The title of ABC's "Practice" spinoff originally reflected its roots in that long-running series. After a name change, though, it sounds more like another David E. Kelley show -- from another network.

The series, which will debut Sunday, Sept. 26 in "The Practice's" old timeslot, is now called "Boston Legal" -- a more generic title than "The Practice: Fleet Street," but better than "Untitled 'Practice' Spinoff," by which it was known for most of the spring.

In jettisoning the "Practice" name from its title, "Boston Legal" further cuts ties with its predecessor (and, perhaps, conjures up an association with Kelley's cancelled FOX series, "Boston Public," even if there is none). Kelley has said that his involvement with the new show won't be as heavy as on some of his past series so that it can develop a voice of its own.

"Legal" stars James Spader as ethically flexible attorney Alan Shore, who joined the high-powered firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt in the final episodes of "The Practice." William Shatner, Rhona Mitra and Lake Bell also reprise their roles.

The show will be somewhat less serious than "The Practice." Kelley, who's executive producing with Bill D'Elia, Scott Kaufer and Jeff Rake, has compared it to the tone of "L.A. Law."