Maxine Peake

When an anxious solicitor turns up on the doorstep of Shoe Lane Billy knows just who he needs. Dani's nephew is fighting extradition to the US on charges of terrorism and despite Clive's warnings Martha cannot let the system swallow up a young man without any firm evidence. Up against the might of the US government, Martha must use all her skills to save Rashid; even if he seems reluctant to help himself.

At the Supreme Court Martha is representing Jackson Henderson in a death row case. Against a ticking clock and with Billy breathing down her neck, Martha faces the toughest legal argument of her career. Clive increasingly feels that he's not the right barrister for Fatima Ali and at the risk of losing George, persuades Martha to take the brief, conveniently leaving him free to prosecute Jody Farr.

Clive has finally become a Silk but his celebration party is dramatically cut short when news of the arrest of the son of the Head of Chambers for killing a police officer reaches the celebrations. Martha must step in to defend the young man despite the overwhelming evidence.

Clive is prosecuting three students accused of sexually assaulting a waitress. Up against an intimidating defense counsel, Clive begins to waver, but a chance encounter with an old friend helps him discover a passion for prosecuting he didn't know he had.

Martha defends a vulnerable teenager and the pupils are given their first opportunity to stand up in court, taking on a low-level magistrates' court case. However, as the cases progress, both Martha and Nick find themselves in challenging positions. Can Martha save her client without endangering not only her silk application, but also her career?

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 becoming increasingly isolated as she fights to defend ex-boyfriend Sean against overwhelming evidence. Determined to ignore an angry Clive who attempts to force her to confront the holes in her client's story, Martha begins to wonder if she's cut out for this world. As she begins to uncover further lies Sean has told she is shocked when she has to rely on an old enemy to have any hope of clearing his name.

Martha takes on the biggest case of her life, defending Mark Draper, a repeat offender on a murder charge at the Old Bailey. However, when the case starts to fall apart, Martha must try to remain focused on the trial as both personal and private pressures escalate. Meanwhile, it is decision time for the pupils, and the fate of chambers hangs in the balance.

Reluctantly representing Jody Farr, Martha will do her job, but she won't allow him or Micky to get under her skin. Fighting shifting power plays and an untenable defense she begins to feel that Jody isn't getting a fair trial and suspect's foul play. Setting a dangerous trap, can Martha uncover the unbelievable truth?

Fanny Lye lives a quiet Puritan life with her husband John and young son Arthur, but her simple world is shaken to its core by the unexpected arrival of a mysterious young couple in need. An unexpected visit from the local Sheriff causes events to escalate that changes Fanny's disciplined life forever.