Swedish crime drama Hundarna reflects real legal dilemmas, say lawyers

The Swedish crime series Hundarna captures genuine ethical challenges in the legal profession, though with heightened drama, according to prosecutors and defence lawyers interviewed by public broadcaster SVT.

In a discussion programme examining the realism of the SVT series, prosecutor Lisa dos Santos described it as a “concentrated” portrayal of real situations. “There are details I recognise, and the broader issues are well depicted,” she said, while noting the show amplifies tensions for dramatic effect.

Defence lawyer Kristofer Stahre confirmed that the series mirrors real-world dilemmas, including inappropriate client offers. “Of course I’ve received gifts—cars, all sorts of things. The key is to shut that door immediately,” he said, referencing a scene where a lawyer is tempted by a discounted sports car from a client.

Crime reporter Diamant Salihu also shared experiences of navigating ethical boundaries, including a request from a criminal to share someone’s photo—a favour he refused.

The panel agreed that while Hundarna exaggerates for entertainment, its core conflicts reflect actual pressures in legal work, from client relationships to professional integrity.