The four one-hour episodes of “The Barristers” aim to give viewers an insight into the life and work of advocates in criminal, family and other branches of civil law, and into the BVC and pupillages.

The series is co-produced by the Open University. Gary Slapper, Open University professor of law and academic adviser to the series, said: “People are aware of the Bar, but their knowledge is based on fiction – what goes on in courts and how barristers work are still largely a mystery.

“The Barristers is path-cutting as a series in so many ways and aims to demystify the legal system and show people the real story.

“Access to this extent for TV crews is unprecedented. Never before has filming taken place within the precinct of the Old Bailey and in the highest court in the land.”

A spokesman for the Bar Council said that over a period of four years the BBC had been given unprecedented access to members of the profession, inns and law schools.

Tim Dutton QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, said: “The Barristers is something of a landmark for our profession. For many years the Bar has tried to communicate the great strides it has taken toward greater inclusiveness.

“The work done by the Bar Council to make the public aware of our work, and to widen access to a vigorously competitive profession is apparent throughout all four episodes.

“At a time when public funding, which enables the most vulnerable in society to have a voice, is under threat as never before, The Barristers demonstrates the vital public service work done by barristers, the long hours we work, and the determination to achieve excellence.”

The Open University has launched a new course, Starting With Law, aimed people who may be thinking of pursuing a career in law and want to know more about the legal profession.