Creator of “Bosch” and the Mickey Haller novel series, former crime reporter Michael Connelly has a certain mastery over characterization, which is shown in the way he imbues grounded, relatable qualities to the characters and at the same time lets their individuality be expressed. This allows even lesser characters to make a pivotal mark on the journey of the leads in the course of the narrative. In the fourth episode of “The Lincoln Lawyer,” the shocking demise of Mickey’s mentor, David ‘Legal’ Siegel, left such a lasting impact on Mickey’s life. To assess how it is going to influence him in the upcoming seasons, we have to take a closer look at the connection they shared with each other.

Spoilers Ahead

Legal’s Importance in Mickey’s Life

David ‘Legal’ Siegel, the retired senior LA-based attorney, was introduced in the first season of “The Lincoln Lawyer” as Mickey Haller’s mentor and old friend to his father, renowned defense attorney Mickey Haller Sr. Mickey lost his father when he was five years old, and later in his life, as he decided to follow in his footsteps, it was Siegel who taught him the ropes. Legal was not only a mentor, he was a father figure to Mickey, who looked up to him while growing up. In Connelly’s books, Mickey often sought counsel from the memories he had of his father, whereas the series made an interesting change by having Legal Siegel provide the fatherly wisdom to Mickey about life and law. One of the most crucial aspects of Mickey’s character, which matches so very well with his elder half-brother Harry Bosch, is his empathetic outlook towards the needy ones. Siegel’s advice to learn about people, understand their emotions, and put his feet in their shoes to better analyze any given case remains pivotal in shaping Mickey’s perspective.

On the other hand, Siegel’s affection and appreciation towards him are something that anyone would want from their father or fatherly figure. Time and again, Legal’s counsel and faith in Mickey had helped him to overcome the direst challenges, from his struggle with addiction to his occasional self-loathing and self-doubting tendencies. Legal had trusted Mickey’s instincts and unconventional approach, as he was well aware that Mickey’s heart has always been in the right place. On one occasion in the fourth season, Mickey is at his lowest during the trial, and uncertainty about the future of his family and career has started overwhelming him. And knowing this will make Siegel extremely worried for him, he asks Lorna not to reveal the full extent of his miserable situation with his mentor—which conveys how much Mickey cared for him. Moreover, Siegel’s guidance has helped Mickey’s associates as well, as seen in the fourth season when overburdened with the mounting pressure of law firm cases and Mickey’s trial, Lorna approaches the veteran lawyer to seek his advice. Siegel made Lorna realize how to accept the fact that in their profession accepting loss is a harsh reality she has to accept, and at the same time, he encouraged Lorna by putting his faith in her potential. Legal didn’t share that great of a bond with his own children, whereas his connection with Mickey and his associates gave the old man a sense of fulfillment.

Legal’s Legacy Will Be Carried by Mickey

It goes without saying that Mickey’s life will no longer be the same now that he doesn’t have Siegel guiding him. The first major impact of his demise is seen during the final stage of prelims of Mickey’s trial, when, upon learning about the tragic news of Siegel’s passing, Mickey changes his initial decision of keeping his bail in exchange for a prolonged trial. Siegel had taught him to trust the system but also never to abandon his principles, and Mickey is reminded that a speedy trial is what he needs to prioritize to regain his lost reputation, even at the cost of returning to jail and being separated from his family. It was not a decision taken in the heat of the moment; Mickey consciously took the decision as the tragic incident gave him a timely reminder of prioritizing his honor above everything.

The emotional void Mickey will feel in Legal’s absence will never be filled, but he will surely be able to find some solace by honoring his mentor through carrying his legacy forward. The connection Mickey shared with Legal is mimicked by the bond Izzy shares with Mickey. Mickey was able to relate to Izzy’s struggle with addiction, gave her a chance to turn her life around, and prove herself. Upon recognizing her potential, Mickey trusts Izzy and provides her responsibilities at his law firm, and Izzy, who has become quite a protégé by now, has honored his trust since the beginning. In his heart, Mickey knows Legal is really proud of him. And by passing on his teachings to Izzy, Mickey has proven himself as a worthy successor of his mentor’s legacy