Avocats & Associés

It's Caroline's first day at the legal firm Zelder and Carvani. On the programme, a couple who want to keep a child entrusted to them by the social services and whose mother is demanding custody. At the criminal court, Robert is defending Guillaume Sevran, son of a wealthy family, who killed a 17 year-old Turkish girl. Michèle falls for the charming Ferdino, comic book illustrator. Until he's arrested for rape.

Ferdino has been accused of rape by Sophie Lachaume. Michèle, in love with the illustrator, is in shock but agrees to defend him. Antoine is worried about the firm and pushes everyone to find clients who can actually afford to pay. In his private life, it's his son's celibacy that worries him. Caroline defends a woman accused of killing her husband.

Some rather macabre parcels are being sent to the practice. Apparently someone is out for revenge, but whom? Is there a link with the case Laurent is defending, a young driver is accused of being responsible for a child's death? Robert is getting bogged down in a case between a woman and her former lover.

Étienne Bouchon, a dangerous serial killer, asks Caroline to be his lawyer. With the case attracting so much media coverage, it's professionally risky for her. Michèle is thinking about resigning, Robert and Antoine refuse categorically to become partners. Laurent, constantly arguing with his father, is fed-up of the tawdry cases he's being given and finds Olivier, the new receptionist, an attentive and understanding listener.

A petty dealer held in custody pleads with Caroline to let his pregnant wife know that he's been arrested, so he won't be able to come to the maternity clinic. Although passing on messages on behalf of a client is not allowed, Caroline still informs the young woman. She immediately informs the dealer's accomplices. Michèle continues to bring in new clients and demands to be made a partner.

Bruno Lancien, Michèle's young neighbour, comes to see her and informs her that he's just assaulted his uncle. He's adamant that it was in order to steal from him but Michèle is unconvinced. Bruno ends up by admitting that he wanted to take revenge on the uncle who had raped him when he was twelve. Still traumatised and ashamed, he refuses to let her use it for his defence.