The hallowed halls of justice at L.A. Center Studios are buzzing with controlled chaos as production for the highly anticipated fourth season of Netflix’s hit legal drama, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” is well underway. Within the meticulously recreated courtroom set, the series’ charismatic lead, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, embodies the complex defense attorney Mickey Haller, currently seated at the defense table. His intense gaze and measured demeanor hint at the monumental challenge awaiting his character. From the gallery, the wise and watchful presence of Legal Siegel, portrayed by the legendary Elliot Gould, serves as Mickey’s steadfast father figure and trusted consigliere, a beacon of experience in the stormy legal waters Mickey is about to navigate. This season promises to pull back the curtain not just on complex legal battles, but on the deeply personal struggles that define Haller’s world.
As the cameras pause their rhythmic dance, shifting their focus across the courtroom for a new angle, a fresh face on the set catches the eye. Constance Zimmer, a compelling addition to the Season 4 ensemble, takes a momentary respite near the monitors. Her striking new hairstyle, a severe set of bangs, is more than just a stylistic choice; it’s a deliberate character detail designed to instantly convey the buttoned-up, formidable persona of her role. Zimmer, known for her powerful performances, emphasizes her dedication to authenticity. “I care about being authentic,” she states, a sentiment that resonates deeply with her portrayal of Dana Berg, a ruthless prosecutor who cut her teeth in a bygone era of law. Her character’s aesthetic is further cemented by gold aviator glasses and a conservative camel blazer, styling choices that perfectly encapsulate Berg’s no-nonsense, old-school approach to justice. Her presence signals a formidable new adversary for Mickey, promising intense courtroom showdowns that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The rhythm of television production is a unique blend of precise planning and spontaneous adaptation, a process marked by fits and starts. Moments of intense concentration are punctuated by lighthearted breaks. A flubbed line from Garcia-Rulfo elicits a good-natured sigh, “Ay, ¡Dios mío!”, a brief, relatable glimpse into the human element behind the polished final product. These candid moments are part of the daily tapestry woven by cast and crew. After a take concludes with the distinctive clap of “tailsticks” – signaling the slate at the end rather than the beginning – a production assistant circulates, offering an assortment of donuts. These aren’t just any snacks; they are former props, having played a small but crucial role in a scene involving Mickey’s associate, Lorna, earlier in the day. It’s a small, sweet tradition that underscores the collaborative, often whimsical, nature of life on a busy set.
The stakes for Mickey Haller have never been higher, as Season 4, set to premiere this Thursday on Netflix, plunges directly into the gripping cliffhanger that left audiences reeling at the close of the third season. Mickey, initially pulled over by a traffic cop under the guise of a missing license plate, found himself in a nightmarish scenario when the dead body of conman Sam Scales was discovered in his trunk. His subsequent arrest for murder and incarceration set the stage for a season unlike any other. This new chapter is a profound journey of self-defense, as Mickey must fight for his freedom and reputation not from his usual position of power, but from behind prison bars. Co-showrunner Dailyn Rodriguez articulates the profound emotional weight of the season, stating, “This is a really emotional season. He’s fighting for his life.” Beyond the legal battle, Mickey must contend with the complex dynamics of his two ex-wives, the palpable fear of his daughter, and a cascade of unforeseen courtroom surprises that threaten to unravel his carefully constructed world.
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s trajectory to leading man status has been nothing short of meteoric. His compelling portrayal of Mickey Haller has not only captivated audiences but also propelled him into the spotlight, landing him a prominent role in a major blockbuster like last summer’s “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” Four seasons into “The Lincoln Lawyer,” Garcia-Rulfo has not only mastered the intricate legal lexicon that forms the backbone of the scripts but has also developed an intimate knowledge of the culinary landscape surrounding the downtown studio. His favored haunts include the flavorful Moo’s Barbecue, the authentic Leo’s Tacos, the Mediterranean delights of Kismet, and the vibrant Saffy’s, a testament to his immersion in the Los Angeles experience, both on and off screen. Reflecting on his initial audition, Garcia-Rulfo humbly admits his doubts. “I was like, I’m never gonna get this,” he recalls. “It’s a lawyer from L.A. In the novels he’s part Mexican, but still, I was like – I don’t know, the English, the accent. TV moves so fast, and Mickey carries the show and it’s all those legal terms, so it’s very challenging.” Yet, it is precisely this challenge that Garcia-Rulfo has embraced, bringing a nuanced and authentic performance to a character beloved by millions.
Mickey Haller’s personal growth is a significant theme woven into the fabric of this season. Garcia-Rulfo elaborates on his character’s journey, noting, “Mickey is always struggling with the case, but then the wives are always kind of messing things up. He’s got the very Mexican mom. She treats him like a child. But he is more mature. He has learned a lot about his mistakes. Especially in Season 2, he became very cocky at the beginning because he won that big case.” This season, Mickey’s maturity will be tested as he faces his most daunting challenge yet, forced to confront past errors and forge a path forward with newfound humility. His once-bustling love life, a recurring subplot in previous seasons, has undeniably taken a backseat, especially after his ill-fated involvement with Lisa Trammel, the restaurant owner who turned out to be a murderer in Season 2. However, his connection with his ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, a principled deputy district attorney played by the ever-talented Neve Campbell, remains a crucial emotional anchor. Garcia-Rulfo hints at a deepening dynamic: “In this season, Maggie comes back and she’s very involved in the case. There’s always some sparks there. She really brings that subtlety – you can see that warmth, even though you don’t see it in the words.” Maggie’s increased involvement promises not only professional collaboration but also a poignant exploration of their enduring bond, a potential rekindling of old flames amidst the legal firestorm.
The impact of Mickey’s arrest extends far beyond his own legal battles, reverberating through the lives of his dedicated team and, most acutely, his daughter, Hayley (Krista Warner). As Mickey fights for his freedom, his newly-minted legal associate and first ex-wife, Lorna Crane (Becki Newton), faces the immense pressure of keeping the law firm afloat. Her sharp intellect and unwavering loyalty will be put to the ultimate test as she navigates the complexities of their cases without Mickey at the helm. Meanwhile, investigator Cisco (Angus Sampson) finds himself in precarious situations, risking his own safety to gather crucial evidence for Mickey’s defense, highlighting the deep loyalty and camaraderie within the team. Assistant Izzy (Jazz Raycole) embarks on her own journey of growth, making a new friend at law school, a subtle nod to her burgeoning legal aspirations. For Hayley, Mickey’s arrest is a harrowing ordeal, forcing her to confront the stigma and emotional fallout of her father’s incarceration among her peers. Co-showrunner Ted Humphreys poignantly captures the emotional toll on Hayley: “He has to deal with the weight of knowing how hard this is on her. This is the worst thing that she’s ever had to go through. The kid has the horrible thought that she might lose her dad.” This season promises a multifaceted exploration of how a family unit grapples with a crisis that threatens to tear them apart, showcasing the strength and resilience of the women in Mickey’s life.
“The Lincoln Lawyer” prides itself on its authentic portrayal of Los Angeles, a character in its own right within the series. It is only fitting that much of the production takes place at L.A. Center Studios, a hub where the city’s vibrant legal world is brought to life. While Mickey Haller began his unique practice operating out of his car, his current offices on Soundstage One represent a significant step up, boasting a professional reception area, a comfortable bed for Lorna’s beloved pug, Winston, and Mickey’s own sleekly furnished private office. The studio lot is a meticulously crafted world, featuring a multi-story jail set complete with a two-story catwalk and a fully equipped courtroom. Beyond these permanent fixtures, temporary sets, such as a charming donut shop, are artfully improvised in other corners of the studios, showcasing the ingenuity of the production design team. The iconic vehicles that are synonymous with Mickey Haller’s practice are also integral to the show’s identity. His treasured 1963 Nocturne blue Lincoln Continental convertible, emblazoned with “NTGUILTY” plates, is carefully stored in the studio’s underground parking garage. Parked outside the soundstages, reflecting the practicalities of a bustling legal practice, are a gardener’s truck that Cisco strategically uses for undercover investigations around the city, and the armored Lincoln Navigator with its distinctive “IWalkEm” plates, which Mickey alternates with his vintage convertible. These details ground the show in a tangible reality, allowing the city to breathe and exist as a living backdrop.
While the courtroom and jail sets are central to this season’s narrative, the production team ventured across the vast and varied landscapes of Southern California to capture the essence of Los Angeles. From the picturesque bridges of San Pedro to a quaint East L.A. bakery and a remote Palm Springs motel, the series masterfully weaves in real-world locations. Downtown L.A. landmarks, such as the historic Bradbury Building with its intricate ironwork and the striking mid-century DWP building, which seamlessly doubles for the courthouse, add a layer of authenticity and visual richness. Co-showrunner Dailyn Rodriguez emphasizes this commitment to showcasing the city: “We try and showcase L.A. We love shooting in real places – restaurants, bars, parks. It’s a celebration of the city.” This dedication ensures that Los Angeles is not merely a setting but an active participant in Mickey Haller’s story, reflecting its diverse culture and dynamic energy.
A cornerstone of “The Lincoln Lawyer’s” appeal, and a point of pride for its creators, is its authentic depiction of Los Angeles’s vibrant diversity, beginning with Mickey Haller’s Mexican heritage. Garcia-Rulfo, a Mexico-born actor who previously held supporting roles in films like “The Magnificent Seven” and “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series,” reflects on the initial audacity of his casting, particularly for a character often perceived as traditionally American. “It’s very much like Los Angeles really is, and that’s why it’s such a cool city because it’s very diverse. It is very brave, I think, for the showrunners be like, OK, let’s put a Mexican actor in this courtroom drama show and see if it works,” he shares, acknowledging the groundbreaking nature of the decision. Rodriguez further elaborates on this intentional embrace of multiculturalism: “One of the things that I loved about this show when I got involved is that the lead is Latino and he lives in a very Latino city. So for us, it’s pretty easy to make it not only Latino but very multicultural the way that L.A. is. Our courthouses are always full of very different people – people that look like they would live in Los Angeles.” This commitment to representing the true face of the city adds depth and relatability, making the legal battles resonate with a broader audience.
This season also marks significant milestones behind the camera, with co-showrunner Dailyn Rodriguez making her directorial debut on Episode 7. Her extensive writing experience for acclaimed shows such as “Ugly Betty” and “Queen of the South” undoubtedly brings a fresh perspective to the series. The season finale, a crucial episode for any legal thriller, is helmed by the accomplished Jennifer Lynch, promising a powerful and climactic conclusion. While the plot dictates that Mickey’s beloved 1963 convertible might be out of commission for a while, Garcia-Rulfo cherishes the moments he gets to drive it. “I love it, but every time we shoot in the street, it is very hard because they recognize it and you’re afraid somebody’s going to hit it when you’re driving. But it’s such a beautiful car. I love shooting those scenes, especially on the coast, driving on the PCH,” he confesses, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of working with such an iconic prop.
The season’s first episode kicks off with an ambitious sequence, a stark contrast to the contained courtroom drama. It features sweeping shots across the sprawling L.A. skyline, meticulously zooming in on the aftermath of a crime in Boyle Heights, setting a grand and cinematic tone. The diversity of filming locations and production challenges underscore the team’s dedication. Co-showrunner Ted Humphreys previews the upcoming intensity: “Tomorrow we’ll have a very big day of location. We’re doing a very intricate scene – probably in terms of scope, one of the biggest sequences we’ve ever done on the show. We’re going to have a helicopter, we’re going to have drones, all sorts of things going on and it’ll be on location, downtown and in East L.A., and then on the coast, we’re kind of zipping all over the place. So that will be the complete opposite of today – you won’t be able to control anything.” These elaborate shoots are a testament to the show’s cinematic ambition and commitment to visual storytelling.
The journey to Season 4 was not without its unexpected hurdles. The season’s pre-production faced a harrowing start in January 2025, when devastating Los Angeles fires swept through the region. Despite the immense pressure, the return to production offered a much-needed sense of purpose and stability for many. Humphreys recalls the emotional impact: “It really did feel very good to be able to provide work for people and provide stability. We had a number of people involved in our show who lost their homes.” Notably, even Michael Connelly, the acclaimed author of “The Lincoln Lawyer” novels, was among those affected by the fires. Rodriguez echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the broader significance of their work: “After these fires and the tragedy that the city has gone through, it was really important for us to go back to work, to put people to work, and do another season where we celebrate the city and how much we love it.” In a powerful vote of confidence that speaks volumes about the show’s enduring appeal and critical success, “The Lincoln Lawyer” has already been renewed for Season 5 even before the Season 4 premiere. This early renewal is a testament to the compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and the dedicated team that continues to bring Mickey Haller’s world to life, promising audiences many more seasons of intricate legal battles and deeply personal drama.
