Pilot episode for the TV series introduces the lawyers and employees of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak, a Los Angeles law firm, in dealing with their courtroom cases and personal matters out of the courthouse. While the entire office deals with the unexpected death of one of the founding senior partners, Norman Chaney, junior partner Michael Kuzak reluctantly takes on the defense of a wealthy and spoiled young man, accused with two friends, of raping a woman dying from leukemia. While intern Abby Perkins deals with her abusive alcoholic husband, divorce lawyer Arnie Becker takes advantage of his latest client caught up in her divorce. Public defender Victor Sifuentes is also offered to join the firm, while the ruthless managing partner, Douglas Brackman, deals with a surprising revelation from his new secretary.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Richard DysartLeland McKenzie | Leland McKenzie |
 Alan RachinsDouglas Brackman, Jr. | Douglas Brackman, Jr. |
 Corbin BernsenArnold Becker | Arnold Becker |
 Jill EikenberryAnn Kelsey | Ann Kelsey |
 Michael TuckerStuart Markowitz | Stuart Markowitz |
 Susan RuttanRoxanne Melman | Roxanne Melman |
 Harry HamlinMichael Kuzak | Michael Kuzak |
 Susan DeyGrace Van Owen | Grace Van Owen |
 Jimmy SmitsVictor Sifuentes | Victor Sifuentes |
 Michele GreeneAbby Perkins | Abby Perkins |
 Alfre WoodardAdrianne Moore | Adrianne Moore |
 Joe PantolianoRalph Cavanaugh | Ralph Cavanaugh |
 Shannon WilcoxLydia Graham | Lydia Graham |
 Tom O'BrienJustin Pregerson | Justin Pregerson |
 Juanin ClayJudge Alice Ratakowsky | Judge Alice Ratakowsky |
 Robert KnepperGeorgia/George Buckner | Georgia/George Buckner |