TV Critics Dismiss ‘All’s Fair’: LA Divorce Lawyers Weigh In on Hulu Show
The Hulu series *All’s Fair* has recently caught public attention, thanks to its lineup of notable stars, including Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Glenn Close. This show centers on a group of high-powered divorce lawyers based in Los Angeles. Despite the star power, early reviews are lukewarm at best, with many viewers tuning in just to see what the negative buzz is all about.
Critique from Divorce Attorneys
To gain insight into the show’s portrayal of the legal profession, El-Balad consulted two experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys, Demetria Graves and Emily Rubenstein. Both were aware of the series and its impact, as many clients and potential clients have mentioned it to them. However, they had yet to watch it at the time of the interview.
Setting and Accuracy
*All’s Fair* features recognizable Los Angeles landmarks, including the Bradbury Building and the Venice Boardwalk. However, some aspects of the law office settings appear off to Rubenstein. She noted that the show portrays office spaces as dark and overly traditional, which is not reflective of most modern Los Angeles law offices. She described the typical vibe in L.A. as airy, with views of the hills, contrary to the “mahogany cave” aesthetic presented in the series.
Fashion Choices
Fashion in *All’s Fair* has caught considerable attention as well. While Graves acknowledged the beautiful aesthetics, she questioned their realism in a legal setting. For instance, the use of gloves and revealing outfits seemed impractical and exaggerated for actual attorneys. Rubenstein echoed this sentiment, humorously noting that she had never seen a lawyer dress in such provocative attire.
Portrayal of Professional Life
Despite some unrealistic elements, Graves found value in how the show highlights certain truths about women’s experiences in the legal profession. The series touches on themes of women owning firms and the impact of professional success on personal relationships. The characters’ emotional struggles and support dynamics among colleagues also resonated with Graves’s real-life experience.
Gender Dynamics in Law
The show addresses sexism within the law field. Both attorneys acknowledged that a “good old boy” network still exists, which can affect how female lawyers are perceived. They highlighted that client preferences can vary, with some seeking female attorneys for their compassionate approach, while others may lean toward male lawyers, sometimes due to stereotypes.
Legal Accuracy and Best Practices
When discussing the legal accuracy of *All’s Fair*, both lawyers found that the show generally maintains a broad sense of legal principles. However, some details were off, such as misconceptions around California divorce laws. Rubenstein pointed out a specific instance where a character wrongly believed that a California lawyer is required if married in the state, rather than considering residency.
Furthermore, Graves advised against impulsively traveling to deal with emotional client situations, emphasizing that it’s better for both lawyers and clients to take a moment to calm down before engaging in legal discussions. She stressed the importance of having a solid support system outside of one’s lawyer during emotionally taxing times.
Final Ratings
Ultimately, Graves rated the show a 2 out of 5 for accuracy, particularly for average divorce lawyers, but conceded it might hold more accuracy for elite practitioners. In terms of entertainment value, she gave it a score of 3 due to the appealing looks and stylish portrayals. Rubenstein, while refraining from an enjoyment score, rated the accuracy a 3, noting some discrepancies but also the genuine depiction of lawyers as complex individuals beyond their professional roles.
In conclusion, while *All’s Fair* attempts to present a glamorous view of divorce law, it leaves much to be desired regarding realism and accurate representation of the profession, according to experienced attorneys.
