Set in Boston, "The Practice" centers on the passionate attorneys of Donnell, Young, Dole & Frutt. To these lawyers every case is important, every client worth a fight to the end. Legal maneuvering is the firm's modus operandi and they have it down to a science, making even the most questionable arguments seem convincing. And while they can't -- and don't -- win every trial, the pursuit of justice remains the priority until the final verdict is announced ... and sometimes afterwards. Pursuing justice, however, often confronts the firm with serious ethical and moral issues of conscience.

Leading the team is head partner Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott), a suave, astute attorney whose good looks take second chair to his adeptness and ardor in the courtroom. Yet while relentless on the job, Bobby has surrendered his heart to Lindsay Dole (Kelli Williams), his partner in the practice and in life. Last season Lindsay fittingly gave birth to the couple's first child, Bobby, Jr., on the courtroom floor. Fatherhood prompted Bobby to take a closer look at his priorities and the consequences of his actions, an introspection that remains in progress.

Maintaining the firm's steadfast reputation are partners Ellenor Frutt (Camryn Manheim) and Eugene Young. Ellenor is well known for her fervent commitment to clients, regardless of the evidence against them, and for refusing to take "no" for an answer. Eugene Young (Steve Harris) can find and argue the weakness in even the toughest case and, more often than not, it's that weakness that gives the defense a fighting chance. In addition Eugene's strength-under-pressure makes him the logical stand-in as firm leader, when Bobby's unable to do the job.

Rounding out the practice are Jimmy Berluti (Michael Badalucco), a hard-working "good guy" who, despite a winning record and unparalleled loyalty to the firm, still awaits partnership status; Rebecca Washington (Lisa Gay Hamilton), an associate with profound instincts and a strong interest in seeing justice prevail; and Lucy Hatcher (Marla Sokoloff), firm secretary/resident spitfire who's always quick with a sarcastic remark or an all-knowing smirk.

Keeping the defense attorneys on their toes is no-nonsense A.D.A. Helen Gamble (Lara Flynn Boyle). One of the District's top prosecutors, Helen is unyielding in her quest to put the accused behind bars. Joining the department this year is A.D.A. Alan Lowe (Ron Livingston), a hotshot prosecutor hand-planted by the D.A. to second-chair Helen on a high-profile murder case. Alan is as talented -- and stubborn -- as Helen is, and she knows it.

"The Practice" stars Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell, Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt, Kelli Williams as Lindsay Dole, Steve Harris as Eugene Young, Lisa Gay Hamilton as Rebecca Washington, Michael Badalucco as Jimmy Berluti, Lara Flynn Boyle as A.D.A. Helen Gamble, Marla Sokoloff as Lucy Hatcher and Ron Livingston as A.D.A. Alan Lowe.

"The Practice" was created by David E. Kelley. Mr. Kelley and Bob Breech are the executive producers. Kathy McCormick is the co-executive producer. It is produced by Gary M. Strangis. The series, which premiered on March 4, 1997, is a David E. Kelley Production in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television.

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