'Law & Order: SVU': Paula Patton joins the cast

"Law & Order: SVU" is getting a new assistant district attorney in the form of "Precious" star Paula Patton.

Patton will appear in multiple episodes of the veteran NBC series as ADA Mikka Von. Her character is described as a "charming and savvy" prosecutor who comes to work with the Special Victims Unit, starting with the season's fifth episode.

The character is the third ADA to sign up for extended duty with the SVU, following Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and Casey Novak (Diane Neal).

"When I saw Paula Patton give that terrific performance in the multi-Oscar nominated 'Precious,' I knew she'd be perfect for 'SVU's' new assistant district attorney -- she's funny, warm and witty with a penchant for justice," executive producer Neal Baer says. "And it happened. She's starting in episode five. How cool is that?"

Baer also notes via Twitter that Patton's character's name is an anagram for Kim Novak. Hmm -- one character named Novak and another with an anagram for the actress' name. We sense a pattern from Baer.

"Law & Order: SVU" begins its 12th season on NBC Wednesday, Sept. 22.

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