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.

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.