Elizabeth Canterbury (Julianna Margulies) takes a case that hits close to home as she defends a young man accused of kidnapping and murdering a little boy. Much to the chagrin of her partner Russell Krauss (Ben Shenkman), Elizabeth will do whatever it takes to prove her client's innocence - even if it means bending the law. She enlists the help of her colleagues Chester (Keith Robinson) and Molly (Trieste Dunn), and that of a private investigator, Frank Angstrom (James McCaffrey), with whom she happens to be having an affair. Tension runs high between Elizabeth and her husband Matt (Aidan Quinn) as their marriage struggles to recover from the loss of their young son, Sam.

The tables turn when prosecutor Zach Williams' (Terry Kinney) accusations force Elizabeth Canterbury (Julianna Margulies) to defend a new client - herself. Pressured by his father to find a new job, Chester (Keith Robinson) must choose between sticking by Canterbury's side or jumping ship. Meanwhile Molly (Trieste Kelly Dunn) conceals a secret about her legal credentials that could jeopardize the entire firm.

Despite the legal malpractice charges filed against her, Elizabeth (Julianna Margulies) takes on a case involving a dead teenage girl and her two backstabbing classmates who may know the truth about her killer. Elizabeth will go to any length to prove her client's innocence, even if it means incriminating her own reputation.

Elizabeth tries to cut a deal and get her affairs in order, but Russell, Chester and Molly begin building a surprise defense involving Elizabeth's prosecutor, Deputy Attorney General Zach Williams.

An ethical debate stirs up Canterbury & Associates when Elizabeth (Julianna Margulies) defends a confessed rapist in a case that is influenced by the press. Chester (Keith Robinson) takes on a lawsuit that conflicts with his father's political goals, while Molly (Trieste Kelly Dunn) anxiously awaits the results of her bar exam.