🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brad Furman
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Release year: 2011
- Runtime (length): 1h 58min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (262K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A lawyer drives around in a fancy car, gets rich people off the hook, and then suddenly cares about justice, but not really, until his life becomes a daytime soap opera, and justice prevails…sort of.
🍿 The Lincoln Lawyer: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Mick Haller
Mick Haller, a charismatic and resourceful criminal defense attorney, operates primarily out of his Lincoln Town Car in Los Angeles. He represents a diverse clientele, often dealing with cases involving petty criminals and navigating the complexities of the legal system to secure the best possible outcomes for his clients. His approach is pragmatic, focusing on negotiation and leveraging his network of contacts.

The Roulet Case
Haller takes on a high-profile case involving Louis Roulet, a wealthy Beverly Hills playboy accused of assaulting a prostitute. Initially, Roulet maintains his innocence, and Haller believes his client is being framed. However, as Haller investigates, inconsistencies and troubling details emerge, leading him to question Roulet’s story and the true nature of the crime.

Unraveling the Truth and a Past Connection
Haller and his investigator, Frank Levin, discover similarities between Roulet’s case and a past case where Haller defended Jesus Martinez, who is now serving a life sentence for murder. Haller begins to suspect that Roulet may have been involved in Martinez’s case, raising ethical dilemmas and the potential for a miscarriage of justice. The lines between defending his client and uncovering the truth become increasingly blurred.

Danger and Deception
As Haller gets closer to the truth, he finds himself and his loved ones in danger. Roulet’s true nature is revealed, and he uses attorney-client privilege to manipulate Haller and conceal his crimes. The stakes escalate when Levin is murdered, and Haller becomes a suspect, forcing him to navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse to protect himself and expose Roulet’s guilt.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey): A charismatic and street-smart defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Town Car, navigating the complexities of the legal system in Los Angeles.
- Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe): A wealthy and manipulative Beverly Hills playboy accused of assault, who becomes Mick Haller’s client and a dangerous threat.
- Maggie McPherson (Marisa Tomei): Mick Haller’s ex-wife and a prosecutor, who often finds herself on the opposing side of his cases, adding a complex personal dynamic.
- Frank Levin (William H. Macy): Mick Haller’s trusted private investigator and close friend, who helps him uncover crucial evidence but becomes a target in the process.
- Mary Windsor (Frances Fisher): Louis Roulet’s overprotective and influential mother, who is willing to go to extreme lengths to protect her son.
- Earl Briggs (Laurence Mason): Mick Haller’s loyal and street-wise driver, who provides invaluable assistance and perspective throughout the twists and turns of the cases.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Mick Haller: “I checked the list of people I trust, and your name ain’t on it.” – Said to Louis Roulet, highlighting Haller’s skepticism and distrust towards his client as the case unfolds.
- Mick Haller: “There are two kinds of clients: guilty and really guilty.” – Reflects Haller’s cynical view of his clientele and the nature of his work as a criminal defense lawyer.
- Mick Haller: “I couldn’t believe I was representing an innocent man.” – Irony spoken by Haller after defending a client.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $58,009,200
- Worldwide Gross: $86,752,352
💥 The Lincoln Lawyer Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed The Lincoln Lawyer! Matthew McConaughey was perfectly cast. The twists kept me guessing until the end. I loved how flawed and likeable Mick Haller was; he’s not your typical hero. The scene where he confronts Roulet in his house gave me chills. I can’t wait to watch this movie again!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas”
- “Viewers interested in crime stories with twists and turns”
- “Audiences who enjoy Matthew McConaughey’s performances”
- “Those seeking a well-paced and engaging film with complex moral dilemmas”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and disturbing content”
- “Sexual assault themes”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “McConaughey’s slick performance elevates this legal thriller, making it a compelling and entertaining ride. The film offers clever twists and a strong supporting cast, delivering a satisfying courtroom drama.
- MovieFloss.com: “Lincoln Lawyer is a thrilling drama about a cocky and smooth defense attorney Mick Haller, played by McConaughey, who represents a high-profile client on charges of attempted murder. With twists and turns at every corner, Lincoln Lawyer keeps you guessing till the very end.
- N/A: “Solid courtroom thriller with excellent performance by Matthew McConaughey and a five-twist ending. Agatha Christie would be proud of the five-twist ending to THE LINCOLN LAWYER. The film is clearly top-notch and street smart. It’s the most efficient, solidly crafted courtroom thriller since PRIMAL FEAR and WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION.
Audience Reactions
The twists and turns kept me hooked; I didn’t see the ending coming!: Matthew McConaughey’s performance as Mick Haller is outstanding and captivating, marking a career high point.
William H. Macy as Frank Levin brings a charismatic and involved attitude, stealing the limelight off of anyone else on screen.: I really enjoyed the solid cast and found it to be engrossing and it kept me guessing all the way through.
Overall Consensus: A slick and entertaining legal thriller with a compelling performance by Matthew McConaughey and a twisty plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Michael Connelly specifically wanted Matthew McConaughey for the role of Mickey Haller after seeing his performance in ‘Tropic Thunder’.”
- “The title ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ refers to Haller’s preference for conducting business from the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, emphasizing his street-smart approach to law.”
- “While set and filmed in Los Angeles, the movie aimed to capture a less glamorous side of the city, contrasting with the glitz often portrayed in Hollywood.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Lincoln Lawyer?
The Lincoln Lawyer is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules, as it may occasionally air on cable television.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Lincoln Lawyer, you might like these similar films:
- Primal Fear (1996): Features a defense attorney uncovering a complex web of deceit and hidden truths while defending a seemingly innocent client.
- A Time to Kill (1996): Matthew McConaughey plays a lawyer fighting for justice in a morally ambiguous situation, similar to the ethical dilemmas faced in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’.
- Michael Clayton (2007): A ‘fixer’ for a powerful law firm uncovers a conspiracy, facing moral and personal danger in the process, much like Haller’s situation.
- The Verdict (1982): An alcoholic lawyer seeks redemption by taking on a medical malpractice case, battling against a corrupt system and his own demons.
🛒 The Lincoln Lawyer Related Products
- The Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller Series Book 1): Michael Connelly’s gripping novel that started it all. Dive into the mind of Mickey Haller and experience the story in its original form. This book is a must-have for any fan of the movie.
- Lincoln Lawyer – Limited Edition Poster: A high-quality movie poster featuring Matthew McConaughey as Mick Haller. A unique item for movie memorabilia collectors. High quality printing to capture the original design.
- Law & Order: The Complete Series: While not directly related to the movie, if you enjoy courtroom dramas and suspenseful legal situations, then Law & Order is a must-watch.
- Diecast 1986 Lincoln Town Car: A 1/18 scale diecast replica of the classic Lincoln Town Car, the iconic ‘office’ of Mick Haller. A meticulously crafted collectible perfect for fans of the movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Lincoln Lawyer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, The Lincoln Lawyer is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Connelly. The book is the first in a series featuring the character Mickey Haller.
Matthew McConaughey plays Mickey Haller, the main character in The Lincoln Lawyer. His performance was praised by critics and is considered a highlight of the film.
In the movie, attorney-client privilege becomes a central conflict when Mickey Haller discovers his client, Louis Roulet, is guilty of a past crime. Because of this privilege, Haller is limited in what information he can disclose, creating a moral and legal dilemma.
The Lincoln Lawyer was filmed in Los Angeles, California. Specific locations include various courthouses, neighborhoods, and streets that capture the feel of the city’s legal landscape.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Lincoln Lawyer: Mickey Kicks Out the Devious Cop
In this intense scene, Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller confronts a corrupt police officer in his office. Will Mickey’s sharp wit and legal prowess be enough to outsmart him? This video will have you on the edge of your seat!
The Lincoln Lawyer: Mickey Tests the Plaintiff with False Evidence to Protect His Client
In this scene, Mickey uses a clever tactic to test the plaintiff’s credibility and protect his client. Get ready to witness a master lawyer at work!
The Lincoln Lawyer: Mickey Uncovers Irresponsible Witness Behavior
Watch as Mickey Haller uncovers some irresponsible behavior from a key witness. This clip highlights his meticulous attention to detail and determination to find the truth.
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