‘The Lincoln Lawyer’: Everything to Remember Before Season 4

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Fans of The Lincoln Lawyer will be glad to know the show is coming back to Netflix on February 5, 2026. That’s about a year and a half after Season 3 finished airing. Season 4 will pick up with Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) facing a difficult situation, one that developed at the end of Season 3. To understand what happens next, it’s helpful to remember the key events and surprising ending of the previous season.

What Happened to Mickey at the End of Season 3?


Netflix

In the third season, which has received perfect reviews (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), Mickey Haller continues to defend clients, even those who appear to be guilty. This season’s central case revolves around Gloria Dayton, nicknamed “Glory Days,” a former prostitute and police informant who befriended Mickey. He saw potential in her and wanted to help, making her death a personal matter for him. Convinced a drug dealer she previously informed on is responsible, Mickey decides to defend Julian La Cosse, who is accused of Gloria’s murder and was her online associate.

The investigation leads Mickey to a dangerous conspiracy involving a corrupt DEA agent, James DeMarco (Michael Irby), and a Mexican drug cartel, putting his life at risk as usual. He manages to get Julian released from jail while digging deeper into the situation. Mickey also reaches out to former detective Neil Bishop (Holt McCallany), who finally confesses – along with DeMarco – to their involvement when faced with the truth. Bishop testifies, revealing he accepted bribes to stay silent about the cartel’s activities and unknowingly contributed to Gloria’s death, though he didn’t believe DeMarco would actually kill her. Overwhelmed with guilt after his testimony, Bishop tragically takes his own life with a hidden gun right in the courtroom.

It’s amazing to see Julian finally out of prison and on the mend, though it’s heartbreaking to hear about the attack he suffered inside. I was so glad to see Mickey step up and offer to help him with a lawsuit against the police – it’s the right thing to do. Honestly, the case seems to be really weighing on him, and he was even thinking about giving up practicing law altogether. But then his daughter Hayley came to visit, and it completely changed things! She told him she’s thinking about becoming a lawyer herself, wanting to follow in his and Maggie’s footsteps, and it gave him the boost he needed to keep going. And speaking of Maggie, their relationship is… complicated, to say the least! So many fans, myself included, are really rooting for them, even though they seem like they could either be perfect together or a complete disaster. It’s definitely keeping things interesting!

The season ends four months after the main events, with Mickey helping Julian sue the LAPD for what happened to him, potentially winning a settlement. Back at the office, Izzy discovers a disturbing photo revealing DeMarco’s death, signaling the cartel’s retaliation for his exposure. Simultaneously, Mickey receives a call from cartel leader Hector Moya, who confirms he ordered the hit. Though troubled, Mickey believes justice has been served and the case is closed—but that may not be the full story.

Fresh off a victory in the Julian case, Mickey celebrates with his team and takes a well-deserved vacation. But even with time off, he’s still at heart the Lincoln Lawyer – it’s just part of who he is. While driving to enjoy his break, he’s pulled over by a police officer who notices his rear license plate is missing. Mickey is baffled, assuming it was stolen. Things quickly turn much worse when the officer spots a red liquid leaking from the trunk and asks to see inside. The trunk reveals a shocking sight: the body of Mickey’s former client, Sam Scales, dead in his wheelchair. Mickey is immediately arrested for murder, and now faces the biggest case of his career – defending himself.

What We Know So Far About ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 4


Netflix

The season ended with a huge twist: Mickey is being falsely accused of something. While everyone knows he’s innocent, it’ll be tough to prove with all the evidence against him. Netflix has confirmed that the next season, with 10 episodes, will focus on Mickey trying to clear his name. Meanwhile, Lorna and the rest of the team will be working to keep the business afloat and repair its reputation while he’s gone.

Ted Humphrey, a co-showrunner for the series, explained to Netflix Tudum that the Season 4 premiere will quickly cover what’s happened since Mickey was arrested and what legal trouble he’s in. He also said, “This will be Mickey’s most difficult and deeply personal struggle yet, and the most thrilling ride we’ve created for viewers so far.”

Mickey needs to find out who is setting him up and what their motive is if he wants to clear his name. This could be connected to Gloria’s case, or perhaps Hector Moya is somehow involved. The question is, why was Scales targeted? Was he simply a convenient victim, or did he have connections to someone who wanted him dead and wanted to make it look like Mickey did it? Scales had plenty of enemies, so it’s hard to say. Mickey himself isn’t without people who’d want to harm him. Moya likely has bigger plans than just one murder or a simple bribe. This could even be related to something that happened a long time ago.

Who Will Be in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 4?


Image via Netflix

Season 4 will bring back most of the show’s main cast, including Diego Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey, Roselyn Newton as Lorna, Jasmine Raycole as Izzy, Angus Sampson as Cisco, Molly Campbell as Maggie McPherson, Elliott Gould as David Siegel, and Carla Warner as Hayley. Yaya DaCosta won’t be returning as Andrea “Andy” Freeman. Joining the cast is Constance Zimmer (known for shows like Boston Legal, House of Cards, and UnREAL), playing Dana Berg, a tough and determined prosecutor with a history with Maggie. She’s earned the nickname “Death Row Dana” and is expected to be Mickey’s most challenging opponent this season.

Cobie Smulders, known from How I Met Your Mother and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is also joining the cast, but her character’s details are currently being kept secret. Sasha Alexander, who has appeared in shows like NCIS, Rizzoli & Isles, and Shameless, will play FBI Agent Dawn Ruth in a recurring role. Her character will attempt to persuade Mickey to stop his investigation. Kyle Richards, famous for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, will play Celeste Baker, who seeks out Lorna’s help with her divorce after hearing about Lorna’s success in similar cases.

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Scott Lawrence, an actor known for roles in shows like Paradise and Sugar, and also the voice of Darth Vader in several Star Wars video games, will play Judge Stone, a just but firm judge presiding over Mickey’s trial. Jason Butler Harner (from Ozark) will portray Detective Drucker, a homicide detective who becomes a major obstacle for Mickey. Emmanuelle Chriqui (known for Entourage) will play Jeanine Ferrigno, the girlfriend of a gangster who uncovers information that could help Mickey’s case.

The show will also feature Jason O’Mara (known from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Blood of Zeus) as Jack Gilroy, Maggie’s handsome new boyfriend who is an orthopedic surgeon. Famous chef Nancy Silverton will appear as herself in a cameo role. And Javon Johnson (The Oval) joins the cast as Carter Gates, a former criminal who’s built a successful life but is now facing a murder accusation.

Mickey is almost certain to avoid prison and prove his innocence, but the process will likely be difficult and have significant consequences for his career and personal life. The upcoming season promises to be thrilling, and with all episodes available at once, it’s ideal for a February binge-watching session.

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2026-01-04 19:24