STEPHANIE MARCH JOINS CAST OF 'CONVICTION' NBC'S NEW LEGAL DRAMA FROM DICK WOLF

Midseason Drama About Young District Attorneys Also Stars Anson Mount, Eric Balfour, Jordan Bridges, Julianne Nicholson, Milena Govich and J. August Richards

NEW YORK -- December 6, 2005 -- NBC Universal Television Studio/Wolf Films new legal drama "Conviction" begins production this week in New York City, with Stephanie March joining the cast as bureau chief Alexandra Cabot, along with Eric Balfour ("Hawaii," "The OC"), Anson Mount ("In Her Shoes," "The Mountain"), Jordan Bridges ("Mona Lisa Smile"), Julianne Nicholson ("Kinsey," "Ally McBeal"), Milena Govich ("Rescue Me") and J. August Richards ("Angel").

Scheduled to debut in early 2006, "Conviction," from Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf (creator and executive producer of the "Law & Order" -branded series) is a fast-paced, character-oriented series focusing on young Assistant District Attorneys in New York who are confronted with tough, high-profile cases that often challenge their limited experience. "Conviction" will be shot entirely in New York and the first-season order is 13 episodes.

According to Wolf, "Since 'Conviction' will be a 'charactercedural,' we will be dealing extensively with characters' back stories and personal lives. I am delighted with the extraordinary cast we have assembled, which will give the show depth and emotional intensity."

"Conviction" is created by Dick Wolf and the pilot is written by Walon Green ("Law & Order") and Rick Eid ("Law & Order: Trial By Jury," "The Guardian"). The series is a Wolf Films production in association with NBC Universal Television Studio. Dick Wolf, Walon Green, Rick Eid and Peter Jankowski are the executive producers.