What you need is something that will take you to the next level. That will completely make your career.
-- Brian Taylor (chapter 1)

Importance: Kate's character is introduced in the opening pages as a career sex-crimes prosecutor jaded by the often horrific nature of her vocation. After James is charged with rape, his case is handled by Kate's department, and her long-time clerk Brian makes sure that the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ends up in Kate's hands. Brian's remarks reflect his deep, empathic connection with Kate and his understanding of the mid-life rut she has ended up in with her work and nonexistent personal life. By making sure Kate gets the Whitehouse case, Brian is facilitating Kate's chance to hold a powerful person responsible for their behavior and advocating for an innocent woman's allegations to be believed.

Why would you do that? The PM will make it clear if he wants that, but he doesn't abandon old...
-- Chris Clarke (chapter 3)