The Remarkable Real-Life Origins Behind Suits: Discover the True Characters Who Inspired Mike & Harvey

Suits commenced when Mike Ross unintentionally stumbled into a job interview with Harvey Specter, a recently promoted senior partner at a esteemed law firm in New York City. Despite lacking a law degree, Mike proved to be the most exceptional candidate that Harvey encountered that day, leading Harvey to offer him the position. As the pilot unfolded onscreen, some viewers may have pondered whether the premise of this USA Network series was inspired by a true story or if the characters of Mike and Harvey were based on real individuals.

Having premiered in 2011 and concluding with its ninth season in September 2019, Suits captivated audiences on the USA Network. The gripping drama series starred Gabriel Macht as Harvey, Patrick J. Adams as Mike, Rick Hoffman as Louis Litt, Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane, Sarah Rafferty as Donna Paulsen, and Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson. With its extensive nine-season run, the show undeniably achieved success. Now, let's delve into the origins of Suits and explore how creator Aaron Korsh conceived the story for this USA Network series.

Suits Technically Isn't A True Story

The series premiere of Suits may have sparked hope that it was grounded in reality, but in truth, Mike Ross' accidental foray into the legal field is purely fictional. Mike, with his prodigious memory and unconventional path to becoming an associate at a law firm, is not based on an actual person. In reality, it would be highly unlikely for someone to achieve such a feat without a law degree.

Ideally, if this were reality, someone like Mike would have been given another opportunity to take the LSAT and gain admission to law school. One mistake should not be the determining factor in shaping someone's future (unless that error is of a severe nature, such as murder). However, if the characters from Suits were real individuals, it's probable that Harvey would not have extended a job offer to Mike, and he would have had to continue his life as a test-taker until his fraudulent actions were exposed. Despite not being entirely rooted in truth, the USA Network series draws inspiration from real events.

Mike & Harvey Are Inspired By Real Experiences From Suits Creator Aaron Korsch's Life

Prior to his move to Los Angeles and venture into the television industry, Suits creator Aaron Korsh worked as an investment banker on Wall Street. The concept for the legal television drama was actually inspired by his experiences in the world of finance. According to USA Insider, Suits initially revolved around the finance industry rather than a law firm. Korsh developed these characters within a Wall Street setting before transitioning them into the realm of law. While writing the show, the creator drew heavily from his time on Wall Street, allowing his experiences to shape both the story and the characters.

Korsh worked as an investment banker out of aptitude rather than passion. His exceptional skills caught the attention of a fellow finance professional named Harvey, leading fans to make the connection. The character of Mike is derived from Korsh's own persona, while Harvey's character is inspired by the individual encountered during his Wall Street tenure. At some point during the evolution of early drafts, Suits underwent a shift from finance to law, ultimately resulting in the creation of a highly successful television series.

How Accurate Is Suits To Real Law Firms & Legal Cases?

Despite never having worked inside a law firm or represented a client in court, creator Aaron Korsh manages to capture the essence of being a lawyer in the USA Network show Suits. While certain elements are undoubtedly exaggerated for TV, the series does successfully depict some aspects of real law firms and legal cases.

One notable aspect is the characters' dedication to extensive research as they develop strategies for defending their clients, which mirrors real-life practices. Moreover, the show accurately portrays the hierarchical structure within the offices of Pearson Hardman. However, it's important to remember that Suits is ultimately a work of fiction, and most of its content is unrelated to the reality of law firms.

Source: USA Insider