The lives and cases of young lawyers who work on opposite sides - the public defender's office and the district attorney's office - as well as those who sit in judgment on their cases.
Public defender, Jerry Kellerman, defends a man that he is certain is innocent. Jerry struggles on the case while in front of a judge that despises him. Meanwhile in the DA's office, Michelle tries to right a wrong in a rape trial while the office doesn't want to be embarrassed by a wrong conviction.
Jerry defends a man accused of murder but the only eyewitness is in Guatemala. Michele has the chance of trying her first murder trial and tries to remember to be a good lawyer in the process. Meanwhile, Richard defends a man accused of assault and Charlie runs into a former lover in the courtroom.
Jerry defends a mentally ill client and runs into problems with Judge Kessler. Richard defends a woman who caused problems due to a welfare check and may not be able to take care of her grandmother if she is convicted.
Richard's wealthy father offers Roz a job. Jerry defends a mother whose arrest may have something to do with her testifying in a murder trial. Judge Kessler continues her quest as a political candidate.
Jerry takes on an emotional case of the murder of a young boy. As the press coverage intensifies, Balco takes over as lead prosecutor. Bobbi defends a family man charged with possession of heroin. Jerry finally meets Bobbi's husband and they continue to flirt.
Jerry defends a man who followed a hit and run driver and then stole from him. Bobbi's latest case involves a domestic -violence dispute which has the wife refusing to press charges.
Jerry defends a client who he is sure is innocent. Jerry gets a sign that he should go with a bench trial, but it seems there are some politics going on in the background. Richard receives extra attention from his law student. Judge Kessler is called in for a favor.
One of Charlie's friends is arrested and Charlie arranges to have Jerry handle the case, but then is put in front of Charlie's boss, Judge Kessler. Michelle calls Jerry in to intercede on one of Bobbi's cases.
Jerry defends an HIV-positive man charged with attempted murder due to the fact that he spit in a police officer's face. Jerry must go up against Mitch Baker, an arrogant assistant DA. Bobbi and Richard defend a 14-year-old who was possibly involved in a murder. Judge Kessler plans a trip to Italy and invites Charlie along.
The appeals court overturns the conviction of a black firefighter accused of stealing property from a body found during a fire. The court finds that Judge Kessler was wrong to disallow testimony. Roz and Balco have to go and retry the case and they find racism to play a major part. Jerry finds some information out about Bobbi's husband but doesn't know if he should share it. Charlie deals with conflict between him and Judge Kessler.
