Denny is asked by the US government to defend a suit against the 'global gag rule'. New Associate, Marlene Stanger, nicknamed "The Squid" comes to Crane, Poole and Schmidt and upsets Denise.

The Courtney Reese trial starts in California and Alan must prove a self-defense case. Denise learns some hard truths regarding Marlene. Brad has to deal with a judge with a grudge against drug-case defendants in order to keep his niece from a long prison sentence.