BBC has confirmed a new drama series that delves into the world of young lawyers in Scotland’s high-octane legal scene. The show, titled Counsels, is set in Glasgow and consists of eight hour-long episodes.
At the heart of the series are five lawyers who navigate both high-stakes courtroom battles and intense personal lives. The storytelling is described as punchy and characterful, bringing to life the challenges these legal professionals face.
According to a BBC press release, the characters, who are scattered across the legal profession since graduating from an elite law school, will experience a range of outcomes. Some will rise to the top, while others risk losing everything as they engage in heavyweight litigation.
Viewers can expect not only legal battles but also scandalous love affairs, toxic relationships, and fracturing friendships. The fight for justice is portrayed as a force that threatens to tear the characters apart.
The authenticity of the series is owed to the immersive research conducted by co-writers Bryan Elsley and Gillian McCormack, a Glasgow native. They have had unique access to Glasgow lawyers’ experiences, which has helped the characters as gritty yet humorous, much like the city itself.
The series will focus on the courtroom, offering fewer scenes of late-night document preparation in skyscrapers. It is also noted that Counsels will not provide much in the way of legal study tips, given the distinct nature of the Scots legal system.
Gillian McCormack is a graduate of the BBC’s Drama Room, having a background in PR, while Bryan Elsley is known for his work on ensemble pieces such as Skins and The Young Person’s Guide to Becoming a Rock Star. Elsley also contributed to the Netflix drama Kiss me First.
Counsels is scheduled to air on BBC One and iPlayer.
