A distinguished businessman nervously approaches his car, continuously checking his surroundings. In the car, he surveys the backseat and starts to relax when he sees a gun through the driver's side window. He receives a shot in the chest and the head. The shooter takes his briefcase and leaves the passenger door open.

Mickey Haller heads to a meeting with Judge Holder when he fields calls from his ex-wives, Lorna and Maggie. Mick's nickname is the Lincoln lawyer because he uses his car as his office. Judge Holder informs Mick that the murder victim Jerry Vincent has left his practice to Mick. It is a windfall for Mick because he hasn't been practicing since an accident and a subsequent addiction to pain pills. Judge Holder agrees to allow Mick to take over the cases, but the judge will monitor Mick. Private detective Cisco assists Mick.

Mick's first case is a rehabbed heroin addict, Izzy, who stole a diamond necklace. However, it was fake, so Izzy is released. Izzy becomes Haller's driver to work off her bill.

Mick's second case is a tech billionaire, Trevor Elliott, accused of murdering his wife. Trevor admits to finding his wife and her lover but claims he didn't murder them.

In addition to his caseload, Mick agrees to help Detective Griggs solve Jerry Vincent's murder.