Betsy flirts with Nolan's brother Keith, and takes advantage of his attraction to her to gain information on Nolan's possible involvement in a financial scandal years ago. Brandt boldly interviews Nolan's mother Elizabeth, searching for confirmation of Nolan's guilt. But when Nolan confronts Brandt and explains the situation, he reluctantly must admit that she is blameless. Meanwhile, the justices argue whether or not students should be required to report misconduct by their peers. And an environmental debate results in a flock of birds being released into the courtroom by protesters.

Nolan looks both good and bad in cases involving securities fraud and abortion. But her clerks don't exactly cover themselves with glory. Meanwhile, Harlan and Betsy pursue what could be a major coup in the abortion-case story; and Nolan's long-time Ohio aide rejoins her in Washington.