Raising the Bar

Raising the Bar follows a new generation of lawyers as they cut their teeth in a city's tangled justice system. The show pits public defenders against district attorneys while also peeking in on judges who must decide the fates of the people they preside over. Rather than glamorize courtroom battles, it highlights the pressure, mistakes, and moral gray areas that come with every case. Young attorneys juggle ambitions, ethics, and personal lives as they learn to interview clients, manage fragile evidence, and weigh outcomes that affect real lives. The drama rests on character and choice as much as it does on verdicts, offering a window into a system under strain. It also shows how cases ripple through families and communities.

Aired in 2008 on NBC, Raising the Bar was created by Steven Bochco and David Feige. It's built as an original concept rather than an adaptation, with the work of several directors across episodes and a focus on real legality.

Critically, the series was seen as a timely take on a legal system under strain, focusing on dilemmas that arise when ideology, duty, and personal life collide. It foregrounds mentorship, teamwork, and the cost of chasing justice in a fast paced environment. It blends wit with weighty themes.

Even as it aired briefly, Raising the Bar contributed to a wave of courtroom dramas that center young attorneys and the human toll of legal work. Its focus on mentorship adds depth. The show also balances technical detail with emotional stakes. It keeps the pace human.

The show did not garner major nominations during its run, and while it drew a dedicated audience, it did not win significant awards. Its place in Bochco's catalog remains a curiosity for fans of legal drama rather than a trophy case. It remains a footnote in Bochco's career.