For those who enjoy a taste of legal drama, it is almost impossible not to be swept away by courtroom television shows such as Judge Judy, Judge Mathis, or Hot Bench. Launched in 2014, Hot Bench quickly gained traction and a dedicated fan base. Judge Patrica Dimango, Judge Tanya Acker, and Judge Larry Bakman composed the original trio of judges until 2016, when Judge Michael Corriero stepped in to replace Bakman.
Each judge brought his or her own unique blend of humor, expertise, and experience to the show. Bakman, known for his charismatic and entertaining presence, proved to be a significant draw for the audience. His careful case analysis and insightful legal advice were notable highlights of the show’s first two seasons.
His Decision to Leave
However, at the end of the second season, Bakman announced he would not be returning for the third. His departure stirred disappointment among fans, and social media buzzed with calls to “bring Bakman back”. Bakman’s immediate replacement, Michael Corriero, faced initial resistance from fans who found his calm demeanor at odds with the dynamic energy of Judges DiMango and Acker. But what led Bakman to leave the show?
Larry Bakman Shift from Television to Legal Practice
Larry Bakman departure from the program Hot Bench was not without cause. The renowned legal professional decided to shift his focus to his legal practice. As he expressed in a Facebook post, he left television to tackle more “serious matters”.
His words were, “My practice is incredibly busy. I’m handling serious cases, including domestic violence, solicitation of murder, and voluntary manslaughter. This is a far cry from the small claims we dealt with on Hot Bench.” This decision reflects a personal evaluation of growth, directing efforts where they are most needed.
Larry Bakman experiences and expertise in dealing with criminal cases were evident on the show. He shared with Jlife, his extensive experience of conducting Jury trials for over two decades. He has dealt with some of the most notorious criminal gangs, including the Aryan Brotherhood, RICO entity, Nazi Low Rider, and Mexican Mafia. He has a knack for cracking open cases through aggressive cross-examination, often leading to members flipping on each other. Such victories filled him with pride.
Bakman admitted that jury trials stimulate him. He prefers criminal cases because of the learning experiences they provide. While doing a show has its limitations, working in a courtroom allows for a more in-depth and realistic handling of cases.
Bakman’s prolific legal career began at The University of California Los Angeles, graduating cum laude with a BA degree. He then proceeded to Southwestern University School of Law for his Juris Doctorate. His career has been marked by tenacity, dedication, and consistency.
He served as LA’s City Attorney, where he defended numerous cases filed by the US government. His extensive work with criminal cases has shaped him into a seasoned criminal attorney. He later established his practice, primarily focusing on criminal defense. Bakman also served as a judge for the West Los Angeles Municipal Court and the Van Nuys Municipal Court. He now practices in six jurisdictions within the United States.
So there you have it, the actual reason behind Judge Larry Bakman’s exit from Hot Bench. While fans may wish for his return, the likelihood remains slim. The foreseeable future sees him contently managing his practice.
The Departure of Judge Larry Bakman from Hot Bench
Courtroom dramas have captivated audiences for years, with shows like Judge Judy, Judge Mathis, and Hot Bench pulling in viewers from all walks of life. Launched in 2014, Hot Bench has steadily gained a dedicated following, largely thanks to the dynamic trio of judges – Patricia Dimango, Tanya Acker, and Larry Bakman. However, in 2016, the team saw a change when Judge Michael Corriero took over from Bakman. The unique format of the show, with judges discussing cases in their chambers before delivering a verdict, combined with each judge’s unique flair and expertise, was a hit with audiences.
Larry Bakman, through his engaging style and thorough legal insight, quickly became a crowd favorite. However, after contributing to Hot Bench for two seasons, Bakman announced that he would not be returning for the third season.
Not all, with some fans finding him too laid-back, warmly received Judge Corriero’s entry and his energy mismatched with the other two judges. This led many to wonder, where did Larry Bakman go.
A Shift to Legal Practice
Bakman’s exit from Hot Bench was not without reason. The esteemed legal professional decided to devote his attention to his legal practice. As revealed in one of his Facebook posts, Bakman left the television world to pursue more “serious matters,” stating that his caseload included complex and high-stakes cases such as domestic violence and solicitation of murder, a significant shift from the small claims cases of Hot Bench.
Bakman’s expertise in dealing with hardened criminals was evident on the show. In an interview with JLife, he shared his experiences of handling notorious criminal gangs and his knack for cross-examining gang members, often leading them to turn on each other. Bakman expressed a distinct thrill in dealing with criminal cases in a real courtroom, something that he felt Hot Bench couldn’t fully encapsulate due to its focus on being entertaining.
Bakman’s illustrious legal career began at The University of California Los Angeles, where he graduated cum laude with a BA degree before earning his Juris Doctorate at the Southwestern University School of Law. His departure from Hot Bench marked a return to focusing on this passion for law.
