In 1860s Russia, judicial reform granted open jury trials and right to defense counsel, leading to star lawyers whose high-profile cases drew large audiences rivaling theater.

In the 60s of the XIX century, Alexander II carried out a number of liberal reforms, one of which was the judicial one. An important innovation was the openness of jury trials and the right of any defendant to defense. Thus, by the end of the 70s - the beginning of the 80s in St. Petersburg and Moscow, a separate group of lawyers began to stand out among lawyers, many of whom were real stars, and high-profile trials with their participation began to attract hundreds of spectators, competing with theatrical performances.