Plot Synopsis

BENCHED is a half-hour, single-camera comedy about corporate lawyer Nina Whitley's fall from grace into the world of public defenders. Nina gave up everything in her climb to the top, so she snapped when she learned she didn't make partner at her high power firm at the same time she heard about her ex-fiance's wedding announcement. Shunned from the corporate world after burning bridges on her way out, the only place she can get a job is at the Public Defender's office. In addition to her new clients, Nina must learn to connect with her co-workers: the roguish Phil, who was the once office's star public defender, but has since distanced himself from his work -- and has become a self-medicated drinker and serial gambler -- after growing disillusioned with the system; the idealist Carlos, who has given so much to his job that his personal life is falling apart; the useless empathetic Sheryl, who is the office's comic relief while being a lovable loser -- neither lucky in love nor law; and the dedicated intern Micah, who, as a second-year law student, is a buttoned up stoic always speaking the truth. Plus, Nina, goes head-to-head with her ex-fiance, Trent, the rising star of the District Attorney's office, who is a classic golden boy on the road to being very successful in his law career and possibly public office. Guest stars in Season 1 include Catherine Reitman, Molly Shannon, Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jim Rash, Nat Faxon, Erinn Hayes and Mechad Brooks