Roman J. Israel, Esq.

The film opens with Roman J. Israel typing up a legal brief in which he argues that he is suing himself for disbarment. His conviction stems from a belief that he has violated his own principles, setting the stage for his internal struggle throughout the story.

Roman receives a distressing call from his secretary, informing him that his law partner has suffered a heart attack. Left on his own, Roman must navigate the firm's ongoing cases, refusing to seek a continuance despite the circumstances.

Determined to defend a defendant, Roman appears in court and crafts an impassioned argument. This leads to a contentious exchange with the judge, resulting in Roman being held in contempt and fined $5,000, highlighting his unyielding approach to justice.

Upon returning to his office, Roman meets the daughter of his partner, along with George Pierce, who reveal the grim financial situation of the firm. They acknowledge Roman's skills but caution that the firm's future looks bleak, foreshadowing challenges ahead.

Through flashbacks, the narrative explores Roman's deep involvement in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. This history reveals the significant influence his firm held during that era, adding depth to Roman's character and motivations.

Maya Alston invites Roman to address a group of young protesters, where he provides essential legal advice. The interaction leads to a clash over gender dynamics, revealing Roman's struggles to adapt to the evolving societal expectations.

After the protest, Roman and Maya encounter a homeless man who has collapsed. In a moment of compassion, Roman slips his business card into the man's pocket, wanting to remind him of his humanity. Maya is touched by this gesture, respecting his empathy.

George recognizes the community's need for Roman's services and offers him a job opportunity that emphasizes pro-bono work. This pivotal moment reflects a shift in George's understanding of the firm’s priorities and the impact they can have.

Roman takes on a challenging case involving a young man accused of murder who reveals vital information. The case also comes with a $100,000 bounty for those involved, placing Roman in a morally ambiguous position as he weighs justice against personal gain.

With newfound cash in hand, Roman indulges in a luxurious lifestyle, treating himself to gourmet donuts and new clothes. His superficial transformation starkly contrasts with his former self, demonstrating the internal conflict between justice and personal desires.

Roman's actions catch up to him when he inadvertently exposes a killer, putting himself in grave danger. In a tense moment, he hastily packs vital legal documents and attempts to flee, illustrating the precarious nature of his situation.

Receiving a call from Maya, Roman is jolted back to reality, realizing the importance of his fight for justice. This moment marks a turning point where he chooses to rise above his temptations of luxury and recommit to his principles.

Roman's determination to pursue meaningful change is reignited in a conversation with George. He steps onto the street ready to continue his battle for justice, though he remains haunted by the implications of his previous choices.

As Roman walks away, he notices a man following him, leading to a tense moment before a gunshot is heard. The scene fades to Roman's briefcase on the ground, leaving the audience questioning his fate and the consequences of his actions.

In the final moments, George enters a courthouse carrying Roman's legal briefs, symbolizing the continuation of Roman's fight for justice. The narrative concludes with a sense of hope, as his legacy inspires a new generation to advocate for reform within the legal system.