As a single mother, life has not always been easy for young lawyer Corinna Jakobs. But now the talented lawyer is about to make her professional breakthrough: she is to represent the main client of her law firm. The respected Hamburg fish manufacturer and wealthy fishing fleet owner Johann Petersen is repeatedly accused in the press of the eco-activist Dr. Jens Groote attacks. The environmentalist who lives on a North Sea island accuses Petersen of fishing in nature reserves. Corinna knows that this case requires a lot of finesse. In order to avoid a media-effective process, the lawyer wants to force the conservationist to reach an out-of-court settlement under threat of a high fine. A visit to Groote's North Sea island is very helpful for Corinna, because the sea air is the best medicine for her daughter Melanie, who suffers from a chronic cough. Corinna is surprised to find that Melanie has been pen pals with Groote's son Patrick for some time. However, Groote himself is not only unfriendly, but also proves to be a difficult negotiating partner. On a boat trip together, Groote demonstrates to the unsuspecting lawyer what damage Petersen's fishing fleets are causing. And to make matters worse, Corinna has to admit that she actually doesn't find the rough-and-ready guy all that unsympathetic. The fact that Corinna's fiancé Bruno is coming for a flying visit doesn't make the situation any easier.