines in his pursuit of justice, though he has one he won't cross.

Mickey's father, who passes away prematurely, is depicted as lacking morals and showing disrespect by engaging in relationships with his own clients and confusing personal and professional matters.

In the second season, Mickey develops a relationship with a client with whom he engages in a sexual relationship, causing the lines of ethics to become blurred. Despite his personal bias, he supports her and eventually uncovers her guilt in committing a crime.

Starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in the lead role, The Lincoln Lawyer revolves around the unorthodox and skilled defense attorney, Mickey Haller, who adheres to a particular ethical boundary. However, this does not prevent him from challenging various other principles. Both the Netflix series and Michael Connelly's original work exhibit instances where Mickey Haller defies conventional norms. As implied by the title, Haller conducts his legal affairs on the move, utilizing his chauffeur-driven Lincoln Navigator. Although in season 2 of The Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey temporarily discontinues working from his car, he remains distinct from the typical attorney.

The immensely acclaimed show owes much of its appeal to the central character, a criminal defense attorney. Nonetheless, Mickey Haller frequently makes questionable decisions. In season 1 of Lincoln Lawyer, his daughter Hayley (played by Krista Warner) asks if there is a limit he refuses to surpass. Operating within the realm of "innocent until proven guilty," Mickey is willing to represent nearly anyone except those who harm children. Apart from this, he upholds an unwavering principle when it comes to his clients. Nevertheless, a storyline in season 2 introduces a threat to this supposedly unyielding ethical stance.

The Lincoln Lawyer Implies Mickey's Father Cheated On Elena With Clients

Mickey's father's untimely death in Michael Connelly's novel The Brass Verdict prompts the young protagonist to acquire legal knowledge from books. However, The Lincoln Lawyer improves upon this aspect. Although Mickey's father still passes away, the central character in the series is older when tragedy strikes, enabling a stronger bond between father and son. Nevertheless, Mickey Haller, Sr. (played by Jon Tenney) does not uphold ethical standards.

The series suggests that Mickey's father engaged in extramarital affairs with his own clients, disrespected his wife Elena (portrayed by Angélica María and Ilean Almaguer), and blurred the lines between his personal and professional life. This portrayal exemplifies Mickey Haller, Sr.'s questionable character and lack of discretion. By becoming involved with clients romantically, Mickey's father compromises his credibility in the courtroom. While Mickey himself is comfortable operating in the gray areas and on the edge, he generally maintains boundaries with his clients.

Mickey Doesn't Break His Rule With Lisa (But It's Still Wildly Unethical)

In The Lincoln Lawyer season 2, Mickey's involvement with chef and restaurant owner Lisa Trammell pushes the boundaries of his ethical code. Despite not starting a romantic relationship with Lisa until after her trial, Mickey's bias is evident as he defends her and secures a not guilty verdict. However, the truth about Lisa's actions eventually comes to light, forcing Mickey to confront his own advice. While Mickey technically doesn't break his rule with Lisa, he certainly crosses a significant ethical line in The Lincoln Lawyer season 2.