Martha Costello is now a QC, but she learns fast that it can be lonely at the top. At Shoe Lane Chambers times are tough, and senior clerk Billy struggles to keep things afloat while Clive Reader tries to be stoic about his unsuccessful silk application. Martha is defending Brendan Kay, a member of one of London's biggest crime outfits. He is accused of blinding a man, who allegedly disrespected their 'number two'. Martha's job is made harder because Brendan's solicitor, Micky Joy, is an old school player of the system who walks both sides of the line. Also up against a notorious QC, Caroline Warwick, nicknamed Lady MacBeth for her uncompromising approach in court, Martha feels herself pulled by the various political forces around her, and realises to win she will need an all or nothing defence. Meanwhile, Clive takes on a sensitive case with a new solicitor, George Duggan.

Martha has to represent Captain Ed Ryan during a Court Martial. He has been accused of disobeying an order, which resulted in the passing of a 19-year-old private. Martha seeks tfor he truth which she believes is hidden beneath words of loyalty and honour. Clive is tempted after Caroline Warwick offers him some juicy prosecution work to help his silk application. Billy ends up warning him to keep his relationship with George Duggan purely professional.

Clive is in the city of Oxford to prosecute three male students who have been accused of sexually assaulting a young waitress. The three silks up against him attempt to use who playground tactics to beat him. Clive starts to lose his nerve but following a chance encounter with former friend Ed Marmor his confidence improves and he discovers a passion for prosecuting which he didn't know he had. Martha is defending Ricky Armitage, who has wrecked his local mini-mart and attacked the owner.

Martha finds herself in a David and Goliath battle when she represents the driver of a high security prison van. When some of his prisoners escaped, Michael Ward opened the doors of his van to find another dead. With Ward and the security firm accused of causing the prisoner's passing, Martha fights to make Ward stand up for himself, lest he becomes the fall guy. Chambers take on a new pupil, Daniel Lomas, who helps Martha unlock her client. Meanwhile Clive is struggling to get through to Fatima Ali, and Billy, still feeling the pressure from Micky, starts to uncover hidden truths about CW

Martha represents Jackson Henderson in a passing row case at the Supreme Court. Billy is concerned as he knows the emotional strain a case like this will have on her. Jackson's execution in Jamaica is due soon and Martha faces one of the toughest legal arguments of her whole career. The day of Fatima Ali's trial is coming close and Clive feels that he's not the right barrister for her. He manages to persuade Martha to take the brief instead, leaving him free for the trial of his career, prosecuting Jody Farr.

Martha is representing Jody Farr who ispleading his innocence to the crime. He is a notorious criminal responsible for the passing of Martha's former client Brendan Kay. Martha attempts to do her job while not letting Jody get under her skin. After she senses that he isn't getting a fair trial she suspects some foul play and sets a dangerous trap to uncover the truth. ?With the date of his tribunal coming up, Clive focuses all his efforts on prosecuting Farr. Billy finds himself being trapped by Micky Joy.