Summary
Highlights
Professor Victoria Morales assigns her public interest law students to advocate for disadvantaged clients. Witt Sheffield, a corporate law aspirant, questions the assignment's relevance to law, but Professor Morales emphasizes making a difference in people's lives. Kylie Birch, a single mother whose son Shane suffers from asthma, is fired from her job and recommended for the program. Witt is assigned to Kylie, but their initial meeting is met with tension and class differences.
Kylie struggles with job interviews and is eventually fired for leaving work due to Shane's asthma. Witt's mentor, Patty, suggests the law school's program to Kylie. Witt's family, especially his father, dismisses the assignment as a distraction. Witt initially secures Kylie an interview with his father's friend, but Kylie quits when she realizes the job was a favor and she's being judged by her supervisor. When Shane has a severe asthma attack, Witt drives them to the emergency room, witnessing Kylie's struggles firsthand and beginning to understand her difficult circumstances.
Witt starts spending more time with Kylie and Shane, helping Kylie search for jobs and working on her resume. He learns about Kylie's insights and experiences, including her appreciation for "Huck Finn" and her dream of becoming a nurse. They share personal stories and emotional vulnerabilities, with Witt revealing his strained relationship with his parents and Kylie sharing her past in foster care and her dedication to her son. This growing connection leads to a dinner date where their differing backgrounds become more evident, especially when Witt's roommate Alex joins them and accidentally reveals how Witt helped Kylie get her previous interview, causing Kylie to feel hurt and leave.
Shane suffers another severe asthma attack, and Witt quickly comes to their aid, driving them to the hospital and using his legal standing to demand proper care for Shane. However, Child Protective Services (CPS) intervenes, taking Shane into temporary custody due to previous injuries and chronic illness, making Kylie promise to get him back. Witt's mother, Julia, encourages him to stand up for his beliefs and pursue personal happiness, prompting Witt to reflect on his predetermined path. Witt then apologizes to Kylie and commits to helping her get Shane back, offering support and guidance in navigating the legal and personal challenges ahead.
Kylie explains that she needs to prove the mold in her apartment was the cause of Shane's illness to get him back. Witt, with newfound determination, confronts Kylie's landlord, using his legal knowledge to force him to address the mold issue. In court, Witt advocates for Kylie, presenting evidence that the mold has been removed and that Shane's injuries were accidental, leading to a ruling that returns Shane to Kylie's custody. Witt expresses his love for Kylie, but she, fearing their different worlds, asks him to work through his personal issues first.
Witt rejects his father's corporate law firm and plans, choosing instead a fellowship at the Western Center of Law and Poverty to work with foster children. Inspired by Witt's support and her own dreams, Kylie applies to Morgan School of Nursing, encouraged by Professor Corrales and Witt. Despite her fears, Kylie successfully interviews for the program, emphasizing her resilience and desire to help others. Witt proposes to Kylie, and Shane joyfully approves, signifying a hopeful future for their unconventional family.