*Fox has given a script plus penalty commitment to “Justice,” a legal drama from “Scandal” co-executive producer Judy Smith, reports Deadline.com.
Smith, a former “fixer” in Washington, is the inspiration behind “Scandal” lead character Olivia Pope.
“Justice,” also inspired by Smith’s own story, centers on a high-powered African American woman who is made the new U.S. Attorney and how she works with her team of attorneys who take on local and federal cases all the while trying to fix the problems in their own life before secrets unravel.
Smith served as an Assistant United States Attorney and was Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney of the District of Columbia before she took a job at the White House as Deputy Press Secretary to President George H. W. Bush and subsequently founded her crisis management company that inspired “Scandal’s” Olivia Pope and Associates.
“Justice” is written by Jeremy Miller and Daniel Cohn (“Entourage”). Miller, Cohn and Smith will executive produce under studio 20th Century Fox TV.
In addition to serving as co-executive producer on “Scandal,” Smith also co-executive produces “BrainDead,” CBS’ summer drama series created by Michelle and Robert King.
During her time in Washington, Smith was involved in some of the most famous legal cases and scandals in recent history — including those involving Michael Vick and David Paterson. She advised Monica Lewinsky during the Clinton scandal and was involved in the Iran-Contra investigation, the prosecution of former Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry for drug possession, the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings, the Chandra Levy investigation, the Enron congressional inquiry and communications during the Washington, D.C., sniper case.
Smith also worked with celebrity chef Paula Deen in the wake of revelations she had used the N-word. Smith was hired to help Deen recover from her downfall that ensued, including the loss of multiple business deals.
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