After surviving the brutal Yugoslav Wars as a child, Gordan Mavaric becomes a principled lawyer in New York City, dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to those who can’t afford representation. Haunted by his father’s trauma and driven by a deep sense of justice, Gordan’s unconventional approach to law puts him at odds with powerful figures, testing his resolve to make a difference in a system that often favors the wealthy and corrupt.

SYNOPSIS:

Gordan Mavaric, a determined and principled Croatian-American lawyer in his late 30s, is committed to pro bono work, driven by a deep sense of justice and a personal connection to trauma and displacement. Growing up in New York City, Gordan was shaped by the turbulent history of his father, Branko Mavaric, a Croatian immigrant who fled the horrors of the Yugoslav Wars in the early 1990s. Haunted by memories of the ethnic conflict and the subsequent mental struggles. Branko’s experiences fleeing his country left him traumatized and slowly descending into a world of drug and alcohol abuse, leading to the physical abuse of his family which left an indelible mark on Gordan. Witnessing the total lack of any kind of therapy, support and help because of the high prices. This instils in him a fierce desire to fight for those who have been marginalized by society.

Gordan a Harvard Law valedictorian has chosen to work at a small, underfunded legal aid clinic in the Bronx, turning down more lucrative offers from prestigious law firms. Unlike many of his peers who chase fame and fortune, Gordan is a maverick in his field, driven by a need to serve those who cannot afford legal representation. His approach to the law is unconventional; he is willing to bend rules and take risks to secure justice for his clients, often placing himself at odds with more traditional attorneys and the legal establishment. This defiance extends to his personal life, where he refuses to play by society’s rules or live up to expectations, choosing instead to live modestly and devote all his energy to his cases. The series opens with Gordan taking on the case of Maria Rodriguez, a young undocumented immigrant facing deportation after being wrongfully accused of a crime. As Gordan digs deeper, he discovers that Maria’s case is tied to a broader corruption scandal involving a powerful real estate developer and a local politician. Gordan’s investigation into the case is relentless, driven by memories of his father’s untreated mental health struggles and the negligible help his family received from the system during the disintegration of his family and his country of Yugoslavia. As Gordan navigates the complexities of Maria’s case, he must also confront his own personal demons. His father’s mental health has deteriorated over the years, and Gordan feels a deep sense of guilt and responsibility for not being able to help him more. Branko’s drugs and drink induced paranoia and anxiety are compounded by a deep-seated mistrust of the legal system, which he views as just another corrupt institution. Gordan’s attempts to care for his father and balance his demanding work life create ongoing tension, revealing the cracks in his seemingly impenetrable resolve. Throughout the first season, Gordan takes on a variety of challenging pro bono cases, from defending a whistleblower exposing police misconduct to representing a single mother fighting a predatory lender. Each case not only tests his legal acumen but also forces him to confront broader questions about justice, morality, and the limitations of the legal system. Gordan’s unconventional tactics often bring him into conflict with Dana Reynolds, a seasoned public defender who sees the value in working within the system. Their dynamic oscillates between professional rivalry and reluctant camaraderie, as both are united by a shared desire to help the underprivileged but differ on how best to achieve that goal.

As the season progresses, Gordan’s investigation into Maria’s case leads him to uncover deeper layers of corruption and a conspiracy that goes to the highest levels of city politics. The pressure mounts, and Gordan finds himself targeted by those who want to silence him. He faces increasing threats to his career and personal safety, all while trying to support his father and manage the emotional toll of his work.

Ultimately, Mavaric is not just a legal drama but a story about resilience, identity, and the fight against injustice. It explores the impact of a legacy of trauma and the lengths one man will go to in order to protect the vulnerable and challenge a system that often fails to serve its people.