Episode 9 of "Law and the City" kicks off with the serene yet routine morning of Mun-jeong and Ji-seok. Mun-jeong awakens with a lingering ache in her feet, setting the tone for her day. Over breakfast, the conversation inadvertently drifts to the topic of her maternity leave—or rather, its absence—leaving Mun-jeong with a cloud of discontent hovering over her.
At the office, Sang-gi is delighted to receive a thoughtful gesture from the interns: an elegant ink pen, a token of their gratitude for his unwavering support. Meanwhile, Mun-jeong unwinds with her friends, venting about the maternity leave dilemma that weighs heavily on her mind. Prompted by her predicament, Hee-ji inquiries about the maternity leave policy with their boss, Kang Jeong-yun, who candidly admits the challenge of implementing such a benefit in their small firm.
Mun-jeong's workday takes a turn as she is entrusted with a new case. It revolves around a tteokbeokki restaurant owner who had hired Oh Jeong-wuk, only to have him betray her trust by stealing the secret recipe for her beloved tteokbeokki sauce and establishing a rival establishment.
When Mun-jeong and Hee-ji pay a visit to the imposter restaurant, they are struck by its uncanny resemblance to the original—from its moniker to its decor and even the dishes themselves. Hee-ji, however, tempers Mun-jeong's enthusiasm by reminding her that winning recipe theft cases is an uphill battle.
In court, Mun-jeong marshals her arguments, striving to establish the sauce recipe as a trade secret. She meticulously demonstrates how the restaurant owner has secured the room where the sauce is formulated with a lock, underscoring its confidentiality.
Elsewhere, Kim Hyung-min discovers that Lee Dong-su is once again causing havoc. Although the exact nature of their connection remains shrouded in mystery, Hyung-min's resolve to assist the victim is unwavering. She seeks out a barbecue shop owner who reveals a distressing tale: Dong-su had duped him into signing an investment contract that has obligated him to pay interest regardless of profit or loss for over half a decade.
Back at the workplace, Kim Ryu-jin thoughtfully suggests to Sang-gi that pursuing a doctoral degree might be a worthwhile endeavor if teaching piques his interest. Sang-gi nods thoughtfully, agreeing to weigh the option. Meanwhile, Hyung-min finds himself in a confrontation with Dong-su, pleading with him to reconsider filing a lawsuit. Dong-su, however, brushes her aside and storms out.
Undeterred, Hyung-min presents the case to Ju-hyeong, who uncovers a startling revelation: the investment contract mirrors the conditions of a loan rather than an investment. Furthermore, according to interest limitation laws, Dong-su has exceeded the permissible interest rate.
In a separate trial involving a tteokbeokki restaurant, the defense attorney cunningly brings up the patent application for the restaurant owner's sauce. As the patent is now a matter of public record, the sauce fails to qualify as a trade secret, leaving Mun-jeong crestfallen. Seeking guidance, she consults Ju-hyeong, who astutely points out that the theft extended beyond the recipe, encompassing the very essence and ambiance of the restaurant. Mun-jeong hastily returns to the restaurant, where she engages the owner in conversation. She learns of an interior designer hired by both the owner and Jeong-wuk, prompting her to request the designer's contact details.
In a fortuitous encounter in the elevator, Hee-ji catches a glimpse of a university brochure in Sang-gi's hand. He shares his contemplation about pursuing a doctoral degree, revealing a spark of enthusiasm for academic advancement.
During the ongoing trial, Mun-jeong produces a crucial document sent by Jeong-wuk to the interior designer. The document, adorned with pictures of the original store, undeniably proves Jeong-wuk's intention to replicate the original as a new branch. This revelation swings the case back in her favor.
Elsewhere, Sang-gi seeks the counsel of his former professor regarding the feasibility of enrolling in a doctoral program. He expresses his desire to attend night classes to maintain his current employment, but his professor gently reminds him that teaching positions are typically reserved for full-time students. Subsequently, Sang-gi visits his mother, only to find her unwell. He urges her to undergo a health checkup, but she dismisses it as unnecessary.
Upon returning home, Mun-jeong discovers a fresh pair of shoes awaiting her by the entrance. Realizing that Ji-seok, noticing her swollen feet, thoughtfully purchased a larger size, she is deeply moved. She offers him an apology for her morning irritability and seeks a reprieve, wondering if she could ponder the notion of maternity leave for just a little longer, given her genuine passion for her work and court appearances.
Elsewhere, Kim Hyung-min confronts Lee Dong-su, laying bare the specifics of his investments and loans, making it unequivocally clear that she stands ready to thwart him at every turn should he persist in such conduct. Meanwhile, Sang-gi embarks on a new financial venture by opening a savings account, determined to stash away his earnings.
Hyung-min subsequently meets with Seong Yu-deok, presenting him with a fresh case marked by attempted murder. A vivid flashback unfolds, depicting a student wielding a knife menacingly towards another. The intended victim, Mun Chan-yeong, acts swiftly, seizing the weapon and retaliating against his tormentor.
Chang-won takes on this case and deliberates with his peers. He contemplates pleading guilty in hopes of securing a lenient sentence. Ju-hyeong counters by suggesting they argue self-defense, emphasizing that Chan-yeong had been enduring prolonged bullying, even transferring schools to escape his aggressor. However, Chang-won remains haunted by the repercussions of the voice phishing case. He wonders if he hadn't advocated Do Mi-gyeong's innocence and instead focused solely on mitigating her sentence, she might not be burdened with such an exorbitant fine today.
Later, Chang-won reconvenes with his father, who urges him to abandon his legal career and join the family business instead.
Hyung-min discovers her sitting in solitude, lost in contemplation, and engages her in a thoughtful discussion about the ongoing case. He inquires about her initial motivation to pursue a career in law, to which she responds that she yearned to both amass wealth and assist others, ultimately achieving this through an alternate path. Meanwhile, Chang-won delivers the case files to Ju-hyeong, who affirms that there is ample evidence of bullying, which could potentially lessen Chan-yeong’s punishment. In a subsequent meeting with Chan-yeong, Chang-won poses a poignant question: Does he harbor any regrets over his actions? Chan-yeong, resolute, declares that he feels no remorse and refuses to feign regret merely to secure a lighter sentence.
As Chan-yeong and Chang-won prepare to face the court, Chang-won's mind wanders, contemplating whether this could indeed be his final case—perhaps a hint at him seriously considering his father's proposition. The ninth episode of "Law and the City" concludes on a tense note with Mun-jeong awakening to acute abdominal pain, her expression a picture of discomfort and distress.
