Fairly Legal stars Sarah Shahi as Kate Reed. Kate is a lawyer by training who has become disenchanted with the court system as a way of fairly resolving problems. She now works as a mediator at the law firm which was started by her late father. Mediation is much more closely aligned with Kate’s need for fairness and her desire for each conflict to be resolved with a solution that is “win – win” for all parties involved. Unfortunately the law firm is now being run by her father’s young wife Lauren, played by Virginia Williams. Lauran frequently takes issue with Kate’s habitual lateness and the fact that Kate’s quest for fairness often runs counter to the firms business needs.

Each episode of Fairly Legal centers on Kate trying to mediate dispute which may be something large such as those involving disputes with foreign embassies or very small such as business partner brothers who argue over parking spots. Kate is aided by her assistant Leonardo (Baron Vaughn) and her ex-husband Justin (Michael Trucco) who is an Assistant District Attorney.

Part of the fun in watching Fairly Legal is watching how solves the episodes conflicts while her own life is such a mess. Kate and Justin are finalizing a divorce yet seem to be dating and clearly care for each other. Lauren is cold and business-like in all matters and Kate has trouble accepting her, yet it is also obvious they both adored the father.

There is a secondary mystery within the show that concerns the late father’s will. His will bequeaths the law firm to Kate, her brother, Lauren and a stranger ( Richard Dean Anderson).