Peter Kingdom runs his law practice in Market Shipborough and is aided by secretary Gloria and a young trainee from London, Lyle.

Peter is hired by a woman who claims that a local farmer kidnapped her child.

While Sidney Snell complains that he is being harassed by the council, Peter represents a father and son whose fishing boat exploded.

Mr. and Mrs. Forshaw engage Peter in a case of discrimination, bringing him into contact with his former tutor.