Why Carey Lowell's Jamie Ross Left Law & Order

Carey Lowell played the role of Jamie Ross, a hard-nosed defense attorney, in the NBC crime procedural Law & Order. Introduced in 1996, Ross appeared in two full seasons before Lowell decided to leave the show. The actress explained that her departure was due to her desire to spend more time with her newborn daughter, as well as her divorce and custody battle.

Law & Order addressed her exit by having Ross leave her position at the Manhattan District Attorney's office to prioritize her family. While Lowell pondered what could have been, she ultimately felt her daughter's wellbeing was her top priority. Despite the writers not killing off Jamie Ross, Lowell returned to the show on several occasions in the following years, including guest appearances in Seasons 10, 11, and the spin-off Law & Order: Trial by Jury.

After Law & Order was canceled in 2010, Lowell reunited with the series for its revival in 2022, once again taking on the role of the ADA. Her return to the show was met with excitement from viewers, and her experience filming Season 21 differed greatly from her previous time as a main cast member, as she had less control over her schedule.