Say what you will about Alan Shore (James Spader), he is good at his job and honest with clients. When Kaye Kent (Kate Hodge, Working) comes to him wanting help, there is an immediate problem. She wants a certain line of dolls removed from store shelves as they are too racy for young children. Alan knows he has little chance of winning, but agrees to talk to the lawyer representing the store.

Unfortunately, this turns out to be Jerry Espenson (Emmy Winner Christian Clemenson). The two attorneys are estranged after Alan used intimidation tactics to throw Jerry off balance during a court case ("The Good Lawyer"). Making amends is out of the question for Jerry, who has turned into an even more obnoxious version of Alan. They end up going to court, but the bad day gets worse considering Judge Gloria Weldon (Gail O'Grady, NYPD Blue) is someone Alan slept with. Jerry implies he knows all about it, but thinks the judge can remain impartial. To Alan's dismay, she stays on the bench.

Back at the firm, Clarence Hall (Gary Anthony Williams), Alan's assistant, tells Alan he needs to be on his toes and not let Jerry win. Alan takes the message to heart and heads back to court. He presents a closing argument with his usual verbosity. Jerry is next, but reverts to "Hands", which helps tremendously. The argument is simple, but effective. From the bench, the judge tells Alan he has lost. Jerry and Alan quickly renew their friendship.

Denny Crane (William Shatner) gets down to the business of law when Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois), one of the firm's managing partners, tells him a potential new associate has arrived for an interview. Paul is concerned since Denny has a habit of speaking his mind, no matter how politically incorrect. Denny reminds Paul whose name is on the door, and handles the interview himself.

The resulting discussion turns political but Kevin Givens (Jaleel White, Family Matters) holds his own. He declares he does not want his voting preferences to be the reason he is hired. Denny is impressed, but later makes a racial comment which throws the firm into a tailspin. Paul and Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) confront Denny, but they are not prepared for the media backlash. It's not unreasonable to think Kevin called the press himself in order to embarrass the firm into hiring him.