The Trials of Cate McCall 2013

Cate accepts pro bono murder case

Cate McCall, a lawyer in recovery from alcoholism and on probation, agrees to take a pro bono appeal for Lacey. Lacey has been convicted of murder, and Cate hopes the case will help her regain custody of her daughter and be reinstated to the bar. With her assistant's help, she begins building a strategy to challenge the conviction.

Cate pursues Lacey's innocence; obsession grows

She pulls out all stops to prove Lacey's innocence and overturn the murder conviction. Her pursuit consumes her professional life and fuels her ongoing battle with addiction. The case begins to overshadow her time with her daughter.

Lacey's conviction overturned

A key ruling leads to Lacey's conviction being overturned. The success strengthens Cate's belief in her ability to win, reinforcing her commitment to the case. Yet the victory is also a turning point that foreshadows the trouble ahead.

Relapse after learning Lacey is guilty

Cate learns that Lacey is guilty, triggering a relapse into drinking. Her addiction worsens, and she begins to mistreat her daughter. The personal cost of the case becomes increasingly evident.

Mid-trial return to a prestigious law firm

During the trial, Cate returns to her previous position at a prestigious law firm. She uses her influence there to deliberately undermine the case for her own client, Lacey. This marks a collapse of the ethical boundary she had kept during the pro bono work.

Illegal actions to re-convict Lacey

Cate engages in multiple illegal actions—fraud, conspiracy, and blackmail—to ensure Lacey is sent back to prison. Her actions show a deliberate transformation from advocate to conspirator. The trust in the legal process is eroded as the case progresses toward a harsher outcome for Lacey.

Gives evidence to prosecutor and conspires

Cate provides evidence to the prosecutor who can convict Lacey. She then conspires with him to keep their secret so she won't be disbarred and he can still use the evidence. Their collaboration reveals a dangerous bargain that undermines justice.

Refuses to recuse; blackmails judge

Cate does not recuse herself from Lacey's trial. She blackmails the original judge, who had previously ruled in Lacey's favor, to recuse himself. The double-layered manipulation shows the lengths she will go to protect her career.

Prosecutor's misconduct

The prosecutor engages in prosecutorial misconduct and does not recuse himself from the case. This creates an unfair playing field and serves as another pillar of Cate's scheme. The ongoing misconduct accelerates the path toward Lacey's re-conviction.

Lacey re-convicted; Cate's scheme works

Cate's overt acts of fraud, conspiracy, blackmail and misconduct culminate in Lacey's re-conviction. The legal system is manipulated to produce the outcome Cate sought. The victory comes at a personal and ethical price for Cate.