Mick Haller is a defense attorney working out of Los Angeles County. He spends most of his time working from his Lincoln Town Car with his driver, Earl. Mick practices law mostly for the money and partly for the thrill. His clients consist exclusively of drug dealers, prostitutes, and gang members. He spends most of his time arguing for reduced sentences of guilty clients. He is always in debt, hustling for the next client to help cover his expenses. He has one daughter and two ex-wives, all of whom love him in spite of how little he sees them and how much he drinks.

Although he is often deceitful, his motives are less corrupt than he lets on. Mick has a deep empathy for people who are born into poverty and the kinds of circumstances that lead them to criminal activity. He loathes the rich white people who scam the system just as much as his own clients but without the stigma. Representing Louis Roulet turns out to be an opportunity for huge personal growth, as Mick is forced to face the consequences of his fast-paced lifestyle.