Shelley Conners is the defense counsel for bomber and murderer Max Weiss. She spoke for Weiss' plea hopes by wrongfully framing Dr. Edward Manning, his indented target, alleging Manning hired Weiss to kill Manning's separated wife Florence. When the detective suspected that wrong theory and put that idea in Weiss' head, Weiss took up the opportunity and rolled with it for a manslaughter plea.
When the truth was revealed in Weiss targeting Manning and acting alone, the deal was thrown out. When Conners challenged Manning's girlfriend Cynthia Thomas witnessing Weiss fight with Manning, Manning was subpoenaed for testimony to Weiss' motives: manning stole his thesis and illicitly barred him from tenure, which led to Weiss wanting revenge without realizing Manning moved after his separation from Florence.
Weiss was found guilty, and Conners notified the judge that Weiss wanted to state remorse. But the judge still sentenced Weiss to 25 to life and left the Department of Corrections to choose the prison. (L&O: "Big Bang")