All Rise (2019–…): Season 3, Episode 1 - Episode #3.1 - full transcript
previously on all rise.
You're gonna be one of
those creative judges.
You say it like
it's a bad thing.
we finally
have a judge who's fair.
This is davis sanders, strategist
for my attorney general campaign.
- Is, uh, your new law clerk?
- Ness johnson.
Meet our newest clerk,
mr. Luke watkins.
- It's over.
- it ain't over, amy quinn.
About time somebody did
something nice for you.
Hold down the fort for
me while I'm gone, okay?
we are in for a ride.
I'm curious to see what kind of
judge you're gonna be in a few years
when you're not so
wet behind the ears
and have learned the
rules of the game.
this is way too close.
The numbers are just coming in.
We're only halfway through our
reported districts. We're still okay.
- This is not good.
- hey, we don't know that yet.
There's no way cuthbert
could win, right?
Not good at all.
She had the endorsements
and the money behind her.
She can most definitely win.
Where's lola?
robin, just relax.
You said cuthbert couldn't win.
She had a lot of might behind her,
but there's plenty of time left.
Yeah, we should
not panic just yet.
We ran a great campaign.
There'll be no panicking.
who's telling her?
You or me?
whatever. Bye.
- Who was that?
- It was rachel.
She was apologizing for
not making it back to la
and warning me not to trip
on my way up to the podium
- when I give my acceptance speech.
- Mmm.
- I am giving an acceptance speech, right?
- Of course.
How many districts
have reported in?
60%.
But corrine cuthbert
is edging ahead.
It's okay. We've got options.
- What?
- No. Option a.
You kick her ass in
this judgeship race,
we go back to our
normal, wonderful life.
- And option b?
- We take a little time out for ourselves
and our 18-month-old daughter.
Maybe a change of scenery
will do us all some good.
I have always wanted to spend
some time in martha's vineyard.
Say the word.
Thank you, husband.
No.
Thank you, wife.
corrine cuthbert is now
leading by 10 points.
I know everyone is seeing
the same numbers I'm seeing,
but I am telling you that we
are still in it to win it.
I wanna thank you all
for coming here tonight
and showing your support for
putting your all into this campaign.
it looks like it's gonna
be a long night .
But, we are not going anywhere.
- hey, you're awake.
- Mmm.
- You okay?
- I think I'm still in shock.
Yeah, that was a shocking thing.
Never in a million years did
I think I would lose my seat.
I blame sanders.
But...
Might be a blessing in disguise.
Maybe the universe is trying to
tell us we need to take some time
time for what?
Go to costa rica?
Or martha's vineyard.
And before you say anything,
roxy already agreed
to watch bailey.
And I've been looking at some
rental properties in oakland.
When did you have
time to do that?
- Your baby is a g man.
I still have some connections.
What do you say?
Let's take advantage of this
once in a lifetime opportunity.
Come on.
- Let's do it.
- Yes!
- who could that be?
- It don't matter.
go right over here.
yo, carmichael.
It's me. Open up!
sanders,
you are really overstepping.
What the hell are
you doing here?
You need to call
corrine cuthbert.
Call corrine why?
To take back your
concession speech.
You won.
I... I won?
I... I won!
here you go. Breakfast
of champions.
And I got you your
favorite muffin.
- I even had to fight off a grandma for it.
- No,
callan, no bribery by muffin.
Amy, it has been six months.
You're the one who proposed
to a married woman.
A separated married woman.
- You said you'd be patient.
- By any definition of that word, I have been.
answer your phone. We'll
talk about this later.
We're not done.
Bye, callan.
The lola coaster rides again.
I can
barely believe it myself.
Somewhere between the last reported
districts and the vote by mail ballots,
- it all turned from cuthbert... Thank you...
- Enjoy.
To me.
I'm proud of you, lo, but it
shouldn't have even been close.
But it was and I'm not
taking it for granted.
Wanna celebrate? I can
meet you at the beach
- in 30?
- Can't, I'm on my way in.
- They're making you work already?
- Benner insisted.
In fact, she demanded it.
I don't know. Guess I'll
find out soon enough.
- Meet up later?
- Where? We've been banned from the rooftop.
Staircase is like the
underground railroad now.
- Find somewhere new?
- All right. Go good.
Go good.
- thanks.
- You got it.
ann?
- Oh, sorry.
- excuse me.
Whoa, slow down. You practically
knocked my coffee out my hands.
- I'm sorry, dude, I'm late.
- Hey, do me a favor.
- Call off your dda hounds.
- And what's that supposed to mean?
They're being relentless.
They won't even consider negotiating
plea deals with me, especially maggie.
You're the one who left the da's office
to go be with your girlfriend at pd.
You know I did not make
this worse because of emily.
Well, whatever you tell yourself to get
through your lonely days, my friend.
The pd's office is
just a better fit.
When was the last time
you heard from lopez?
Whatever your reasoning,
most of the dda see
it as a betrayal.
- Including you?
- You think there wouldn't be any blow back?
so that's
how it's gonna be.
- That's how it is.
- Mmm.
We still on for trivia night
at big wings on Thursday?
Absolutely.
It's been a steady stream from
the moment I hit the door.
people are very
excited for your return.
Wow, I never thought about
how grateful I'd feel
to be pulling up to
this building again.
Uh, your first case is a prelim
on a smash and grab robbery.
The defendant is an
18-year-old foster kid
who put the owner in a coma
after the two scuffled.
Couldn't I come back
to something lighter?
When is wedding day
back on the dock?
it's just
first day back jitters.
I mean, you took a month
off for your campaign.
You almost lost.
- sherri.
- Yes.
My key card isn't working.
Wait, did they
deactivate my card?
Don't panic. I am on it.
- sir!
Sir?
Can you please just let me in?
- Please?
please do not tell me you deactivated
judge lola carmichael's key card.
Yes.
Right now.
Thank you.
sherri.
Sara.
Oh, now I'm hearing things.
it's me. Turn around.
- hi!
You're back! Did you
finally come to your senses?
I have gossip about benner.
- Okay. One sec.
- You will not believe what...
Yes, I know there
was a grave mistake.
Now fix the grave
and let her in.
Okay, thank you.
wait, is your key card working?
Yeah.
I might need this. Okay go.
Rumor has it judge benner met with
the commission on judicial performance
- this morning.
- No.
- Yes.
- But what does that have to do with judge benner?
Unless it has to do
with judge carmichael.
I will leave that
sleuthing up to you.
Oh, it's like old times.
Okay don't touch that.
Ooh! I'm late for my first
day in the da's office.
Or you could just come back.
I miss you, too.
The da is not willing
to make an offer.
Am I going to
jail, mr. Watkins?
- I can't go to jail.
- I'm trying to keep that from happening.
Listen, I get pulled
into the system,
then my brothers
will get separated.
- Weren't they with your foster mom?
- She can't handle them both.
She'll have to send one away.
I promised that I
would be the one
- to be there to take care of them.
- Okay. Okay.
The store owner is
still in a coma.
I didn't mean to push him.
I panicked.
I was just... I was just
trying to get out of the store.
With a pair of
sneakers in your hand.
But listen, I'll keep
working on the da.
Hopefully not having
a record will help us.
- beautiful.
beautiful. Beautiful.
hi. Betsy flick.
I was sent over for the
stenographer position.
- Sherri kansky, right?
- Yes.
Heard a lot of great
things about you.
It would be a real
honor to work with you.
Really? An honor.
Hey, girl.
carmichael.
carmichael, what are
you doing on the floor?
Well, when you're done with
whatever, come see me, please.
Ah, welcome back.
thank you.
come on.
this gift giving
has got to stop.
Dangerous beauty?
Callan.
Have you narrowed
down your selection?
Picking troy's replacement as head
deputy da should not be my job.
Ooh, airpods.
- Not bad.
- You're enjoying this, aren't you?
Look, I asked if you'd
take the job, you refused.
- now it's your choice.
My choice would be you never should've
gotten rid of troy in the first place.
- I didn't, he was promoted.
- Yeah,
- he was transferred to pomona.
- I would suggest
you pick troy's successor
sooner rather than later
or stop being difficult and
just take the job yourself.
Hmm.
okay, higher.
Down the way. Yeah,
switch to the left.
- A little more.
- Would you like to ask what I think?
No, I'm good.
- You got a problem with it?
- No.
It looks great, in fact.
Mmm, turn her on.
perfect. Thank you,
guys, so much. I appreciate you.
In the future, I would
love to be consulted first.
Yeah, I did call you,
but you didn't answer.
- I don't think...
- And then I facetimed rachel
and got her on the way to court.
Although the dc traffic did
sound a lot like caribbean waves,
but I digress, I did
my due diligence,
and consulted the
powers that be.
- And voila.
- Rachel happen to mention when she was returning?
No, but she did say something
about the case she was working on
somehow raining down
money on the firm.
she always says that.
Well, I will just be happy when you
are able to take on new clients.
Though, I appreciate all
of the organizing, filing,
calling and everything you're
doing to keep us afloat.
lisa, should I worry corrine
cuthbert never conceded...
Judge carmichael, I want you
to meet judge thomas marshall.
The infamous judge
lola carmichael.
infamous, I wouldn't
quite put it like that.
your
reputation precedes you.
Reputation?
Congratulations on retaining
this seat at the 11th hour.
- Thank you, sir.
- I look forward to getting to know you very well,
so that I can judge for myself.
A little judicial humor.
talk to you later, lisa.
You bet.
I'm not sure if I'm on his
good side or his bad side.
I wouldn't think too much on it.
Thomas is a hard one to read.
He can be rough
around the edges,
but he grows on you.
You'll have plenty of
time to figure it out.
- He's joining the fray.
- Really?
Does that have anything to do with you
meeting with the judicial committee?
News certainly travels
fast, but no, it doesn't.
Just be conservative in your
rulings in the next few weeks.
What does that even mean?
Corrine cuthbert challenging your
seat put you on an elevated stage.
- Even more eyes on you.
- Including judge marshall?
All I'm asking is for you to park
the lola coaster temporarily.
You faced the fire,
rose to the occasion
and came out of it
smelling like a...
Petunia.
Hmm.
Don't push it.
In my courtroom, there will
be no talking, no eating.
- Phones must be turned off or on silent.
- take a seat.
Be right back.
Maggie.
You cannot keep
denying my client...
You're the one denying
your client, watkins.
You still haven't
made me an offer.
- Assault by means of force.
- Are you kidding me?
The great bodily injury
suffered by the victim?
The kid can either get a pc 211
robbery or a pc 245 with gbi.
- Either way it's a strike.
- Maggie, it was an isolated incident.
What happened to the store owner
- was an accident, my client does not have...
- I already told you,
- we're not parading...
- A police record despite
- growing up in foster care.
- With a no-strike.
- whoa, wait. Maggie.
Did you just growl at me?
- So you're not gonna listen to reason.
- mr. Watkins.
Looks like you're the winner and
the first person to break my rules.
Let's hear it for
mr. Watkins, everybody.
all rise. Court
is now in session.
Honorable lola carmichael
judge presiding.
- miss sara castillo.
if you had bet me a year ago we'd be
working together in the da's office,
- I would've lost my shirt.
- you know what you're getting yourself into?
- Yeah, you know,
I finished my training, I
shadowed a few victim's advocates
and I know the job's not easy,
but I am looking forward
to helping victims
- and witnesses become survivors.
- That's the right attitude.
Just like your
best friend lopez.
- Hmm.
- Welcome.
- So do I get an office or?
- Desk.
- Take your pick.
- Oh.
Oh. Okay.
Maybe I should find
my first assignment.
Tricia ornelas.
Her dad was left in a coma
after a smash and grab
in their family-owned
sneaker store
- and maggie's the dda.
- She's already in 802.
- What?
- Good luck.
Uh... thank you.
dad! Dad!
go, go, go! Bro!
Now, miss ornelas, is the person who
violently pushed down your father
- in this room?
- Yes.
- can you point him out for me?
- He's right there at the table
wearing the gray vest.
Identifying the defendant.
- No further questions, your honor.
- mr. Watkins.
You said my client
was wearing a mask.
- Yeah.
- And that he was wearing a hoodie
with the hood pulled up, right?
- Yeah.
- So are you saying you can identify my client,
even though his face was
hidden by a mask and a hoodie?
- No, um, what I'm trying to say...
- thank you, miss ornelas.
mr. Watkins, I don't
believe the witness was finished
answering your
previous question.
Miss ornelas, please continue.
What I was trying to say
is that they scuffled.
My father grabbed him
and pulled down his mask.
That's when I saw his face.
No further questions,
your honor.
- what is this?
- My hours.
- I'm not yet a salaried employee.
- You're also not an attorney.
- What? You're asking for overtime?
- I ordered
and made sure all the furniture
was delivered to every office,
updated the firm's website,
updated future firm events.
- I've been busting my butt.
- It's called paying your dues,
- not overtime.
- In my world, I like to call them expandable hours.
And I appreciate
every expandable hour
you have committed to this firm.
Since rachel's been gone,
- you have been an absolute asset.
- Now we're talking.
Practicing law, billable hours
will come to you
after you pass the bar
and get hired to work
here as an attorney.
In the meantime,
if you don't mind.
All of this?
Please and thank you.
your honor, the people call...
no, no, no.
- Miss palmer.
- your honor.
I'm sorry to say that mr. Ornelas has
succumbed to his injuries and has died.
Due to the change
in circumstances,
- the people will be dismissing this complaint and refiling.
- objection!
- Your honor...
- adding the charge of murder in violation
- of penal code section 187a.
- Objection, your honor.
- Mr. Watkins!
- I ask that the case be dismissed.
That the defendant be remanded
and bail set at 2 million
and that he be ordered forthwith
to the arraignment court.
Your honor, may I
confirm with my client?
- Do that in arraignment court.
- There is nothing to talk about.
Miss palmer! Please try
to restrain yourself.
Previously posted
bond is exonerated.
The defendant is remanded
- into the custody of the sheriff's department.
- Oh, wait, wait hold up.
Hold up, I was only 17.
- How can I go to jail?
- What?
I'm sorry, what
did you just say?
- I was only 17.
- Your honor, I need time to confirm that this is true.
- Your honor, the people will not...
- miss palmer, I will consider
the people's motion to dismiss
and refile murder charges,
in the event the defense is
unable to prove by a preponderance
of the evidence that mr. Paolo was, in
fact, a juvenile at the time of the offence.
- Your honor, this is just a ploy...
- mr. Watkins, I need to see
- proof of your client's age.
- Yeah. Sure.
Due to the change
in circumstances,
I will be remanding mr. Paolo
and increasing bail to $500,000.
judge carmichael, kudos on
your epic comeback from behind.
- Hello, jonas.
- And I thought you were a goner.
Glad to prove you wrong.
- Me, too.
- Though your support throughout my campaign
- did surprise me.
- Oh, well.
Someone comes for
a judge's seat,
it's as if they're
coming for us all.
And here I thought
I was special.
Well, you can go
on thinking that.
Just know from now on, it's
back to business as usual.
- So good to see you. Welcome.
- Oh, nice to see you.
What can you tell me about him?
- Judge marshall?
- Mmm.
Not much.
Rumor is that he's even
more conservative than I,
which make sense that he
would be interested in you.
What makes you say that?
He's headed this way.
hello, judge carmichael.
Judge marshall.
I heard that the defendant in the
courtroom was possibly a minor.
- Hmm.
- Now I would have to see irrefutable proof
before dismissing
adult court action.
It seems we think alike.
I will only certify the
case to juvenile court
if the defense proves
he was a minor.
Interesting.
this is gonna be fun.
Who tells the cops they're 18
when they're actually a juvenile?
I just didn't want them
calling my foster mom
'cause she's got
enough to deal with.
Me and my brothers
would be bounced around.
- Her house was the first one that felt like a home.
- You knew
if they thought you were an
adult, they wouldn't call.
I just didn't think lying about
my age was gonna be a big deal.
You gotta get me out
of here, mr. Watkins.
- Well, do you have someone that can pay bail?
- No.
- No.
- Well, we need to prove your age.
So I gotta stay here?
Until I get proof,
you stay.
They're asking
insurance, arrangements.
I can help you talk to them.
Help you with seeking restitution
and finding other resources.
I thought he was gonna wake up,
and this whole
nightmare would be over.
it was hard enough losing
my mother to covid.
Now I lose my father to
some senseless robbery.
I know exactly how you feel.
Have you lost a parent too?
No.
You know nothing of how
I feel, ms. Castillo.
You're right.
I want that asshole to pay for
what he took from my family.
Juvie is too easy, I want
his life for my father's.
You're suing me?
Not you, the firm.
Wow, that got here a lot
faster than I expected.
Have you lost your mind?
This is not how you treat people who are
ultimately in the position to hire you.
Or recommend you elsewhere.
And though I commend you
for this strategic move,
I would like for you to point your
powers for bad away from this firm.
It's just a small, little lawsuit,
I'm sure the firm can handle it.
- lisa.
- carmichael.
How is it being back?
Enlightening, talk to me
about judge thomas marshall.
- Has he said or done anything?
- No.
Not exactly, but my
gut is telling me
that I'm suddenly being
watched from within.
Newsflash, carmichael,
you've been watched
since the moment you first
took your seat on the bench.
Hi quizzed me on how I
ruled on my recent case.
- He's testing you.
- Why?
What are you not telling me?
Lisa!
she's being so entitled.
Well, you gotta ask
yourself two questions.
One, does she bring
value to the company?
And, two, with rachel gone,
does she make your job easier?
Yes, and...
Yes, but that does not give her
the right to sue the company.
- Hey, you know, maybe I should sue you for a wedding date.
amy, for real,
what is the holdup?
I mean, is it still collier?
Don't start with collier.
All I'm saying is maybe
I should talk to him,
you know, just
fiance to husband.
Stay away, callan.
- He has enough to deal with medically.
- right.
Can we just get the
firm back on its feet?
And then I will turn my attention
back to the wedding, okay?
Let me get my stuff.
I just think people are
gonna never stop coming for me.
Now I got judges testing me.
Think you're being
paranoid, baby.
After everything I've been through,
you're calling me paranoid?
Are you tired of fighting?
That's the question that
you have to ask yourself.
Which side of the line
are you going to stand on?
Just last night, we were
going to pick up bailey
and go start a whole
new life somewhere else.
If that's what you wanna
do, I'm still down.
Look at you, with
the sage wisdom.
Is my sage wisdom
turning you on?
'cause that's what
I need to ascertain.
Mmm, a little
bit, ooh.
mmm.
Hey, watkins.
Tomorrow's another
day, you know?
I'm not sure that'll make
much of a difference.
Are we talking
about the case or...
It's okay, you can say her name.
I'm leaving around 2:00.
But there's a reason why I had "bad
bitch" on my nameplate, over there.
- Your nameplate does not say that.
- In my mind, it does.
And it should in yours too.
So, how's it going?
I'm hoping that my client isn't staring
down 25 years to life in prison.
Yes!
Miles's the birth certificate.
Is it the original?
I'm thinking that'll take
too long, he's a foster kid.
Fingers crossed
they accept a copy.
And that your kid gets sent to juvenile
court and not tried as an adult.
Mr. Watkins.
Um.
Your honor, this is a photocopy
of miles's birth certificate.
Your honor, I object to anything
that's not an original document.
I've got the
original right here.
Mama shelton, you shouldn't
be here. Why are you here?
thank you
for coming, mrs. Shelton.
- Miles, it's okay, everything's gonna be fine.
- I asked you not to call her.
I've got his id too.
thank
you, you can have a seat.
Thank you, burke.
This appears to be an original copy
of the defendant's birth certificate,
showing mr. Paolo indeed turned
18 after the alleged incident.
-Miss palmer. Any objections?
-No objection, your honor.
However, that does not end
the jurisdictional analysis.
This is a copy of the
incident recall report
from the lapd that shows that the
incident was ongoing past midnight,
when the defendant
was legally an adult.
The victim's daughter
called 911 at 12:07 a.M.
And stated that the suspects had just fled
in a vehicle and provided the plate number.
This means that mr. Paolo was
17 when the incident began
and turned 18 in
the middle of it.
Is that what you're
understanding, mr. Watkins?
ahem.
- okay.
Your honor, the
complainant in this case
alleges that the date
of the incident was
the day before my
client turned 18.
That means he was 17 on the
date of the alleged incident.
- Ms. Palmer.
- The people will be amending the complaint,
to reflect the fact that the
incident spanned two calendar days.
Counsel, you are both
ordered to find authority
for your respective positions
and brief the issue.
For now I'm going to
suspend proceedings
in this matter until we resolve
the jurisdictional issue.
Hang in there.
You have both made it clear
that I'm not an attorney,
but that does make me a
non-salaried employee at this firm,
thus I am entitled
to overtime pay.
Under the fair labor standards
act and california law,
as a professional you are
not entitled to overtime pay.
You have made it clear that I'm not a
professional, so you can pay me accordingly.
Well, yeah, um...
Amy, your turn.
We will discuss, amongst the
two of us and get back to you.
Hmm. Thanks for
hearing me out.
The audacity.
She is good.
- She is gonna make a hell of an attorney on day.
- Agreed.
So, what do we do?
I am going to leave it into
your very capable hands.
Just deal with her amy quinn
style, she'll get the message.
Bye, quinn.
I'm assuming you know something
I don't, which is fine,
you're the supervising
judge, it is your right.
But if it has anything
to do with me,
please just give me a heads up,
because I don't like surprises.
Most, ugh, surprises at least.
I've been designated
to the court of appeal.
That's it?
I... Don't get me wrong. Lisa!
This is huge! Congratulations!
Well, why wouldn't
you tell anybody?
I hadn't decided to
take it just yet.
It means that I
no longer will be
with the hoj and working
with all of you and, frankly,
it gives me pause.
But it is a huge opportunity.
Oh, it's what I've worked for.
I mean, your decisions
can become opinions
and if those opinions are
published, you get to establish law.
I know.
So what's the problem?
I just feel it isn't the
best time to be leaving
and judge marshall
is in the running
to, , take over the
supervising judgeship as is laski.
Wow.
Oh, you've come against worse.
Yeah, I barely
eked out this one.
But you did.
You won.
Yeah, you still feel the need
to be a buffer for me here.
You've come up to the
challenge every time,
even pushing back as you're doing
right now with me to do better.
And now it's time
for you to show them
what you showed me these
past couple of years.
why you've won.
will you slow down?
- Where are we?
- Old tunnels underneath the courthouse.
Doesn't matter. Give me
the goods on marshall.
For starters, he makes
laski look like rbg.
He is cut and dry
when it comes to law.
He never wavers, ever.
Why are you so
interested in marshall?
Because I am pretty sure he
is going to become my boss.
- Where's benner going?
- Court of appeal.
- So, how's your thing going?
- It's not.
Got maggie palmer and berger smiling
at me with daggers for teeth.
I want choi's job in a bad way.
- Any ideas?
- Yeah, you take it.
No!
No, no, no, I am a lone wolf.
I'm not a manager of folk.
Mark, come on, let's be honest,
you are more of a domesticated
cat than a lone wolf.
Now how the hell do
we get out of here?
oh, my god.
I can't... I just
can't believe you're here.
I hope the puerto rico was
all that you dreamed and more.
Honestly, I really don't care.
Don't get me wrong,
luke, andy, the others,
they have really been
pulling their weight.
Especially luke, he
really surprised me.
- Carol?
- yeah.
Luke missed you, of course,
he'd never admit it.
Basically threw
himself into work.
That's what I love about
you, lopez, your doggedness,
- in and out of the courtroom.
- Carol, I...
- look, you're barely back and here you are, ready...
- to leave.
What?
I'm leaving.
To go where?
To... Look, don't...
To practice holistic law.
Really helping clients, beyond
just their immediate legal needs,
helping them find creative,
constructive solutions
to whatever isn't
working in their lives
and then helping them
navigate through all of that.
- And you can do that here.
- I can't.
Not with 50 to 100 clients to
help at any given moment. I can't.
- Where will you go?
- I have no idea.
Which makes me really excited.
And scared, at the same time.
Both.
But if the last 6 months
have taught me anything,
it's that whatever
happens, I will be okay.
you always have a job here.
You're a tremendous boss.
- Really?
- Yeah.
How soon do you have to leave.
Uh, effective immediately.
But, um, there's someone
I have to see first.
- someone.
- yeah.
- where's ms. Palmer?
- I needed to talk to you first.
Mr. Watkins, come back
when you have ms. Palmer.
This kid is not a hardened
criminal, he made a mistake.
One plus one equals
three is a mistake,
intentionally robbing a store,
resulting in a man's death, is a felony.
Goodbye, mr. Watkins.
- I need you.
- Do not start a sentence with "can I".
I do what the law
tells me to do.
Sometimes you try...
I try to sometimes
do what others don't.
I try to give everyone
a fair crack at the law
and I try to judge
without prejudice or bias,
which is why I can't have ex
parte communications with lawyers.
- Now go, mr. Watkins.
- Yes, your honor.
the law draws a bright line.
It states that a person's birth
date is deemed to be midnight
on the date of their birth.
However, the facts of
this case blur that line.
Upon review of the surveillance
video, introduced by the people,
the shove that resulted in the death
of the decedent occurred at 11:58 p.M.,
which is before mr. Paolo
was legally an adult.
Under these circumstances,
I believe that the gravamen
of the alleged offence occurred
while mr. Paolo was still a minor.
Therefore, I believe
fundamental fairness
requires that this case be
certified to juvenile court.
Ms. Palmer, if the people wish
to try mr. Paolo as an adult,
they are free to file a transfer
motion in juvenile court.
Your honor, I'd like to
state, for the record,
that I will definitely
be pushing my office
to file a transfer
motion in this case.
- What does that mean?
- It means, mr. Paolo,
that if it were solely up to me
to decide whether to transfer you
to adult court to face 25 years
to life, or be released at 25,
frankly, I don't
know what I would do.
Contrary to what some people
in this room may believe,
powerful consequences for such
a dire decision, learn from it.
I'm so sorry.
- it's okay.
- I'm sorry.
- What's this?
- An order of summary judgment.
- Dismissing your lawsuit.
- what?
You failed to exhaust
admin remedies
- before the california labor commission.
- okay.
Well, then I'll just...
Claims typically go first
through the labor commission.
- How long does that take?
- over 6 months.
The alternative would
be for you to just be
a salary professional
at the firm.
We would hire you
as a paralegal,
while you await
your bar results.
Well, let me know
what you decide.
- come on, come on.
- oh, there she is.
- oh!
you did not have
to do all of this.
Yes, I did.
speech.
Oh, no, no, I'm not
gonna give a speech,
because this is
far from goodbye.
In fact, I'm gonna be
right across the street.
Then I would like
to say a few words.
Judge lisa benner
is a trailblazer.
When I first started this job,
she mentored and supported me,
but she also kept
my feet to the fire,
never letting up, allowing
me to be the kind of judge
I wanted to be, even
if she disagreed
with some of my more
creative methods.
And for that, she has
my utmost respect.
She constantly reminds me why I
became a judge and why I belong here.
And this election has proven that I
still have some work to do, even today.
I was reminded of my resolve
going forward, being staunch
in my pursuit of
justice and fairness.
And that will never waiver,
because you have shown me
that it doesn't have to.
So, thank you, lisa benner.
Besides being a mentor
and a supporter,
I am grateful to also
call you my friend.
oh, take some
pictures of my cake.
- Oh.
- Nice speech.
The campaign training has come
in handy, but watch your back.
Lots of eyes on you now.
- Edible balls?
- No, thank you.
- so, I didn't reach out to you before now...
- There's no need to explain.
Because there's something that
I wanted to tell you in person.
I'm leaving the pd's office.
And I am going
into holistic law.
I had the feeling you were up to
something, I just didn't know what.
I'll still be trying cases
in the hoj, so I'll probably
- be seeing a lot more of you now.
- Here?
- Or, um...
- I'm gonna be staying with my brother,
so there's that.
We're just glad you're back.
Puerto rico was good?
Life changing.
- And joaquin?
- He's good.
But he's not here.
Hey, watkins.
- I bet you're emily.
- yes.
I am emily and you must be...
I'm sorry, I have no idea.
Dahlia burke, new
bailiff in 802.
Oh, that's amazing.
- Uh, it's nice to meet you, dahlia burke.
- Just burke.
- Still wanna grab dinner?
- Absolutely.
Talk later?
Uh-huh, yeah, of course, yeah.
- Bye.
- bye.
Really happy you're back, em.
Yeah.
be right there, sherri,
I forgot the card.
Finally come to concede?
I came to congratulate.
- Next time, use the phone.
- I prefer a personal touch.
I want you to know this little
war of ours is far from over.
I didn't realize
we were in a war.
How nice of me to warn you.
I want you to see me coming,
'cause I love a good fight.
This election exposed
your vulnerabilities,
I look forward to
illuminating them.
- I welcome that, ms. Cuthbert.
- I do too, ms. Carmichael.
Judge carmichael.
for now.
You're gonna be one of
those creative judges.
You say it like
it's a bad thing.
we finally
have a judge who's fair.
This is davis sanders, strategist
for my attorney general campaign.
- Is, uh, your new law clerk?
- Ness johnson.
Meet our newest clerk,
mr. Luke watkins.
- It's over.
- it ain't over, amy quinn.
About time somebody did
something nice for you.
Hold down the fort for
me while I'm gone, okay?
we are in for a ride.
I'm curious to see what kind of
judge you're gonna be in a few years
when you're not so
wet behind the ears
and have learned the
rules of the game.
this is way too close.
The numbers are just coming in.
We're only halfway through our
reported districts. We're still okay.
- This is not good.
- hey, we don't know that yet.
There's no way cuthbert
could win, right?
Not good at all.
She had the endorsements
and the money behind her.
She can most definitely win.
Where's lola?
robin, just relax.
You said cuthbert couldn't win.
She had a lot of might behind her,
but there's plenty of time left.
Yeah, we should
not panic just yet.
We ran a great campaign.
There'll be no panicking.
who's telling her?
You or me?
whatever. Bye.
- Who was that?
- It was rachel.
She was apologizing for
not making it back to la
and warning me not to trip
on my way up to the podium
- when I give my acceptance speech.
- Mmm.
- I am giving an acceptance speech, right?
- Of course.
How many districts
have reported in?
60%.
But corrine cuthbert
is edging ahead.
It's okay. We've got options.
- What?
- No. Option a.
You kick her ass in
this judgeship race,
we go back to our
normal, wonderful life.
- And option b?
- We take a little time out for ourselves
and our 18-month-old daughter.
Maybe a change of scenery
will do us all some good.
I have always wanted to spend
some time in martha's vineyard.
Say the word.
Thank you, husband.
No.
Thank you, wife.
corrine cuthbert is now
leading by 10 points.
I know everyone is seeing
the same numbers I'm seeing,
but I am telling you that we
are still in it to win it.
I wanna thank you all
for coming here tonight
and showing your support for
putting your all into this campaign.
it looks like it's gonna
be a long night .
But, we are not going anywhere.
- hey, you're awake.
- Mmm.
- You okay?
- I think I'm still in shock.
Yeah, that was a shocking thing.
Never in a million years did
I think I would lose my seat.
I blame sanders.
But...
Might be a blessing in disguise.
Maybe the universe is trying to
tell us we need to take some time
time for what?
Go to costa rica?
Or martha's vineyard.
And before you say anything,
roxy already agreed
to watch bailey.
And I've been looking at some
rental properties in oakland.
When did you have
time to do that?
- Your baby is a g man.
I still have some connections.
What do you say?
Let's take advantage of this
once in a lifetime opportunity.
Come on.
- Let's do it.
- Yes!
- who could that be?
- It don't matter.
go right over here.
yo, carmichael.
It's me. Open up!
sanders,
you are really overstepping.
What the hell are
you doing here?
You need to call
corrine cuthbert.
Call corrine why?
To take back your
concession speech.
You won.
I... I won?
I... I won!
here you go. Breakfast
of champions.
And I got you your
favorite muffin.
- I even had to fight off a grandma for it.
- No,
callan, no bribery by muffin.
Amy, it has been six months.
You're the one who proposed
to a married woman.
A separated married woman.
- You said you'd be patient.
- By any definition of that word, I have been.
answer your phone. We'll
talk about this later.
We're not done.
Bye, callan.
The lola coaster rides again.
I can
barely believe it myself.
Somewhere between the last reported
districts and the vote by mail ballots,
- it all turned from cuthbert... Thank you...
- Enjoy.
To me.
I'm proud of you, lo, but it
shouldn't have even been close.
But it was and I'm not
taking it for granted.
Wanna celebrate? I can
meet you at the beach
- in 30?
- Can't, I'm on my way in.
- They're making you work already?
- Benner insisted.
In fact, she demanded it.
I don't know. Guess I'll
find out soon enough.
- Meet up later?
- Where? We've been banned from the rooftop.
Staircase is like the
underground railroad now.
- Find somewhere new?
- All right. Go good.
Go good.
- thanks.
- You got it.
ann?
- Oh, sorry.
- excuse me.
Whoa, slow down. You practically
knocked my coffee out my hands.
- I'm sorry, dude, I'm late.
- Hey, do me a favor.
- Call off your dda hounds.
- And what's that supposed to mean?
They're being relentless.
They won't even consider negotiating
plea deals with me, especially maggie.
You're the one who left the da's office
to go be with your girlfriend at pd.
You know I did not make
this worse because of emily.
Well, whatever you tell yourself to get
through your lonely days, my friend.
The pd's office is
just a better fit.
When was the last time
you heard from lopez?
Whatever your reasoning,
most of the dda see
it as a betrayal.
- Including you?
- You think there wouldn't be any blow back?
so that's
how it's gonna be.
- That's how it is.
- Mmm.
We still on for trivia night
at big wings on Thursday?
Absolutely.
It's been a steady stream from
the moment I hit the door.
people are very
excited for your return.
Wow, I never thought about
how grateful I'd feel
to be pulling up to
this building again.
Uh, your first case is a prelim
on a smash and grab robbery.
The defendant is an
18-year-old foster kid
who put the owner in a coma
after the two scuffled.
Couldn't I come back
to something lighter?
When is wedding day
back on the dock?
it's just
first day back jitters.
I mean, you took a month
off for your campaign.
You almost lost.
- sherri.
- Yes.
My key card isn't working.
Wait, did they
deactivate my card?
Don't panic. I am on it.
- sir!
Sir?
Can you please just let me in?
- Please?
please do not tell me you deactivated
judge lola carmichael's key card.
Yes.
Right now.
Thank you.
sherri.
Sara.
Oh, now I'm hearing things.
it's me. Turn around.
- hi!
You're back! Did you
finally come to your senses?
I have gossip about benner.
- Okay. One sec.
- You will not believe what...
Yes, I know there
was a grave mistake.
Now fix the grave
and let her in.
Okay, thank you.
wait, is your key card working?
Yeah.
I might need this. Okay go.
Rumor has it judge benner met with
the commission on judicial performance
- this morning.
- No.
- Yes.
- But what does that have to do with judge benner?
Unless it has to do
with judge carmichael.
I will leave that
sleuthing up to you.
Oh, it's like old times.
Okay don't touch that.
Ooh! I'm late for my first
day in the da's office.
Or you could just come back.
I miss you, too.
The da is not willing
to make an offer.
Am I going to
jail, mr. Watkins?
- I can't go to jail.
- I'm trying to keep that from happening.
Listen, I get pulled
into the system,
then my brothers
will get separated.
- Weren't they with your foster mom?
- She can't handle them both.
She'll have to send one away.
I promised that I
would be the one
- to be there to take care of them.
- Okay. Okay.
The store owner is
still in a coma.
I didn't mean to push him.
I panicked.
I was just... I was just
trying to get out of the store.
With a pair of
sneakers in your hand.
But listen, I'll keep
working on the da.
Hopefully not having
a record will help us.
- beautiful.
beautiful. Beautiful.
hi. Betsy flick.
I was sent over for the
stenographer position.
- Sherri kansky, right?
- Yes.
Heard a lot of great
things about you.
It would be a real
honor to work with you.
Really? An honor.
Hey, girl.
carmichael.
carmichael, what are
you doing on the floor?
Well, when you're done with
whatever, come see me, please.
Ah, welcome back.
thank you.
come on.
this gift giving
has got to stop.
Dangerous beauty?
Callan.
Have you narrowed
down your selection?
Picking troy's replacement as head
deputy da should not be my job.
Ooh, airpods.
- Not bad.
- You're enjoying this, aren't you?
Look, I asked if you'd
take the job, you refused.
- now it's your choice.
My choice would be you never should've
gotten rid of troy in the first place.
- I didn't, he was promoted.
- Yeah,
- he was transferred to pomona.
- I would suggest
you pick troy's successor
sooner rather than later
or stop being difficult and
just take the job yourself.
Hmm.
okay, higher.
Down the way. Yeah,
switch to the left.
- A little more.
- Would you like to ask what I think?
No, I'm good.
- You got a problem with it?
- No.
It looks great, in fact.
Mmm, turn her on.
perfect. Thank you,
guys, so much. I appreciate you.
In the future, I would
love to be consulted first.
Yeah, I did call you,
but you didn't answer.
- I don't think...
- And then I facetimed rachel
and got her on the way to court.
Although the dc traffic did
sound a lot like caribbean waves,
but I digress, I did
my due diligence,
and consulted the
powers that be.
- And voila.
- Rachel happen to mention when she was returning?
No, but she did say something
about the case she was working on
somehow raining down
money on the firm.
she always says that.
Well, I will just be happy when you
are able to take on new clients.
Though, I appreciate all
of the organizing, filing,
calling and everything you're
doing to keep us afloat.
lisa, should I worry corrine
cuthbert never conceded...
Judge carmichael, I want you
to meet judge thomas marshall.
The infamous judge
lola carmichael.
infamous, I wouldn't
quite put it like that.
your
reputation precedes you.
Reputation?
Congratulations on retaining
this seat at the 11th hour.
- Thank you, sir.
- I look forward to getting to know you very well,
so that I can judge for myself.
A little judicial humor.
talk to you later, lisa.
You bet.
I'm not sure if I'm on his
good side or his bad side.
I wouldn't think too much on it.
Thomas is a hard one to read.
He can be rough
around the edges,
but he grows on you.
You'll have plenty of
time to figure it out.
- He's joining the fray.
- Really?
Does that have anything to do with you
meeting with the judicial committee?
News certainly travels
fast, but no, it doesn't.
Just be conservative in your
rulings in the next few weeks.
What does that even mean?
Corrine cuthbert challenging your
seat put you on an elevated stage.
- Even more eyes on you.
- Including judge marshall?
All I'm asking is for you to park
the lola coaster temporarily.
You faced the fire,
rose to the occasion
and came out of it
smelling like a...
Petunia.
Hmm.
Don't push it.
In my courtroom, there will
be no talking, no eating.
- Phones must be turned off or on silent.
- take a seat.
Be right back.
Maggie.
You cannot keep
denying my client...
You're the one denying
your client, watkins.
You still haven't
made me an offer.
- Assault by means of force.
- Are you kidding me?
The great bodily injury
suffered by the victim?
The kid can either get a pc 211
robbery or a pc 245 with gbi.
- Either way it's a strike.
- Maggie, it was an isolated incident.
What happened to the store owner
- was an accident, my client does not have...
- I already told you,
- we're not parading...
- A police record despite
- growing up in foster care.
- With a no-strike.
- whoa, wait. Maggie.
Did you just growl at me?
- So you're not gonna listen to reason.
- mr. Watkins.
Looks like you're the winner and
the first person to break my rules.
Let's hear it for
mr. Watkins, everybody.
all rise. Court
is now in session.
Honorable lola carmichael
judge presiding.
- miss sara castillo.
if you had bet me a year ago we'd be
working together in the da's office,
- I would've lost my shirt.
- you know what you're getting yourself into?
- Yeah, you know,
I finished my training, I
shadowed a few victim's advocates
and I know the job's not easy,
but I am looking forward
to helping victims
- and witnesses become survivors.
- That's the right attitude.
Just like your
best friend lopez.
- Hmm.
- Welcome.
- So do I get an office or?
- Desk.
- Take your pick.
- Oh.
Oh. Okay.
Maybe I should find
my first assignment.
Tricia ornelas.
Her dad was left in a coma
after a smash and grab
in their family-owned
sneaker store
- and maggie's the dda.
- She's already in 802.
- What?
- Good luck.
Uh... thank you.
dad! Dad!
go, go, go! Bro!
Now, miss ornelas, is the person who
violently pushed down your father
- in this room?
- Yes.
- can you point him out for me?
- He's right there at the table
wearing the gray vest.
Identifying the defendant.
- No further questions, your honor.
- mr. Watkins.
You said my client
was wearing a mask.
- Yeah.
- And that he was wearing a hoodie
with the hood pulled up, right?
- Yeah.
- So are you saying you can identify my client,
even though his face was
hidden by a mask and a hoodie?
- No, um, what I'm trying to say...
- thank you, miss ornelas.
mr. Watkins, I don't
believe the witness was finished
answering your
previous question.
Miss ornelas, please continue.
What I was trying to say
is that they scuffled.
My father grabbed him
and pulled down his mask.
That's when I saw his face.
No further questions,
your honor.
- what is this?
- My hours.
- I'm not yet a salaried employee.
- You're also not an attorney.
- What? You're asking for overtime?
- I ordered
and made sure all the furniture
was delivered to every office,
updated the firm's website,
updated future firm events.
- I've been busting my butt.
- It's called paying your dues,
- not overtime.
- In my world, I like to call them expandable hours.
And I appreciate
every expandable hour
you have committed to this firm.
Since rachel's been gone,
- you have been an absolute asset.
- Now we're talking.
Practicing law, billable hours
will come to you
after you pass the bar
and get hired to work
here as an attorney.
In the meantime,
if you don't mind.
All of this?
Please and thank you.
your honor, the people call...
no, no, no.
- Miss palmer.
- your honor.
I'm sorry to say that mr. Ornelas has
succumbed to his injuries and has died.
Due to the change
in circumstances,
- the people will be dismissing this complaint and refiling.
- objection!
- Your honor...
- adding the charge of murder in violation
- of penal code section 187a.
- Objection, your honor.
- Mr. Watkins!
- I ask that the case be dismissed.
That the defendant be remanded
and bail set at 2 million
and that he be ordered forthwith
to the arraignment court.
Your honor, may I
confirm with my client?
- Do that in arraignment court.
- There is nothing to talk about.
Miss palmer! Please try
to restrain yourself.
Previously posted
bond is exonerated.
The defendant is remanded
- into the custody of the sheriff's department.
- Oh, wait, wait hold up.
Hold up, I was only 17.
- How can I go to jail?
- What?
I'm sorry, what
did you just say?
- I was only 17.
- Your honor, I need time to confirm that this is true.
- Your honor, the people will not...
- miss palmer, I will consider
the people's motion to dismiss
and refile murder charges,
in the event the defense is
unable to prove by a preponderance
of the evidence that mr. Paolo was, in
fact, a juvenile at the time of the offence.
- Your honor, this is just a ploy...
- mr. Watkins, I need to see
- proof of your client's age.
- Yeah. Sure.
Due to the change
in circumstances,
I will be remanding mr. Paolo
and increasing bail to $500,000.
judge carmichael, kudos on
your epic comeback from behind.
- Hello, jonas.
- And I thought you were a goner.
Glad to prove you wrong.
- Me, too.
- Though your support throughout my campaign
- did surprise me.
- Oh, well.
Someone comes for
a judge's seat,
it's as if they're
coming for us all.
And here I thought
I was special.
Well, you can go
on thinking that.
Just know from now on, it's
back to business as usual.
- So good to see you. Welcome.
- Oh, nice to see you.
What can you tell me about him?
- Judge marshall?
- Mmm.
Not much.
Rumor is that he's even
more conservative than I,
which make sense that he
would be interested in you.
What makes you say that?
He's headed this way.
hello, judge carmichael.
Judge marshall.
I heard that the defendant in the
courtroom was possibly a minor.
- Hmm.
- Now I would have to see irrefutable proof
before dismissing
adult court action.
It seems we think alike.
I will only certify the
case to juvenile court
if the defense proves
he was a minor.
Interesting.
this is gonna be fun.
Who tells the cops they're 18
when they're actually a juvenile?
I just didn't want them
calling my foster mom
'cause she's got
enough to deal with.
Me and my brothers
would be bounced around.
- Her house was the first one that felt like a home.
- You knew
if they thought you were an
adult, they wouldn't call.
I just didn't think lying about
my age was gonna be a big deal.
You gotta get me out
of here, mr. Watkins.
- Well, do you have someone that can pay bail?
- No.
- No.
- Well, we need to prove your age.
So I gotta stay here?
Until I get proof,
you stay.
They're asking
insurance, arrangements.
I can help you talk to them.
Help you with seeking restitution
and finding other resources.
I thought he was gonna wake up,
and this whole
nightmare would be over.
it was hard enough losing
my mother to covid.
Now I lose my father to
some senseless robbery.
I know exactly how you feel.
Have you lost a parent too?
No.
You know nothing of how
I feel, ms. Castillo.
You're right.
I want that asshole to pay for
what he took from my family.
Juvie is too easy, I want
his life for my father's.
You're suing me?
Not you, the firm.
Wow, that got here a lot
faster than I expected.
Have you lost your mind?
This is not how you treat people who are
ultimately in the position to hire you.
Or recommend you elsewhere.
And though I commend you
for this strategic move,
I would like for you to point your
powers for bad away from this firm.
It's just a small, little lawsuit,
I'm sure the firm can handle it.
- lisa.
- carmichael.
How is it being back?
Enlightening, talk to me
about judge thomas marshall.
- Has he said or done anything?
- No.
Not exactly, but my
gut is telling me
that I'm suddenly being
watched from within.
Newsflash, carmichael,
you've been watched
since the moment you first
took your seat on the bench.
Hi quizzed me on how I
ruled on my recent case.
- He's testing you.
- Why?
What are you not telling me?
Lisa!
she's being so entitled.
Well, you gotta ask
yourself two questions.
One, does she bring
value to the company?
And, two, with rachel gone,
does she make your job easier?
Yes, and...
Yes, but that does not give her
the right to sue the company.
- Hey, you know, maybe I should sue you for a wedding date.
amy, for real,
what is the holdup?
I mean, is it still collier?
Don't start with collier.
All I'm saying is maybe
I should talk to him,
you know, just
fiance to husband.
Stay away, callan.
- He has enough to deal with medically.
- right.
Can we just get the
firm back on its feet?
And then I will turn my attention
back to the wedding, okay?
Let me get my stuff.
I just think people are
gonna never stop coming for me.
Now I got judges testing me.
Think you're being
paranoid, baby.
After everything I've been through,
you're calling me paranoid?
Are you tired of fighting?
That's the question that
you have to ask yourself.
Which side of the line
are you going to stand on?
Just last night, we were
going to pick up bailey
and go start a whole
new life somewhere else.
If that's what you wanna
do, I'm still down.
Look at you, with
the sage wisdom.
Is my sage wisdom
turning you on?
'cause that's what
I need to ascertain.
Mmm, a little
bit, ooh.
mmm.
Hey, watkins.
Tomorrow's another
day, you know?
I'm not sure that'll make
much of a difference.
Are we talking
about the case or...
It's okay, you can say her name.
I'm leaving around 2:00.
But there's a reason why I had "bad
bitch" on my nameplate, over there.
- Your nameplate does not say that.
- In my mind, it does.
And it should in yours too.
So, how's it going?
I'm hoping that my client isn't staring
down 25 years to life in prison.
Yes!
Miles's the birth certificate.
Is it the original?
I'm thinking that'll take
too long, he's a foster kid.
Fingers crossed
they accept a copy.
And that your kid gets sent to juvenile
court and not tried as an adult.
Mr. Watkins.
Um.
Your honor, this is a photocopy
of miles's birth certificate.
Your honor, I object to anything
that's not an original document.
I've got the
original right here.
Mama shelton, you shouldn't
be here. Why are you here?
thank you
for coming, mrs. Shelton.
- Miles, it's okay, everything's gonna be fine.
- I asked you not to call her.
I've got his id too.
thank
you, you can have a seat.
Thank you, burke.
This appears to be an original copy
of the defendant's birth certificate,
showing mr. Paolo indeed turned
18 after the alleged incident.
-Miss palmer. Any objections?
-No objection, your honor.
However, that does not end
the jurisdictional analysis.
This is a copy of the
incident recall report
from the lapd that shows that the
incident was ongoing past midnight,
when the defendant
was legally an adult.
The victim's daughter
called 911 at 12:07 a.M.
And stated that the suspects had just fled
in a vehicle and provided the plate number.
This means that mr. Paolo was
17 when the incident began
and turned 18 in
the middle of it.
Is that what you're
understanding, mr. Watkins?
ahem.
- okay.
Your honor, the
complainant in this case
alleges that the date
of the incident was
the day before my
client turned 18.
That means he was 17 on the
date of the alleged incident.
- Ms. Palmer.
- The people will be amending the complaint,
to reflect the fact that the
incident spanned two calendar days.
Counsel, you are both
ordered to find authority
for your respective positions
and brief the issue.
For now I'm going to
suspend proceedings
in this matter until we resolve
the jurisdictional issue.
Hang in there.
You have both made it clear
that I'm not an attorney,
but that does make me a
non-salaried employee at this firm,
thus I am entitled
to overtime pay.
Under the fair labor standards
act and california law,
as a professional you are
not entitled to overtime pay.
You have made it clear that I'm not a
professional, so you can pay me accordingly.
Well, yeah, um...
Amy, your turn.
We will discuss, amongst the
two of us and get back to you.
Hmm. Thanks for
hearing me out.
The audacity.
She is good.
- She is gonna make a hell of an attorney on day.
- Agreed.
So, what do we do?
I am going to leave it into
your very capable hands.
Just deal with her amy quinn
style, she'll get the message.
Bye, quinn.
I'm assuming you know something
I don't, which is fine,
you're the supervising
judge, it is your right.
But if it has anything
to do with me,
please just give me a heads up,
because I don't like surprises.
Most, ugh, surprises at least.
I've been designated
to the court of appeal.
That's it?
I... Don't get me wrong. Lisa!
This is huge! Congratulations!
Well, why wouldn't
you tell anybody?
I hadn't decided to
take it just yet.
It means that I
no longer will be
with the hoj and working
with all of you and, frankly,
it gives me pause.
But it is a huge opportunity.
Oh, it's what I've worked for.
I mean, your decisions
can become opinions
and if those opinions are
published, you get to establish law.
I know.
So what's the problem?
I just feel it isn't the
best time to be leaving
and judge marshall
is in the running
to, , take over the
supervising judgeship as is laski.
Wow.
Oh, you've come against worse.
Yeah, I barely
eked out this one.
But you did.
You won.
Yeah, you still feel the need
to be a buffer for me here.
You've come up to the
challenge every time,
even pushing back as you're doing
right now with me to do better.
And now it's time
for you to show them
what you showed me these
past couple of years.
why you've won.
will you slow down?
- Where are we?
- Old tunnels underneath the courthouse.
Doesn't matter. Give me
the goods on marshall.
For starters, he makes
laski look like rbg.
He is cut and dry
when it comes to law.
He never wavers, ever.
Why are you so
interested in marshall?
Because I am pretty sure he
is going to become my boss.
- Where's benner going?
- Court of appeal.
- So, how's your thing going?
- It's not.
Got maggie palmer and berger smiling
at me with daggers for teeth.
I want choi's job in a bad way.
- Any ideas?
- Yeah, you take it.
No!
No, no, no, I am a lone wolf.
I'm not a manager of folk.
Mark, come on, let's be honest,
you are more of a domesticated
cat than a lone wolf.
Now how the hell do
we get out of here?
oh, my god.
I can't... I just
can't believe you're here.
I hope the puerto rico was
all that you dreamed and more.
Honestly, I really don't care.
Don't get me wrong,
luke, andy, the others,
they have really been
pulling their weight.
Especially luke, he
really surprised me.
- Carol?
- yeah.
Luke missed you, of course,
he'd never admit it.
Basically threw
himself into work.
That's what I love about
you, lopez, your doggedness,
- in and out of the courtroom.
- Carol, I...
- look, you're barely back and here you are, ready...
- to leave.
What?
I'm leaving.
To go where?
To... Look, don't...
To practice holistic law.
Really helping clients, beyond
just their immediate legal needs,
helping them find creative,
constructive solutions
to whatever isn't
working in their lives
and then helping them
navigate through all of that.
- And you can do that here.
- I can't.
Not with 50 to 100 clients to
help at any given moment. I can't.
- Where will you go?
- I have no idea.
Which makes me really excited.
And scared, at the same time.
Both.
But if the last 6 months
have taught me anything,
it's that whatever
happens, I will be okay.
you always have a job here.
You're a tremendous boss.
- Really?
- Yeah.
How soon do you have to leave.
Uh, effective immediately.
But, um, there's someone
I have to see first.
- someone.
- yeah.
- where's ms. Palmer?
- I needed to talk to you first.
Mr. Watkins, come back
when you have ms. Palmer.
This kid is not a hardened
criminal, he made a mistake.
One plus one equals
three is a mistake,
intentionally robbing a store,
resulting in a man's death, is a felony.
Goodbye, mr. Watkins.
- I need you.
- Do not start a sentence with "can I".
I do what the law
tells me to do.
Sometimes you try...
I try to sometimes
do what others don't.
I try to give everyone
a fair crack at the law
and I try to judge
without prejudice or bias,
which is why I can't have ex
parte communications with lawyers.
- Now go, mr. Watkins.
- Yes, your honor.
the law draws a bright line.
It states that a person's birth
date is deemed to be midnight
on the date of their birth.
However, the facts of
this case blur that line.
Upon review of the surveillance
video, introduced by the people,
the shove that resulted in the death
of the decedent occurred at 11:58 p.M.,
which is before mr. Paolo
was legally an adult.
Under these circumstances,
I believe that the gravamen
of the alleged offence occurred
while mr. Paolo was still a minor.
Therefore, I believe
fundamental fairness
requires that this case be
certified to juvenile court.
Ms. Palmer, if the people wish
to try mr. Paolo as an adult,
they are free to file a transfer
motion in juvenile court.
Your honor, I'd like to
state, for the record,
that I will definitely
be pushing my office
to file a transfer
motion in this case.
- What does that mean?
- It means, mr. Paolo,
that if it were solely up to me
to decide whether to transfer you
to adult court to face 25 years
to life, or be released at 25,
frankly, I don't
know what I would do.
Contrary to what some people
in this room may believe,
powerful consequences for such
a dire decision, learn from it.
I'm so sorry.
- it's okay.
- I'm sorry.
- What's this?
- An order of summary judgment.
- Dismissing your lawsuit.
- what?
You failed to exhaust
admin remedies
- before the california labor commission.
- okay.
Well, then I'll just...
Claims typically go first
through the labor commission.
- How long does that take?
- over 6 months.
The alternative would
be for you to just be
a salary professional
at the firm.
We would hire you
as a paralegal,
while you await
your bar results.
Well, let me know
what you decide.
- come on, come on.
- oh, there she is.
- oh!
you did not have
to do all of this.
Yes, I did.
speech.
Oh, no, no, I'm not
gonna give a speech,
because this is
far from goodbye.
In fact, I'm gonna be
right across the street.
Then I would like
to say a few words.
Judge lisa benner
is a trailblazer.
When I first started this job,
she mentored and supported me,
but she also kept
my feet to the fire,
never letting up, allowing
me to be the kind of judge
I wanted to be, even
if she disagreed
with some of my more
creative methods.
And for that, she has
my utmost respect.
She constantly reminds me why I
became a judge and why I belong here.
And this election has proven that I
still have some work to do, even today.
I was reminded of my resolve
going forward, being staunch
in my pursuit of
justice and fairness.
And that will never waiver,
because you have shown me
that it doesn't have to.
So, thank you, lisa benner.
Besides being a mentor
and a supporter,
I am grateful to also
call you my friend.
oh, take some
pictures of my cake.
- Oh.
- Nice speech.
The campaign training has come
in handy, but watch your back.
Lots of eyes on you now.
- Edible balls?
- No, thank you.
- so, I didn't reach out to you before now...
- There's no need to explain.
Because there's something that
I wanted to tell you in person.
I'm leaving the pd's office.
And I am going
into holistic law.
I had the feeling you were up to
something, I just didn't know what.
I'll still be trying cases
in the hoj, so I'll probably
- be seeing a lot more of you now.
- Here?
- Or, um...
- I'm gonna be staying with my brother,
so there's that.
We're just glad you're back.
Puerto rico was good?
Life changing.
- And joaquin?
- He's good.
But he's not here.
Hey, watkins.
- I bet you're emily.
- yes.
I am emily and you must be...
I'm sorry, I have no idea.
Dahlia burke, new
bailiff in 802.
Oh, that's amazing.
- Uh, it's nice to meet you, dahlia burke.
- Just burke.
- Still wanna grab dinner?
- Absolutely.
Talk later?
Uh-huh, yeah, of course, yeah.
- Bye.
- bye.
Really happy you're back, em.
Yeah.
be right there, sherri,
I forgot the card.
Finally come to concede?
I came to congratulate.
- Next time, use the phone.
- I prefer a personal touch.
I want you to know this little
war of ours is far from over.
I didn't realize
we were in a war.
How nice of me to warn you.
I want you to see me coming,
'cause I love a good fight.
This election exposed
your vulnerabilities,
I look forward to
illuminating them.
- I welcome that, ms. Cuthbert.
- I do too, ms. Carmichael.
Judge carmichael.
for now.