The courtroom collapse that starts it all
Imagine a lawyer so good, and so out of control, that he collapses in the middle of his own trial. That is how The Good Lawyer Netflix opens its story, and it is the reason this French courtroom drama has been one of the most talked-about festival titles heading to streaming this autumn. The Good Lawyer Netflix release date is 9 November 2026, when the film arrives on Netflix after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival 2026.
The film’s French title is Un bon avocat, and it was previously known as Clean. It is a legal thriller with a darkly comic edge: a brilliant criminal defence lawyer whose double life finally catches up with him in the worst possible place — open court.
Image Credit: Netflix — Official Trailer/Poster via YouTube
The Good Lawyer story: one week to save a career
The Good Lawyer follows Léonard Landry, a top criminal defence lawyer played by Laurent Lafitte. Landry is brilliant in court and a mess outside it, dependent on cocaine and alcohol. During a chaotic day in which he accidentally schedules two trials at the same time and tries to win both by running between two courtrooms, he collapses — an overdose in open court that ends his run.
After rehabilitation, Landry faces a disciplinary hearing that could end his career for good. He has exactly one week to save himself and prepare for his own trial. Help comes from two unexpected directions: Noé, a determined young intern played by Anthony Bajon, and Iris, his ex-wife, played by Mélanie Laurent. As Landry fights for his professional life, he and Iris uncover a corporation with links to Congolese warlords, tied to a politically charged case involving a young Congolese witness. The personal trial and the bigger conspiracy collide, and Landry’s insider knowledge becomes his only leverage.
The Good Lawyer Netflix viewers should know the film is in French with subtitles and dubbing options on Netflix, and the official Hindi trailer from Netflix confirms the film is being pushed to Indian audiences too.
The Good Lawyer cast: Laurent Lafitte leads a heavyweight French ensemble
The cast is one of the strongest reasons to watch. Laurent Lafitte, a Comédie-Française actor, plays Léonard Landry, and early festival reviews singled out his performance as the film’s driving force. Anthony Bajon, a César Award winner, plays the rookie intern Noé, whose main qualification in Landry’s eyes is that he can drive a car. Mélanie Laurent, known worldwide from Inglourious Basterds, plays Iris, the ex-wife who is reluctant to help until the bigger case pulls her in. Carole Bouquet, the former Bond actress from For Your Eyes Only, completes the principal cast.
Director Tristan Séguéla co-wrote the screenplay with Marcia Romano and Simon Jacquet. Séguéla previously directed the acclaimed series Class Act (Tapie), and he reunites here with Lafitte. The film runs 114 minutes.
From Venice to Netflix: the journey of The Good Lawyer
The Good Lawyer was screened out of competition at the Venice Film Festival 2026, a rare festival showcase for a film heading straight to streaming. The Film Verdict, reviewing the Venice screening, noted that Lafitte shines as the titular jurist in what it called a slick legal thriller. That festival berth gave the film a prestige launch before its Netflix debut, and the streamer has now dated it for 9 November 2026 in its November listings across France, South Africa and other regions.
5 exciting details about The Good Lawyer Netflix release
- A hero who is his own worst client. Most courtroom dramas give the lawyer a client to save. Here, the lawyer must save himself, and his trial is a disciplinary hearing about his own conduct. That twist keeps every courtroom scene personal.
- Two trials, one collapse. The film’s wildest sequence sees Landry double-booked in two courtrooms at once, running back and forth to argue both cases before his body gives out. It is the kind of high-wire premise that makes the film stand out from standard legal dramas.
- A real conspiracy underneath the personal drama. Beyond the addiction and redemption story, the film builds a case involving a corporation linked to Congolese warlords, giving the final act genuine thriller stakes rather than just a character study.
- A Venice premiere before streaming. Out-of-competition selection at Venice 2026 gave the film a big-festival stamp, and early reviews praised Lafitte’s performance above all else.
- A perfect weekend watch for courtroom drama fans. At 114 minutes, with a French setting, a twisty plot and a strong ensemble, The Good Lawyer Netflix is an easy pick for viewers who liked legal thrillers and want something fresh on 9 November.
The Good Lawyer Netflix release date and where to watch
The Good Lawyer Netflix release date is 9 November 2026. The film streams on Netflix, and viewers should check their local Netflix catalogue on the day, since regional availability can vary. There is no theatrical release planned beyond its festival screenings, and no separate OTT date is needed — Netflix is the home of the film. The official trailer is available on Netflix’s YouTube channels, including an official Hindi trailer.
For fans of streaming dramas, this is a strong addition to the November lineup, arriving just as the month’s big releases gather pace. If you enjoy courtroom stories with flawed heroes and sharp twists, put The Good Lawyer on your watchlist for 9 November.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Good Lawyer Netflix release date?
The Good Lawyer arrives on Netflix on 9 November 2026.
Who stars in The Good Lawyer?
Laurent Lafitte stars as lawyer Léonard Landry, with Anthony Bajon as intern Noé, Mélanie Laurent as ex-wife Iris, and Carole Bouquet in the principal cast.
What is The Good Lawyer about?
A brilliant but addicted criminal defence lawyer collapses in court, goes to rehab, and gets one week to save his career at a disciplinary hearing, while uncovering a corporate conspiracy linked to Congolese warlords.
Is The Good Lawyer based on a true story?
No. The Good Lawyer is an original fictional legal thriller directed by Tristan Séguéla, not a true-story adaptation.
Where can I watch The Good Lawyer trailer?
The official trailer is on Netflix’s YouTube channels, including an official Hindi trailer.
Is The Good Lawyer in English?
No, it is a French film (Un bon avocat), available on Netflix with subtitles and dubbing options.
Also Read: Reminders of Him Netflix Release Date: 5 Heartbreaking Details About Maika Monroe’s Romance — https://filmyyfly.com/2026/11/04/reminders-of-him-netflix-release-date/
Sources: Sortiraparis — https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/what-to-do-in-paris/cinema-series/articles/353949-a-good-lawyer-laurent-lafitte-faces-his-trial-on-netflix ; The Film Verdict — https://thefilmverdict.com/the-good-lawyer/
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