Episode 2 of "Law and the City" kicks off with Hee-ji gracefully entering a bustling restaurant, where she reconvenes with her peers. Ju-hyeong's eyes widen in astonishment upon spotting her, yet his confusion deepens when she claims a prior encounter. She reminisces about their meeting in Hong Kong, a decade past, where he was a law student and she, a college undergraduate. Hee-ji even recalls Ju-hyeong suggesting they should cross paths again in Seoul, though he steadfastly denies any such memory, his demeanor turning icily distant.
Elsewhere, Kim Hyung-min, the edifice's proprietor, convenes a gathering of legal firm partners, unveiling an audacious proposal: the amalgamation of their individual practices into a monolithic law firm bearing her name and the building's moniker – Law Firm Hyungmin. Initially met with skepticism, she artfully illustrates the mutual advantages, emphasizing the enhanced image while preserving individual autonomy. Her motive is transparent yet clever – the merger secures long-term tenancy, effectively anchoring them to the premises.
The following day, Hee-ji arrives with coffee for the office, her ears catching snippets of a client requesting a lawyer's presence as a witness for a personal property seizure. Without hesitation, Hee-ji volunteers, a decision she later discusses over lunch with her friends, who caution against it.
As conversations flow, Ju-hyeong shares details of his current caseload, highlighting a bank's lawsuit against a defaulting tenant facing eviction. On their return journey, confined within the elevator, Ju-hyeong firmly asserts that he would never have suggested meeting in Seoul, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Meanwhile, Jang Hyun-seok, the tenant on the brink of losing his home, stumbles into the law office and crosses paths with Hee-ji. Desperate, hepleads for her to take his case pro bono. Her managing partner, however, explains that such a commitment is beyond their reach. While perusing the documents, Hee-ji realizes with a jolt that Ju-hyeong represents the plaintiff in this dire situation.
Meanwhile, the managing partners ponder over Kim Hyung-min's proposal, weighing its potential benefits to them. Hyung-min grants them until dawn the next day to provide their response. Na Kyung-min, Ju-hyeong's managing partner, inquires if he desires to ascend to the rank of partner, but Ju-hyeong expresses contentment with his current position. A brief nostalgic glimpse reveals that each legal practice must maintain a minimum of three partners, placing Na Kyung-min's firm on precariously thin ice.
Hee-ji embarks on a personal property seizure mission alongside her client. The debtor resides in a luxurious abode, and as court officers step in, plastering seizure notices everywhere, he and his spouse strip down to shame them into departing. This encounter leaves Hee-ji unsettled, prompting her to vent about it to her newfound friends during lunch. She subsequently confides in Ju-hyeong about encountering Jang Hyun-seok. To her astonishment, Ju-hyeong doesn't exhibit any qualms about assisting in evicting a man from his home, leading to a brief altercation between them.
Later, Ju-hyeong attends the eviction hearing where Jang Hyeon-seokpleads for his help, but Ju-hyeong insists that his client refuses to settle. That very night, a groundbreaking precedent emerges from the Supreme Court, stating that individuals like Jang Hyun-seok cannot be evicted by force. Both Ju-hyeong and Hee-ji come across this information. Recognizing that others might still be unaware of this development, Ju-hyeong advises his client to proceed with the lawsuit regardless. During a meal with friends, Hee-ji mentions the precedent and realizes that Ju-hyeong is gambling on the fact that many remain uninformed about this recent judicial directive.
Hee-ji pays an unexpected visit to Jang Hyun-seok's abode, briefing him on a legal precedent that could sway their case. During the hearing, Hyun-seok arrives armed with pertinent paperwork, and Ju-hyeong, noticing the distinct formatting of the documents, deduces Hee-ji's involvement. He informs the judge of his intention to consult with his client regarding this sudden twist.
Over lunch, Ju-hyeong confronts Hee-ji about her meddling. She justifies her actions as a civic duty, aiding a fellow human in avoiding homelessness. Ju-hyeong, however, scorns the new precedent, highlighting that it will deter banks from extending loans to individuals like Hyun-seok. The debate escalates until Mun-jeong steps in to defuse the tension.
Subsequently, Ju-hyeong's client instructs him to withdraw the lawsuit. Yet, the frosty atmosphere between Ju-hyeong and Hee-ji persists, coloring their shared meals with an uneasy silence. Some time later, an email reaches all lawyers, announcing the consolidation of all firms into Law Firm Hyungmin.
Hee-ji delves into Dong-wook's notes and stumbles upon a tip about a serene retreat along a university's walking trail. She ventures there, finding solace on a bench. Meanwhile, Ju-hyeong, out for a jog, chances upon her serene figure. A fleeting memory of their passionate kiss in Hong Kong crosses his mind, revealing that he hasn't forgotten her after all.
