Writer and producer David E. Kelley is the creative force behind some of the most successful television series of the 1990s and beyond. As the scriptwriter and executive producer of the shows Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, The Practice, and Boston Public, Kelley has earned several Emmy awards, seven-figure compensation deals, and nearly legendary status for his prolific work habits. For a time, Kelley was singlehandedly writing the weekly scripts for two hour-long shows on prime time--Ally McBeal and The Practice--at the same time. "Kelley is that Hollywood rarity: a thoughtful, insightful, dizzyingly funny writer who expects the most from himself--and his audience," opined Seattle Times journalist Ken Parish Perkins. "TV viewers love him because he's full of engaging surprises. Actors love him because he creates distinctive, memorable parts for them. Critics love him because he doesn't insult their intelligence--indeed, he counts on it."

Kelley was born...