A civil-rights issue hinges on the casting choice for a version of "Annie"; a child-custody battle turns ugly; an adultery case involves Crane.

While out with Tara, Alan ends up causing a bar room brawl and as a result, becomes arrested for conspiracy to commit assault and battery. Shirley and Denny represent a man whose steakhouse is being put out of business because the public wants to ban red meat for fear of Mad Cow disease.

Denny's strong conservative values are put to the test when the firm represents a Democratic congressman who refused to keep a promise to his supporters. Alan tries to forget about Tara as he prepares to defend Catherine who is on trial for murder. Meanwhile, Sara is given a bizarre ultimatum.

Alan finds himself all alone against the firm when he decides to defend Jerry Espenson from charges of attempted murder, torture and terrorist threats.

Denise and Daniel Post get closer as Daniel second chairs a case against parents who are constantly harassing their daughter's teacher.

Meanwhile, Paul is worried about the impact Denny's pending nuptials may have on the firm.

Alan and Denny defend a man charged with murder after he euthanized his wife with Alzheimers.

Meanwhile, long-lost family members return when Shirley's ex-husband asks her to be "best man" at his wedding and Paul tracks down his estranged daughter.

While in LA, Alan takes on the case of TV star Courtney Rae, who is arrested after shooting a photographer who she mistakes for a stalker. But Denny and Barry make life difficult when they won't stop making sexual advances toward their client.

Meanwhile, Denise resorts to underhanded tactics to eliminate Marlene from the picture, but the plan backfires when she is caught by Paul. And Brad enlists Shirley's help in trying to persuade the judge in his niece's trial to lower the sentence.

Crane Poole & Schmidt's new lawyer makes his mark while defending a man charged with killing a judge. Meanwhile, Denny's Internet romance creates trouble at the firm, and Alan helps a cross-dresser who's out of a job.

Lincoln's obsession with Shirley takes a dangerous turn; Jerry and Alan's collaboration in a murder trial leads to a scotch-and-cigar session, which makes Denny jealous.

The past comes back to haunt Denny when a vengeful man forces the firm to find a different outcome in a decades-old murder trial. Meanwhile, Alan is jailed for contempt of court while defending a prostitute.

Alan and Denny defend brothers charged with murdering their father; and Jerry and Clarence represent a woman with enormous gambling debts who blames her misfortune on a casino.

Senior partner Carl Sack clashes with Denny after the latter is arrested. Meanwhile, Shirley needs Alan's help when a university wants a donation, and Jerry assists another new attorney in a homicide case.

Alan and Jerry go after a tabloid talk show when a women is murdered for turning down a marriage proposal on the air. Meanwhile, Denny hopes a dinner invitation from Shirley will rekindle their long-ago romance, and Lorraine advises Alan to seek help after he confesses a childhood transgression.

Alan and Denny mark their acceptance into the Auxiliary Coast Guard, but their relationship is tested when a Massachusetts town wants Alan to help it secede from the U.S., and Denny represents the opposition.

Alan answers a call for help from Bethany Horowitz in a suit against a tobacco giant, but he suffers a crisis of confidence when the opposing counsel turns out to be an old girlfriend. Meanwhile, Denny is plagued by a case of performance anxiety.

Alan and Shirley help a minor in a legal battle over her pregnancy, and Jerry takes up his own defense when he faces aggravated-assault charges after an encounter with a bully.

Financial problems may force Crane, Poole & Schmidt to be put up for sale. Meanwhile, Alan petitions the Supreme Court for Denny's access to a non-FDA approved medicine; and Shirley and Carl plan their wedding.

Financial problems may force Crane Poole & Schmidt to be put up for sale in the series finale, which also finds Alan petitioning the Supreme Court for Denny's access to a non-FDA approved medicine, and Shirley and Carl planning their wedding.