The Guardian

Nick Fallin is a high-powered attorney used to luxury and winning at any cost, until a drug arrest forces him to pause his life. Sentenced to complete 1,500 hours of community service, he takes a part-time post as a child advocate with Legal Aid Services. That work collides with his day job at his father's successful Pittsburgh law firm, creating constant tension between boardroom deals and fragile family situations. Each case at Legal Aid exposes him to difficult realities for children and families, and he has to juggle court dates, corporate pressure, and personal relationships while learning what responsibility looks like outside of privilege.

Created by David Hollander, the show premiered in 2001 and starred Simon Baker as Nick Fallin, with Dabney Coleman in a key role as his father. It aired in the early 2000s and emphasized legal procedure alongside family drama.

Critical response landed in the middle of the road, averaging about 6.9 out of 10 from viewers. Reviewers often pointed to strong lead performances and the series' interest in redemption, class difference, and child welfare. Pacing and tonal shifts drew mixed reactions, but the human element and moral questions kept many viewers engaged.

Culturally, the series is remembered for its unusual pairing of corporate law thriller and social advocacy, and for the tensions between privilege and public service. Its courtroom moments and the fraught father-son relationship stuck with audiences, and Simon Baker's turn as a flawed protagonist helped define his early television work before later fame.

The Guardian did not become a major awards contender, and it didn’t rack up high-profile wins during its run. It received some critical attention for performances and character work, but award season never became a defining aspect of the show's legacy.