The Accidental Jurist

what happens

Kuzak decides that a private trial with a closeted judge is the best way to win to retain his gay client's multi-million dollar endorsement contract with a cereal manufacturer, but when the verdict goes against him, his client is unwilling to seek another trial based on an ex parte statement revealing the judge's bias because it will force the judge out of the closet; Perkins confronts Ringstrom after Kelsey tells her he's married, and ends the relationship after she fakes a reason to visit his house and meet his wife; Meyer and Melman separate after they arrive at directly opposite solutions to their marital problems, but reconcile after Melman is forced to acknowledge some hard truths during a therapy session; the lack of a good nanny brings Kelsey and Markowitz troubles, and their daughter to the office.

who made it

directed

Jan Eliasberg

written

Steven Bochco, David E. Kelley

guest cast

Billed for this episode only — the turn people remember an episode for.

• Brian McNamara as Matt Leonard
• Donald Moffat as Lawrence O'Neil
• Joyce Hyser as Allison Gottlieb
• Wayne Northrop as Bill Ringstrom
• Jack McGee as John Brianson
• Elizabeth Hoffman as Jeanne Rubens
• Michael Cavanaugh as Paul Richardson
• Dann Florek as Dave Meyer