P.J. Brown

As chief, Miranda is faced with the repercussions when Ben operates on a pregnant mother even though he does not have the proper surgical equipment.

Alicia and Diane agree to let a famous liberal lawyer (Jeremy Breslow) aid them on their latest case, but they soon realize he may not have their client's best interests in mind. Meanwhile, Alicia's mother (Stockard Channing) arrives for Thanksgiving seeking moral and legal support from Alicia and her brother Owen. Brian Dennehy returns as Lawyer Bucky Stabler and Bebe Neuwirth returns as Judge Friend.

When Will is convinced that a judge is biased against his client, he and Alicia risk the judge's wrath by demanding a hearing to determine if another judge should take over the case. Meanwhile, Grace is affected by the death of a classmate and starts falling for a "bad boy," Zach looks for a way to help Peter's campaign, and Kalinda becomes suspicious of Nick. Judd Hirsch guest stars as Judge Creary and Amanda Peet returns as Laura Hellinger.

Alicia goes on the offensive when Zach is targeted by an overzealous state trooper. Meanwhile, after her estranged husband tracked her down in last season's finale, Kalinda decides to stand her ground rather than continue hiding, and Diane and Will delve into the firm's financial problems.

As Will defends a man accused of murder, Alicia attempts to influence the outcome of his case by aiding the prosecutor in a nearby county who is trying another man for the same crime. Meanwhile, Eli feels heat from the Justice Department, and Nick's actions force Kalinda's hand. Hamish Linklater guest stars as Department Official David LaGuardia.