Raising the Bar

Overview

Raising the Bar is a legal drama series created by Steven Bochco that follows the lives of a group of young public defenders in New York City. The series centers on Jerry Kellerman, a passionate and idealistic attorney who frequently clashes with the judicial system, his colleagues, and the presiding judges to fight for the rights of his indigent clients. His approach often puts him at odds with the establishment, creating a high-stakes environment where the pursuit of justice is constantly tested against the realities of the law. The show explores the complex professional and personal dynamics between the public defenders and the prosecutors they face in court. Key figures include Jerry's colleagues, such as the pragmatic Rosalind Whitman and the ambitious Michelle Ernhardt, as well as their primary adversary, Assistant District Attorney Marcus McGrath. As they navigate the gritty landscape of the New York criminal justice system, the characters must balance their moral convictions with the pressures of their careers and the often-frustrating limitations of the legal process.