Fictional Attorney of the Month: Philip Banks

James Avery died this past New Year's Eve. He was perhaps known best for his portrayal of Philip Banks in the television sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," starring Will Smith as his nephew from the streets of Philadelphia now living in a posh Los Angeles suburb with his extended family.

Judge Banks was a Princeton and Harvard Law alum who practiced law at the southern California law firm of Firth, Wynn and Meyer. He was appointed to the bench and served as a judge for the bulk of the show's run. He even experienced the joys of campaigning for political office, as California elects its judges.

And, in his honor, he's this month's Fictional Attorney of the Month.