The Lincoln Lawyer’s Legal Siegel Death: A Tribute To The Ocean’s Trilogy

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The recent death of a major character in season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer has surprised many fans, especially since it differs from the original books. However, those familiar with the George Clooney crime comedies from the early 2000s might have seen it coming.

One of the most significant changes in season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer compared to Michael Connelly’s novel, The Law of Innocence, is the death of David “Legal” Siegel. While the book doesn’t feature his death, the series shows Elliott Gould’s character passing away from a heart attack offscreen, with Mickey Haller learning the news from his ex-wife, Lorna Crane.

Interestingly, this plotline is similar to what happens to the most famous criminal character created by the author, in the third Ocean’s film directed by Steven Soderbergh. The experienced actor plays Reuben Tishkoff, a wealthy businessman who works with George Clooney’s Danny Ocean and acts as his guide throughout the three movies.

The Lincoln Lawyer Kills Off Elliott Gould Character “Legal” Siegel In Season 4

The death of Legal Siegel is likely the most surprising moment in the fourth season of The Lincoln Lawyer, particularly because it wasn’t part of the original book the season is based on. Shortly after speaking with lawyer Lorna Crane, Legal seemingly dies of a heart attack while riding a bus in Los Angeles.

Later in the fourth season’s sixth episode of The Lincoln Lawyer, Lorna receives devastating news. The show previously depicts her husband, Cisco Wojciechowski, being violently attacked, leading viewers to believe the call is about his death.

It’s especially shocking to learn of Legal Siegel’s sudden death from a heart attack. This means Mickey Haller will have to continue the series without the guidance of his longtime mentor.

Gould’s Ocean Trilogy Character Reuben Tishkoff Suffers A Similar Fate In Ocean’s 13

Warner Bros. Pictures

Okay, so I noticed a really clever little nod in The Lincoln Lawyer. When Elliott Gould’s character has a heart attack, it instantly brought me back to Ocean’s 13. Remember Reuben Tishkoff, the oldest guy in Danny Ocean’s crew? Well, we find out offscreen in Ocean’s 13 that he almost died from a heart attack! It’s a fun connection, and a nice touch for fans of the Ocean’s films.

Although Reuben Tishkoff is still considered one of the original eleven, a heart condition has left him hospitalized and unable to participate in heists, leaving Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan without their experienced guide. While Reuben survives in Ocean’s Thirteen, his brush with death mirrors the fate of David “Legal” Siegel.

“Legal” Siegel & Reuben Tishkoff Are Very Similar Characters

The way Legal died isn’t the first time Elliott Gould’s character in The Lincoln Lawyer has mentioned Reuben from the Ocean’s films. The scene at the beginning of season 2, episode “Obligations,” strongly resembles the moment Danny and Rusty recruit Reuben in Ocean’s Eleven.

Legal and Reuben are highly experienced in their fields, having spent years mastering the skills used by the main characters in their stories. Their primary purpose is to mentor Mickey Haller and Danny Ocean, sharing their knowledge and expertise with them.

The recent death of Elliott Gould’s character on The Lincoln Lawyer wasn’t accidental. It mirrors a similar event in Ocean’s Eleven, where Reuben Tishkoff, a character Gould also portrayed, died offscreen. The show seems to be drawing a connection between the two roles.

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2026-02-11 21:41