About FindLaw
Press Releases
Perry Mason, Ben Matlock Are Our Favorite TV Lawyers
Says New Survey by FindLaw
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., November 8, 2001 - Age and experience win out over youth and exuberance, at least when it comes to picking our favorite TV lawyers. Perry Mason is the fictional TV lawyer that Americans would most prefer to have in their corner in a legal dispute, according to a new survey by FindLaw, the leading legal Web site (www.findlaw.com).
Perry Mason soundly beat out Ben Matlock, Ally McBeal and Bobby Donnell (The Practice).
When asked, "Who would you rather have defending you in court?", the results were:| Perry Mason | 38% |
| Ben Matlock | 29% |
| Bobby Donnell | 16% |
| Ally McBeal | 9% |
While men and women age 34 and under preferred Ben Matlock over Perry Mason (32% vs. 24%), Perry Mason was the solid choice for older respondents. When asked why they chose Perry Mason, people provided explanations such as, "he seems honest," and "would be most likely to win my case."
"People seemed to lean towards experience and perceived track record, at least in selecting an imaginary TV lawyer," said Stacy Stern, vice president of FindLaw. "In real-life legal situations, nowadays people can use Internet lawyer directories like FindLaw (http://directory.findlaw.com) to help make sure that the lawyer they hire has experience and qualifications more like Perry Mason and not like Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer from Saturday Night Live."
The national survey was conducted for FindLaw by the polling firm of Ipsos-Reid Express using a representative sample of 1000 adults nationwide, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.
About FindLaw
FindLaw Inc. (http://findlaw.com) the pioneer and leader in online legal information and services, is the highest-trafficked legal Web site, providing the most comprehensive set of legal resources on the Internet for lawyers, businesses and individuals. These resources include legal search tools, case law (including U.S. Supreme Court decisions dating back to 1893), legal news, real-time SEC filings, community discussion areas and online continuing legal education. FindLaw is home to the most complete online legal career center, with law firm salary charts, legal job listings, personalized legal job placement services and the "Greedy Associates" message boards. FindLaw's channels for businesses and the public provide comprehensive, plain-English legal information for non-lawyers.
About West Group
Headquartered in Eagan, Minn., West Group is the foremost provider of e-information solutions to the U.S. legal market. West Group is a division of The Thomson Corporation (TSE: TOC) and was formed when West Publishing and Thomson Legal Publishing merged in June 1996. For more information, please visit West Group's Web site at www.westgroup.com.
About The Thomson Corporation
The Thomson Corporation, with 1999 revenues of US$5.8 billion, is a leading global e-information and solutions company in the business and professional marketplace. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto and London Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit Thomson's Internet address at www.thomson.com.