Burden of Justice

Filming kicks off in August for SVT’s upcoming legal drama Burden of Justice (original title Försvararna), based on an original idea by bestselling author Jens Lapidus. The series is directed by Lisa Linnertorp (Threesome), with scripts by Frans Milisic Wiklund (Snabba Cash, Alex, Lust), and stars Kit Walker Johansson (Threesome) in one of the lead roles.

The story follows friends Sasha and Kalle, both high-profile defense lawyers running one of Stockholm’s most prestigious law firms. Sasha is driven by status and money, while Kalle is passionate about defending his clients — but also about being the best. When Sasha becomes personally involved in a rape case and Kalle takes on one of the most high-profile gang crime trials in recent history, their worlds begin to unravel.

Meanwhile, newly graduated law student Tilde gets the opportunity of a lifetime — but also a dangerous look into the darkest corners of the legal industry. Ambitious and eager Oscar (Kit Walker Johansson) dreams of becoming the next star lawyer, but soon realizes the profession may demand more than he is willing to give. As the pressure mounts, all of them are forced to confront difficult ethical choices and personal dilemmas. In the end, the series asks: what kind of lawyers — and what kind of people — do they want to be?

“This is a series I’ve dreamed of making for a long time. Everything that happens in society eventually comes into sharp focus in a courtroom— it’s a uniquely rich environment for telling stories about the people within the justice system, especially the lawyers.” says Jens Lapidus

The eight-part series is produced by Strive Stories (Nicklas Wikström Nicastro, Caroline Landerberg) in co-production with SVT, Strive Stories and Film i Väst, and will be filmed in western Sweden. The premiere is planned for spring 2026.