Why the “Shifting Gears” Trailer Gets Lawyers All Wrong
ABC’s new sitcom Shifting Gears premieres tomorrow, January 8, and while it promises plenty of laughs, one part of the official trailer made me hit the brakes. In the teaser, one character is described as someone who might be a good lawyer because she likes to argue.
Let’s pump the brakes on that stereotype. While the show itself hasn’t aired yet—and may very well go on to depict lawyers in a thoughtful, accurate way—the trailer’s comment perpetuates a frustratingly outdated myth about the legal profession. Lawyers don’t succeed because they like to argue. In fact, the opposite is often true.
About Shifting Gears
Shifting Gears is a comedy starring Tim Allen as Matt, a widowed dad who owns a shop that restores classic cars. His life gets turned upside down when his estranged daughter, Riley (played by Kat Dennings of 2 Broke Girls), moves in with her two teenage children, Carter (Maxwell Simkins) and Georgia (Barrett Margolis). The cast also includes Daryl Mitchell (Galaxy Quest) and Seann William Scott (American Pie), who appear to play Matt’s co-workers at the shop. While the show promises laughs and heartfelt moments, its promotional material has already stumbled by perpetuating a misconception about what it means to be a lawyer.
Why the Lawyer Stereotype Falls Flat
The idea that a good lawyer is someone who “likes to argue” simplifies and distorts what lawyers actually do. Arguing, in the casual sense, is about heated disagreements and emotional sparring. Lawyers, on the other hand, are problem solvers. They analyze facts, research the law, and develop strategic solutions. Whether drafting contracts, advising clients, or litigating in court, lawyers focus on resolving disputes—not perpetuating them. Most of their work involves finding common ground and presenting logical, well-reasoned arguments to resolve conflicts.
When lawyers do step into a courtroom, they aren’t “arguing” in the way the trailer suggests. Instead, they’re advocating. Advocacy is rooted in preparation, professionalism, and persuasion. It’s about presenting evidence and legal reasoning—not picking fights for sport.
A Call for Better Representation
This stereotype portrayed in Shifting Gears isn’t just inaccurate; it’s damaging. It diminishes public understanding of the legal profession and can discourage people from seeking legal help. It also creates unrealistic expectations for those considering a career in law, suggesting that being loud or confrontational is the key to success when, in reality, skills like empathy, critical thinking, and negotiation are far more important.
To be fair, trailers often highlight exaggerated moments for comedic effect, and it’s entirely possible that Shifting Gearswill go on to portray lawyers in a more accurate light. Until the show airs, the jury is out on whether it will perpetuate or challenge this stereotype. If Shifting Gears is committed to originality, it could have spotlighted what truly makes lawyers successful: their ability to solve problems, think critically, and advocate effectively. By leaning into the stereotype of the argumentative lawyer, the trailer misses an opportunity to educate viewers while still bringing the laughs.
Pop culture has a powerful influence on how people view professions. When shows like Shifting Gears repeat misleading tropes, they reinforce misunderstandings that can have real-world consequences. Let’s hope the sitcom itself shifts gears from the stereotype and offers a more accurate, nuanced depiction of lawyers.
