You have one of the great TV viewing experiences in front of you - you lucky thing! I am pretty sure they got to series twelve before it finished.
Rule One - pay attention! The series is multi-stranded and they keep some stories going over more than one series. Charactrers also re-appear, and they don;t explain, they expect you to know who is whom, and where they fit because you have been paying attention.
Rule Two - try not to miss a single episode. Because the story-lines - sometimes seven or eight running at once, although of course they dip in and out - it is essential that you keep your eye on the ball.
Rule Three - worship at the feet of Dennis Franz, surly on of the finest TV actors of his generation. When you get to it - I wont spoil things - the story of Andy and his son made me cry buckets, and would if i say it again! Franz's character Andy Sipowitz is a deeply flawed individual. He is fundamentally a good man, but boy he has some rough edges! One of the best characters ever written for TV.
I am deeply envious - having watched everything in 'real time' - I used to pine through the summers until the autumn schedules brought this show back on TV.
If you are stuck on anything - post here, I will be delighted to assist.