WE tv Sets Two Legal-Based Series

WE tv has greenlit two new law-based reality series that will debut in 2016, network executives said Tuesday.

Ladies Of Law follows a group of four African-American female lawyers specializing in entertainment law in New York City, while Sisters In Law follows the exploits of five Texas-based, African-American female civil and criminal lawyers, according to the network.

“Legal dramas have long been a popular TV genre but have not been represented in the unscripted space -- until now,” said Marc Juris, WE tv’s president said in a statement. “The very nature of ‘the law’ coupled with the intense personalities of lawyers gives us a wide range of storylines and characters to showcase.  Behind each of these attorneys is a rich story waiting to be told.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.