Alan Shore, a controversial lawyer, joins a law firm and, with the help of his friend Denny Crane, wins civil cases using unethical methods.
In season 2, Alan and Denny defend the case of a young woman accused of murdering her wealthy, elderly husband, before Denny defends a congressman who has not fulfilled his campaign promises.
Controversial legal cases continue at the law firm, as Alan is involved in helping a man overcome his fear in an unconventional way that causes legal problems, while Shirley defends a dying man, and finds herself facing a brilliant lawyer in the case of a murdered judge who was having an affair.
Shirley becomes embroiled in a lawsuit with Stanford University, while a junior attorney tries to save a client in a seemingly impossible murder case, and the office takes on the defense of an AIDS-stricken teen demanding her right to a comprehensive education.
New events unfold in this legal drama, as Alan and Denny take on more controversial cases. Alan finds himself face to face with an old flame, while Denny is preoccupied with his own personal problems, and in the meantime, Shirley is waging her own legal battles.