Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a driven, idealistic defense attorney who finds himself in a tumultuous series of events that lead to a crisis and the necessity for extreme action. Having spent decades working behind the scenes in a small law firm that tackles cases of the disenfranchised and underrepresented, his life takes an unexpected turn when his partner, the firm's front man, has a heart attack. This event thrusts him into a role he is ill-prepared for: the face of the legal practice. Struggling to keep the firm afloat while maintaining their mission of social justice, he discovers unsettling truths about what the firm has become.

Amidst this professional turmoil, he is offered a job at a prestigious, high-powered firm led by one of his former students, who represents everything he has fought against. Torn between the lure of financial stability and his core principles, he faces moral and ethical dilemmas that challenge his character and legal ethics. His journey is further complicated by his involvement with a civil rights activist who pushes him to stay true to his beliefs. As he navigates these challenges, he must decide whether to compromise for the sake of survival or stand firm in his convictions, at the risk of everything he has worked for.