Based on Andrew Neiderman 's novel, it is about a gifted young Florida lawyer invited to work for a major New York City law firm. As his wife becomes haunted by frightening visions, the lawyer slowly realizes that the firm's owner John Milton is the Devil. An adaptation of Neiderman's novel went into a development hell during the s, with Hackford gaining control of the production.
Filming took place around New York City and Florida. The Devil's Advocate received mixed reviews, with critics crediting it for entertainment value and Pacino's performance.
It also became the subject of the copyright lawsuit Hart v. Warner Bros. Kevin Lomax is a Gainesville , Florida , defense attorney who has never lost a case. While defending schoolteacher Lloyd Gettys against a charge of child molestation , he realizes that his client is guilty. Nevertheless, Kevin proceeds with his defense, destroying the victim's credibility through a harsh cross-examination and securing an acquittal for Gettys. A New York City law firm asks Kevin to assist them with a jury selection.
After the jury delivers a not-guilty verdict, the head of the firm, John Milton, offers Kevin a job, which he accepts. Kevin and his wife Mary Ann move to Manhattan. Kevin is soon working long hours and neglecting Mary Ann. Kevin's Christian fundamentalist mother Alice, whose only sex was to conceive Kevin, urges the couple to return to Florida after meeting Milton.
Kevin refuses. Kevin is assigned to represent billionaire Alex Cullen, who is accused of murdering his wife, his stepson and a maid.
