Jerry and Shirley's Cake-Knife Encounter

Episode: 2x12 [Helping Hands]
Client: Jerry Espenson
Case: The client was charged with attempted murder after holding Shirley Schmidt at knifepoint in a conference room at Crane, Poole & Schmidt.
CP&S Representation: Alan Shore
Opposing Counsel: A.D.A. Frank Ginsberg
Presiding: Judge Gordon Kolodny
Result: The charges were dropped.
Notes:

• The client was a longtime employee at Crane, Poole & Schmidt who had accosted Shirley in 2x11 [The Cancer Man Can] after being informed he would not be making partner in his third and final attempt. He interrupted a partnership celebration for Brad Chase and held the cake knife to Shirley's throat. Alan had talked him into handing over the knife.
• Besides attempted murder, the official list of charges read at the trial also included assault, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, sexual battery, false imprisonment, torture, and terrorist threats.
• Alan suggested a plea bargain, but Jerry insisted on proceeding to trial because a guilty plea would mean he'd be disbarred.
• Alan argued that the firm had led Jerry into believing he had a chance at making partner when his files indicated since 1990 that he was "not partnership material".
• Alan consulted with Dr. David Cannon, a psychiatrist, to discuss Jerry's behavioral quirks. Dr. Cannon informed him that Jerry likely had a condition called Asperger's Syndrome.
• Alan tried suggested that Jerry visit Dr. Cannon for a formal diagnosis, so they could use his condition as a defense, but Jerry did not want the condition used in court because it would then be a part of the public record and hurt his ability to attract clients.
• Alan then tried to convince A.D.A. Ginsberg and Shirley to drop the charges. Eventually, they agreed, as long as Alan promised to help Jerry get treatment.