Kate McShane is a criminal defence attorney based in Los Angeles.
She was portrayed by Anne Meara in the eponymous 1975 television series created by Robert C. Peters and Howard Rayfiel, the first series to feature a female lawyer in the lead role.
Background[]
Kate McShane is a renowned criminal defense attorney whose career is defined by a relentless pursuit of justice and a willingness to tackle cases that others deem hopeless. Hailing from a blue-collar Irish-American background, Kate's brash yet effective approach has earned her a formidable reputation in the legal community. Known for her no-nonsense personality and genuine empathy, she forges close relationships with her clients, ensuring that each case is handled with both passion and precision.
Drawing strength from family, Kate’s legal practice is uniquely supported by her personal network. Her father, Pat McShane, a retired police officer, often assists with the crucial legwork in her investigations, while her brother, Ed McShane—a Jesuit priest and university law professor—provides trusted legal counsel and moral guidance. This family dynamic not only reinforces her commitment to justice but also enriches her perspective on the cases she handles.
Throughout her career, Kate has taken on a wide array of challenging cases, including:
- Defending a wealthy woman accused of murdering her husband, a case that tested the limits of forensic evidence and societal expectations.
- Representing an old friend facing conspiracy charges linked to student militancy from decades earlier, requiring her to revisit turbulent times and reevaluate past alliances.
- Advocating for a terrified homeowner who shot an intruder—a case marked by discrepancies in the evidence surrounding his claim of self-defense after a break-in, which later involved charges related to the killing of a narcotics agent.
- Assisting a beleaguered older man whose fatal trap set against a burglar led to criminal charges, she strived to negotiate a plea deal while he insisted on retaining his right to a full trial.
- Defending a professional football player struggling with pill addiction and accused of murdering his girlfriend while under the influence, all while facing intense pressure from the sports industry’s management.
- Investigating a case where her client’s rapid confession to a baffling murder raised red flags. Ignoring federal warnings, Kate uncovered new evidence that not only promised exoneration but also risked exposing a sensitive federal operation.
- Representing a scientist who openly admitted to the murder of a Nobel Prize winner, a case that brought together intellectual rigor and deep moral questions.
- Defending a female magazine editor embroiled in a libel suit after she accused a major firm of bribing politicians to keep dangerous toys on the market.
- Taking on the case of a washed-up rock star accused of playing a role in his girlfriend’s fatal overdose, despite his persistent claims of innocence.
- Standing by a detective charged with shooting a suspect, confronting the difficult intersection of law enforcement and civil rights.
- Navigating the complexities of a case where a con man disappeared just before appearing in small claims court, challenging the boundaries of legal accountability.
Kate McShane’s storied career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her clients and to the ideals of fairness and justice. Through each case, whether entangled with high society or the struggles of everyday life, she has consistently demonstrated that with grit, intelligence, and heart, even the most daunting legal challenges can be met head-on.
External Links[]
- Kate McShane at Wikipedia
- Kate McShane at IMDb