Kelley alters his defense, takes on reality show with a legal premise

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. - Producer David E. Kelley, creator of such shows as Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, Picket Fences and L.A. Law, has never made it a secret: He detests unscripted television.

In a 2003 episode of The Practice, he wrote a story about a reality TV-obsessed woman who kidnaps CBS chief Leslie Moonves so she can get on the air.

So it's a surprise to find him as one of the makers of The Law Firm (8 tonight, NBC/Channel 2). In The Law Firm, 12 young lawyers are divided into two teams. Half will be prosecutors, half will be defenders. They will try real cases in front of real judges and real juries.

Famed attorney Roy Black will critique the work of the competing lawyers and eliminate one per week. Last lawyer standing wins $250,000.

"I tend not to like most reality shows," he said. (One he does like is American Idol.) But "I was particularly fascinated with this one show. I think it's an extension of my fascination with the world of law than anything else."

The Law Firm is not like the majority of reality shows, he feels. "I loath shows that disrespect its contestants and appeal to the lowest common denominator," he said. "This show, hopefully, endeavors to be smart and gives its contestants a chance to showcase talent. It doesn't exist to exploit them. Hopefully, it will be entertaining and enlightening and a show I can be proud of."

Evidently even though this is a show with current court cases in the news FR does not consider this news.

Frankly one of the cases hit's close to home. About a dog attack.

A blind folded monkey can tell you these are none aggressive dogs. For Goodness sake, the plainteff only wants her pet's medical bills.

I would bring the dog to court but would have cleared it with the Judge. You know, that is just not the statement to offer as to new people come to look at your pets, huge Mastiff's that frankly are usually excellent pets.

I will add this note, we have a wonderful Keeshound. We have 3 but this is about Max. Our loving 15 year old that is just a terrific pet.

We were living in Maryland. Some young folks moved in down the street. They seemed a bit wild, but took care of the property and seemed responsible. One had dog, a Pit Bull. He had the spiked choker and looked all the bit MEAN. His owner always had him on a leash. The owner about 22 loved and cared for his pet. One day, while my pet was in MY front yard, the usually restrained Pit Bull got away. He saw Max, and myself and ran towards me, my Max stood in front of me and the Pit Bull pounced and pounced hard, Max is 60 pounds and strong, but the Pit Bull got his neck and just swong Max like a Raggedy Ann Doll. I was mortified and could not pull them apart and the owner of the Pit Bull came running, yelling, and did indeed pull him off Max. The owner, so over come with emotions and seeing my bleeding pet, broke into tears. I mean just sobbed and frankly I was amazed he did not kill his own dog right there and then.

I carried my dog to my car, drove him to the Vet, was seen immediately and had 67 stiches. It was horrible. I was stunned at the damage.

When I arrived home, the owner of the Pit Bull, the young college student, came down to my home, asked about Max and said no matter the cost, he will pay all of Max's bills. Hmm, I thought, saw way to many People Court and Judge Judy and just did not think he would follow through. This kid, the owner of the Pit Bull, took on a second job, and weekly came with money towards Max 2000.00 grand vet bill. I was so impressed, it took him several months but he was earnest and paid in full.

He kept the dog, purchasing another collar and leash and they moved after their lease ended. I would wonder if it has been my neighbors little boy and would this dog have mauled the child, I have no doubt it would have but what was I to do about something like that with an owner who made good on an event that should not have ever happened.

I watched the first show. I like watching the legal system in action. Lawyer Oliviers arrogance and hot temper is going to forever make him not team worthy. I also think his softer quieter side, mannerisms and face greatly resembles a younger (actor) Arliss Howard who is currently married to Debra Winger. It's a shame, the biggest flaw I saw in all of these young lawyers is their HUGE egos and pride getting in their way to be effective LAWYERS! All the posturing and bravado, geez save it for the stage
...oh wait they are on stage. Case closed.

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