A state trooper targets Zach, putting Alicia on the offensive; Kalinda decides to face her problems; Diane and Will explore the firm's financial issues.

As the firm undergoes budget and staff cuts, Will hopes his first post-suspension case will result in a big paydat; Alicia unexpectedly helps Peter's campaign.

Will and Alicia represent an Internet startup in a lawsuit against a search engine that may be manipulating results; Eli tries to avoid a possible scandal for Peter's campaign.

An opposing lawyer keeps Alicia and Diane on their toes by constantly changing tactics; Eli is successful in protecting Peter's image.

When Lemond Bishop's accountant is arrested, Diane and Alicia must determine if the feds are going after his drug money or legal business; Nick causes more trouble for Kalinda.

When a female military officer accuses a civilian contractor of attempting to rape her in Afghanistan, Alicia tries to prove that he is not protected by a law prohibiting servicemen from suing the military. Meanwhile, a surprising new obstacle appears in Peter's quest for the governorship.

During a trip to Washington, D.C., Cary has an uncomfortable reunion with his father (John Shea); a former client asks Alicia for help; Will and Diane question Clarke's most recent strategy.

Louis Canning's attempts to delay a deposition could complicate Will's latest and potentially lucrative case; Diane and Will have a face-off with Clarke.

Alicia is presented with a career-changing offer that includes a substantial financial risk; Diane and Will confront their creditors; Eli and Jordan don't agree on a possible attack on Maddie's campaign.

Zach makes a discovery that leads Alicia and Cary to believe that the Lockhart/Gardner firm is spying on them; Will helps one of Alicia's former clients; Clarke Hayden (Nathan Lane) offers financial advice to Florrick/Agos.

Alicia is shocked to learn that a former client bequeathed her millions, but Lockhart/Gardner quickly contests the will on behalf of the deceased’s wife. Meanwhile, Diane asks Kalinda to look into Damian’s background. Also, Eli and Marilyn are concerned about Peter being seen with Alicia’s more disreputable clients at the Florrick/Agos holiday party.

Lemond Bishop is arrested on a drug-related charge, possibly due to a leak within Alicia's firm; an agent from the office of public integrity contacts Marilyn.

When Alicia is asked to be the keynote speaker at the American Bar Association conference in New York City, she looks to her past for inspiration. Meanwhile, the competition with Diane and Will continues as Alicia and Cary battle to align with a powerful New York lawyer. Also, Will turns to an old acquaintance when it becomes clear that Nelson Dubeck's investigation into possible voter fraud isn't going away.

Florrick/Agos takes on the case of an NSA whistleblower, only to learn that the agency has been monitoring the firm as well as Alicia’s personal life. Meanwhile, Diane faces the difficult task of working alongside Louis Canning when he joins Lockhart/Gardner. Also, Alicia goes after the State’s Attorney when he attempts to make Finn a scapegoat in the Jeffrey Grant case.

The futures of Florrick/Agos and Lockhart/Gardner are at stake when the firms consider merging, driving a wedge between Alicia and Cary. Meanwhile, Diane makes a big decision when Louis Canning challenges her role at her firm.