The Street Lawyer has a power/submission plot to it.  The main elements that fit these opposite words are demonstrated with Micheal’s actions and words as he moves through the story.
First Micheal has power in his office while in Drake & Sweeney.  He is able to have a voice with the judges and the power to force more money out of his clients pockets without any question.  He was an invincible lawyer who could not be touched.

Later he becomes the street lawyer.  A very small and insignificant legal firm which has little power in the big firm type courts.  He works for the homeless and poor who have little to none money giving him near nothing to hold them on.  His power is gone and no one listing to the small legal firm that works for the homeless.

Before he left the big firm though he took a file, a file that happened to be a very important file to the Drake & Sweeney legal offices.  This file gives Micheal power over the once powerful firm.  He is able to make almost any deal with them giving him the power that he once had, but more this time.

The big firm has still power though as they are able to use the police to intimidate Micheal and even jail him for a small period of time.  They always rely on that one file that Micheal has to get them 0ut of the mess by giving criminal charges and grand larceny.

The firm once had the power, but has submission to Micheal when he has the file.  Micheal also has power, but he is still a street lawyer making him not to influential in the large court battles.