Coming face-to-face with the law is probably the last place anyone wants to be, but director Iain MacAulay breaks open the courtroom doors for an up-close (and maybe too personal) look. Following some of the top lawyers at renowned Glasgow law practice Aamer Anwar & Co, The Firm attempts to cut through the legal jargon and find the human stories beneath. 

We are invited into early mornings, long hours and tearful testimonies experienced by those working at the very top of the legal profession. Together with his specialist team, Anwar tackles racial prejudice within the police and prison deaths (and that’s just episode one).

This eight-part documentary series is at its strongest when it delves into Scottish law, navigating mountains of legal documents and revealing the dedication needed for the job. At times we are almost uncomfortably close; in one scene, the wracked sobs of a bereaved family member fill an inquiry room. It’s a striking moment that highlights the bond between lawyers and their clients.

But inconsequential scenes meant to make lawyers relatable undermine some of this work. Running late after suit shopping between meetings, and bickering with colleagues: it’s all meant to appeal to a wider audience but only serves to give this factual series unnecessary reality-TV undertones. The Firm is insightful, but it misses the mark by compromising its razor-sharp focus for filler that tries to show lawyers are (sometimes) people too.

Starts on Sunday 8 October.