Family Law centers on Abigail "Abby" Bianchi, a talented lawyer and recovering alcoholic striving to rebuild her life after a devastating fall from grace. Determined to regain control over her career and heal her fractured relationships, Abby faces the challenge of working at her estranged father’s law firm, Svensson and Associates, as part of her probation. This new environment pushes her to practice family law for the first time, a demanding field that mirrors the complexities of her own personal struggles.
As Abby navigates her professional responsibilities, she also embarks on an emotional journey to connect with her half-brother Daniel Svensson and half-sister, siblings she has never met. Their tentative steps toward forming a bond add layers of both tension and hope, as the trio confronts their shared past and uncertain future. The dynamic between them infuses the series with heartfelt moments, highlighting themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the quest for identity.
At its core, Family Law depicts a uniquely dysfunctional family law firm that tirelessly works to assist clients facing their own familial challenges. Abby’s fresh perspective and personal experiences bring empathy and insight to her practice, helping other families navigate their issues. Through the intertwined stories of legal battles and family ties, the show offers a compelling exploration of resilience, redemption, and the power of rebuilding broken relationships.
Ran for 4 seasons.
Main Cast of Family Law
Jewel Staite
Abigail 'Abby' Bianchi
Jewel Staite delivers a nuanced performance as Abigail 'Abby' Bianchi in the TV series 'Family Law,' portraying a complex character with emotional depth and resilience. Known primarily for her roles in sci-fi series like '
Firefly' and '
Stargate Atlantis,' Staite's turn in 'Family Law' showcases her versatility, handling legal drama with a grounded and authentic approach that contrasts with her more fantastical previous roles. An interesting trivia fact is that Jewel Staite began acting at a young age and has a passion for science fiction, which has deeply influenced her career choices.
Zach Smadu
Daniel Svensson
Zach Smadu played a pivotal role in the TV series 'Family Law,' where his nuanced performance was widely praised for bringing depth and authenticity to his character. What made Smadu's portrayal unique was his ability to blend emotional vulnerability with sharp wit, making his character relatable and memorable to audiences. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Smadu spent time shadowing real family law attorneys to accurately capture the intricacies of legal proceedings, which greatly informed his performance and added a layer of realism to the show.
Genelle Williams
Lucy Svensson
Fans of Genelle Williams will appreciate her role in 'Family Law' because it showcases her versatility and depth as an actress, bringing a nuanced and compelling presence to the legal drama. This role contrasts with her most iconic performance as the bubbly and energetic Lucy Fernandez in '
Warehouse 13,' where she played a tech-savvy and witty character. In 'Family Law,' she takes on a more serious and grounded persona, highlighting her range beyond the more lighthearted sci-fi series. An interesting and unexpected detail about her character in 'Family Law' is that Williams drew inspiration from real-life lawyers she shadowed to authentically portray the emotional intensity and ethical dilemmas faced in the legal profession, adding a layer of realism often unseen in typical legal dramas.
Lauren Holly
Joanne Kowalski
Lauren Holly delivers a compelling performance as Joanne Kowalski in the TV series 'Family Law,' portraying a sharp, resilient attorney who navigates complex family legal issues with both professionalism and empathy. This role highlights her ability to blend strength and vulnerability, distinguishing itself from her earlier, more dramatic roles such as in '
Picket Fences' and the lighthearted tone she brought to '
Dumb and Dumber.' Holly's portrayal of Kowalski showcases a matured, nuanced character that resonates with audiences seeking depth in legal drama. A fun trivia fact: Lauren Holly reprised her role as Joanne Kowalski in various episodes across the series' run, contributing significantly to the show's critical acclaim and helping it stand out among other legal dramas of its time.
Victor Garber
Harry Svensson
Victor Garber delivers a compelling performance as Harry Svensson in the TV series 'Family Law,' portraying a seasoned and principled lawyer who navigates complex legal and familial issues with nuanced depth and emotional intelligence. Compared to his other roles, such as the charismatic Jack Bristow in '
Alias' or the compassionate Thomas Andrews in '
Titanic,' Garber's portrayal of Svensson emphasizes a grounded, empathetic presence that anchors the show's dramatic tension. A trivia fact: Victor Garber has also lent his voice to musical theater productions and is known for his singing talent, which adds a unique dimension to his diverse acting portfolio.
Luke Camilleri
Frank Bianchi
Luke Camilleri plays a significant role in the TV series 'Family Law,' where he portrays a complex character involved in the intricate dynamics of familial and legal challenges. This role marks a notable point in his career, showcasing his ability to delve into emotionally charged and multifaceted narratives, diverging from his earlier work that may have focused more on lighter or supporting roles. What makes his performance in 'Family Law' stand out is his profound emotional depth and nuanced portrayal, which brings a fresh intensity and authenticity compared to his previous, perhaps more conventional, performances. This role not only highlights his range as an actor but also positions him prominently within the dramatic television landscape.
Eden Summer Gilmore
Sofia Bianchi
Brenden Sunderland
Nico Bianchi
Bobbi Charlton
Jerri Rifkin
Brett Kelly
Cecil Patterson
Crew of Family Law
Full backstage crew list →