When Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) enters the office of Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen), he notices something is amiss. She and Brad Chase (Mark Valley) are having a disagreement of some sort. Paul discreetly leaves, but Denise later tells him what happened. Brad, a former Marine, wants to have a military wedding. Even though Denise is proud of his service, she knows her family would not be keen on the idea. Out of all suggestions, she is most uncomfortable with a full color guard in attendance.

When Paul talks to Brad, it seems the younger partner expects his future wife to read his mind as to his wishes. Paul strongly suggests communication is key to a relationship, and Brad should not be getting married if he can't explain his side of the story. Later, Brad does.

After Brad's father returned from Vietnam, he was not given a hero's welcome. Brad does not want people to forget about the military work in Iraq. He simply wants respect for the military brought out whenever possible. Denise does not give him an answer, but thinks it over.

On the legal front, Alan Shore (James Spader) helps Judge Gloria Weldon (Gail O'Grady, in a guest star role) with an unusual narcotics possession charge. Alan knows going to court is a likely loss. He goes to see the District Attorney (Currie Graham), and lays out the situation. The sole testimony is from a man whose mental state is fragile. Plus, the DA's boss, the Attorney General, was once involved with Gloria. Alan points out nothing about this case will help the DA's run for re-election. The DA drops the charges.

Gloria is grateful, but Alan surprises her with his payment request. He wants to take her to dinner, with a kiss at the door on their third date. This is terribly tame for Mr. Shore, but this time he is more interested in dating than sex. Alan then must stop Denny Crane (William Shatner) from hitting on Gloria. They come to an agreement — Alan will stay away from Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) if Denny stays away from Gloria. Only time will tell if the arrangement holds out.

Shirley and Claire Simms (Constance Zimmer) take on the case of a man who was spontaneously cured of HIV. He now wants to market his blood to a pharmaceutical company and reap the benefits. Of course, any book deal would be welcome. There is only one hitch — the internist who was monitoring his health got a patent on his DNA.

Going to court is the only solution. After the defendant takes the stand in his own defense, he only makes things worse. The judge rules accordingly, and the law firm suffers a loss.

Unfortunately, the day brings a double loss after Clarence Hall (Gary Anthony Williams) is hired by a woman kicked out of a sorority for being socially awkward. Clarence tries to settle out of court, but opposing counsel is Jerry Espenson (Emmy Winner Christian Clemenson). Alan sneaks in the back door of the courtroom, and watches his assistant go to battle against a friend. They both rise to the challenge of closing arguments, but the judge rules in Jerry's favor.