In the early 1940s, Thurgood Marshall, an NAACP lawyer, is sent to Connecticut to defend Joseph Spell, a black chauffeur accused of raping his white employer, Eleanor Strubing. The local court denies Marshall the right to speak during the trial, forcing him to work through a reluctant insurance lawyer, Sam Friedman, who has no experience in criminal cases and is wary of the potential backlash. Despite their initial friction and the racial prejudices they face, Marshall and Friedman must collaborate to build a defense for Spell, who claims his innocence against overwhelming odds in a highly charged case that generates public interest and intense media scrutiny.

As the trial progresses, Marshall coaches Friedman through complex legal strategies while they both uncover key evidence and witness testimonies that challenge the prosecution’s narrative. They meticulously work to reveal inconsistencies and hidden truths that might prove Spell’s innocence. This case not only tests their professional skills but also forges an unexpected bond between Marshall and Friedman as they navigate the dangerous waters of racial tension and legal integrity. Along the way, Marshall's relentless pursuit of justice and his fight against systemic racism begin to paint a broader picture of his emerging role in the Civil Rights Movement.