Network: ABC
Episodes: 168 (hour)
Seasons: Eight

TV show dates: March 4, 1997 — May 16, 2004
Series status: Cancelled/ended

Performers include: Camryn Manheim, Steve Harris, Michael Badalucco, Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Lara Flynn Boyle, Marla Sokoloff, Jessica Capshaw, Ray Abruzzo, Jason Kravits, Holland Taylor, Bill Smitrovich, Linda Hunt, Rhona Mitra, James Spader, and Richard McGonagle.

TV show description:
Attorney Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott) has idealistic dreams of protecting the innocent but soon learns that guilty clients are more likely to be able to pay the bills. It’s one of many regular ethical dilemmas.

Bobby runs the Robert Donnell and Associates law firm in Boston, Massachusetts and hires a number of attorney associates like conscientious Jimmy Berluti (Michael Badalucco), single mother Ellenor Frutt (Camryn Manheim), former private investigator Eugene Young (Steve Harris), high-strung Jamie Stringer (Jessica Capshaw), and Bobby’s ex-girlfriend, Lindsay Dole (Kelli Williams).

Rebecca Washington (Lisa Gay Hamilton) is the firm’s longtime receptionist who eventually becomes a lawyer. Wise-cracking Lucy Hatcher (Marla Sokoloff) replaces her as secretary.

Working for the opposition at the District Attorney’s office are diminutive Richard Bay (Jason Kravits), handsome Alan Lowe (Ron Livingston), and relentless Helen Gamble (Lara Flynn Boyle).

Several characters leave the firm late in the series and Tara Wilson (Rhona Mitra) and Allan Shore (James Spader) are hired to replace them.

When the series ends, Tara and Allan move to the spin-off Boston Legal.