Drama set in a law office in Boston, focusing on a charismatic attorney, Bobby Donnell, who defends those who have been abandoned by the legal system while he resists the lure of high-powered law firms. He shares his rundown office with: Rebecca Washington, a novice fellow lawyer and former paralegal/office manager; Eugene Young, an aggressive private investigator-turned attorney; Ellenor Frutt, a sensitive and opinionated prosecutor; and recent Harvard Law graduate Lindsay Dole. The office finds itself in continual conflict with District Attorney Helen Gamble, both professionally and personally.

This season, Donnell & Associates is now Donnell, Young, Dole & Frutt. Former paralegal/office manager/receptionist Rebecca has been granted some of the privileges of partnership, but a disgruntled Jimmy Berluti still has to put in another year before he can join their ranks. Lindsay Dole, who instigated the push for partnership, tries to persuade Helen Gamble to join the firm.