NEW YORK -- James Spader is joining The Practice. The star of sex, lies and videotape will play an ethically challenged lawyer next season on the ABC drama, the network said.

After dodging cancellation to come back for an eighth season, the show is changing its cast, largely to save money. Star Dylan McDermott and five other cast members have left.

Rhona Mitra, who played the college temptress in The Life of David Gale, also is joining the show as a "tough-as-nails" paralegal.