Unveiling the Dark Side of Suits: 20 Troubling Secrets We All Overlook

Summary

Suits succeeded despite some shortcomings, such as inaccurate legal depictions and a failure to pass the Bechdel test.

The representation of the legal profession in the show is unrealistic and fails to accurately depict its glamorous and fast-paced nature. Suits disregarded crucial elements, such as the unlikelihood of sustaining Mike's secret and the absence of repercussions for his actions.

Suits endured for nine seasons, remaining popular even after the departure of key characters. Despite criticism, the show found new life on Netflix and maintained a dedicated fan base. Evaluating the quality of a show is subjective, and while some viewers disliked Suits for not passing the Bechdel test, others did not let it bother them. Gabriel Macht's portrayal of Harvey Specter proved that he could carry the show without the presence of Mike and Rachel. Suits delighted its fans with a satisfying finale that brought back beloved characters and provided a happy ending for everyone involved, particularly Louis. The show even spawned a short-lived spinoff called Pearson, centered around Harvey's mentor, Jessica Pearson, played by Gina Torres. Suits had many strengths, including its likable cast and its refreshing approach to the genre. However, audiences were willing to overlook various shortcomings, such as storytelling issues and a highly inaccurate portrayal of the legal profession.

20 Harvey And Mike Are Experts In Every Area Of Law

There is no way Harvey Specter and Mike Ross could’ve represented most of their clients throughout Suits’ first seven seasons. In the real world,

19 How Does Mike Maintain His Secret So Long?

the only lawyers who personally cover multiple areas of law operate out of small, general practices. Successful attorneys like Harvey and Mike, who work for large firms,

19 How Does Mike Maintain His Secret So Long?

practice one specific area of law, and they’re either transactional or litigation experts. Plot developments like Harvey poaching a client from rival Louis Litt simply wouldn’t happen. If the showrunners were going for accuracy, Harvey and Mike would be forced to refer a lot of their work to one of their peers.

At the heart of Suits’ premise lies the fact that Mike Ross never qualified to practice law. Consequently, this creates numerous challenges for Mike, Harvey, and the select few who are aware of this secret. Surprisingly, this should not have been a prolonged issue, as Mike should have been exposed as a fraud by the conclusion of Season 1. As Harvey and Mike meticulously screen opposing counsel before a trial, searching for any vulnerability to exploit, it only stands to reason that their adversaries would do the same. So, how did no one uncover the fact that Mike lacked a college degree or involvement in any undergraduate programs?

18 Pearson Hardman’s 'Harvard Only' Hiring Policy

Plenty of reputable law firms only hire candidates who graduate from Ivy League schools, whether they openly admit it or not. However, Pearson Hardman's "Harvard only" associate recruitment policy fails to withstand scrutiny, as it significantly limits the pool of potential candidates available to the firm. Furthermore, this policy undermines the academic achievements of other distinguished institutions to an unreasonable extent, even when considering the concept of "school pride." It is quite surprising that Jessica Pearson would endorse a policy that excludes other universities, especially considering that Yale Law School arguably enjoys a better reputation than Harvard.

17 Being A Lawyer Is Not Glamorous

Undoubtedly, the legal industry has long been romanticized by movies and TV shows, portraying lawyers as living extravagant rock-star lifestyles. However, Suits takes this perception to a whole new level. While it's true that working for a prestigious firm can come with its perks, such as handsome paychecks and wining and dining clients at exclusive restaurants, there are also plenty of drawbacks to consider. The reality is that the majority of legal work entails countless hours of research in dreary offices connected by cluttered corridors filled with boxes of files. This hardly aligns with the day-to-day routine enjoyed by Harvey Specter and his accomplished peers in Suits.

16 Everyone Is So Young

15 Why Does Harvey Risk It All On Mike?

It is logical that the characters Mike and Rachel, portrayed as a recently hired associate and senior paralegal in the TV series Suits, are represented by young actors. Being newcomers in the field, it is to be expected that they would fall within the younger age range commonly preferred by television shows. On the other hand, the ages of their superiors are significantly less plausible. Initially introduced in Suits, Jessica, Harvey, and Louis are depicted to be in their early 40s at most. It is highly unlikely (although technically not impossible) for this trio to have attained such prominent positions and become name partners at such relatively young ages.

Harvey Specter, a maverick with an abundance of self-confidence bordering on arrogance, defies the Pearson Hardman by-law stating that only Harvard Law School graduates can be associates. Despite this, Harvey takes a daring leap by hiring Mike Ross, who, without attending any law school, let alone HSL, presents a significant gamble. Seeking a candidate with qualities resembling his own, Harvey risks not only his career but also the potential for imprisonment by recruiting Mike. Will Harvey gamble his entire future on someone he has only recently encountered?

14 All The Rapid-Fire Casework

Part of the appeal of Suits was its portrayal of the legal world's fast-paced nature. The show captivated viewers with thrilling moments as Harvey and Mike strategized against their adversaries within strict time constraints. However, the reality is quite different. In real life, complex litigation tends to progress at a significantly slower pace, often comparable to the movement of a glacier. While the environment can undoubtedly be stressful, it is more of a gradual and persistent buildup rather than an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. Even in the most intriguing and high-profile legal cases, such as those portrayed in Suits, Harvey and Mike might not be well-suited for the true challenges of the legal profession.

13 Mike's LSAT Scam Wouldn't Work

Joining Pearson Hardman was a turning point for Mike Ross, who used to make ends meet by taking the Law School Admission Test on behalf of others. This secret gig lasted for quite a while until it was unveiled in the pilot episode when a proctor recognized him as the person who had taken the exam. In reality, it would have been highly unlikely for Mike to successfully pull off this scam even once, let alone repeat it without getting caught.

Mike's scheme involved cleverly disguising himself by wearing a hat pulled down low to hide his face, and discreetly slipping his completed test paper as he left the room. However, in actual exams, participants are strictly prohibited from wearing any non-religious head coverings, and the test papers are collected by authorized personnel.

12 There Wasn’t Enough Fallout From The Mike Reveal

Suits season 5 concluded with the arrest of Mike for involvement in a conspiracy to commit fraud, which aligns with the appropriate charges for someone who engaged in the illegal practice of law for an extended period of time. Subsequently, in the following season, he serves a prison sentence. However, after completing a reduced term, Mike manages to secure employment at a legal clinic, and Harvey reintegrates him into the firm during season 7. It is important to note that due to his criminal record, Mike would typically be prohibited from working in any legal capacity, whether it be at a legal clinic or a firm. Moreover, another significant concern arises as every case Mike ever handled should technically undergo reexamination and retrial.

11 The Amount Of Backstabbing And Infighting

Working at a prestigious law firm in the real world involves open conflict, covert betrayals, and complex internal politics. This professional environment serves as the perfect ingredient for compelling drama, which is why Suits fully embraces it. However, it is quite astonishing that a dysfunctional firm like Pearson Hardman, with its various iterations, could not only survive but also thrive. The constant chaos in senior management and the frequent rebranding of the firm would inevitably lead to far more negative consequences both internally and externally than what is portrayed in the series.

10 Mike Never Gets A Law Degree

If Mike had successfully completed his legal studies at the local night school and become a qualified lawyer, the plan could have worked effectively on Suits. By ensuring that Harvey prevented Mike from appearing in court until after he officially passed the bar exam, their actions would only be considered a violation of Pearson Hardman policy, rather than a criminal offense. However, internally, it would have been difficult to conceal, as others would have questioned why Harvey's promising new associate never had any courtroom experience. This would have made their deception more easily detectable. Nevertheless, they would have still faced the risk of losing their job rather than facing the possibility of imprisonment.

9 Nobody Applies To Work At Pearson Specter Litt

Once the news broke that Mike had been practicing law without a license, the repercussions were not limited to him alone. Pearson Specter Litt also suffered significant consequences after it was revealed that each of its name partners knowingly employed a fraudulent lawyer. This resulted in a wave of staff departures, as no one wanted to be associated with the scandal. During Suits season 6, the firm faced a lack of new applicants to fill the vacancies left behind by departing employees. Prospective candidates were hesitant to be connected with a tarnished brand. It would be illogical to suggest that no one would apply for a position given the limited opportunities available at prestigious law firms.

8 Hardman Falls For The "Signed" Affidavit

7 Mike's Computer Password

Pearson Hardman co-founder Daniel Hardman is a man of many talents, but foolishness is not one of them. This is precisely why he has consistently proven to be a formidable adversary for seasoned legal professionals such as Harvey and Jessica. However, in the season 2 episode "High Noon," Hardman's lack of perceptiveness seems incongruous with his character. Mike's clever scheme involves presenting Hardman with an incriminating affidavit that dealt a fatal blow to his campaign to regain control of the firm – an affidavit that Mike cunningly signed himself. It strains credibility to think that someone as astute as Hardman would not thoroughly scrutinize the document and immediately detect Mike's unmistakable signature.

Despite his remarkable intellect and exceptional memory, it was perplexing that Mike chose the simplistic password "Ross99" for his work computer. Why would someone with such ingenuity settle for a weak security measure when they could design something intricate enough to be memorized solely by themselves? The reason behind this puzzling decision lies beyond the realm of the fictional world: the creative team of the show, Suits, intended to highlight Mike's unfamiliarity with the legal environment. Having never received any guidance on crafting secure passwords during his previous absence from a top-tier law firm, it is unexpected that someone as sharp as Mike would make such a lapse in judgment.

6 The Associates Use Books To Research

On the rare occasion that Suits portrayed Mike or Rachel engrossed in late-night case research, they would often be immersed in phone book-sized legal tomes. From a storytelling perspective, this depiction was on point, effectively conveying the tedium of legal homework to the average viewer. However, in reality, it is outdated. Mike and Rachel were much more likely to burn the midnight oil seated at their computers, accessing online research portals and databases. In fact, resorting to pouring over physical books is nowadays extremely uncommon, except for a few seasoned practitioners.

5 Leonard Bailey's Life Shouldn't Be At Stake

One instance where Suits diverged from the legal system it purportedly imitates was the battle to save Leonard Bailey's life. You may remember that Rachel, and later Pearson, dedicated a portion of season 6 to exonerating Leonard in order to prevent his execution. It was a gripping ordeal, with both women relying on their impressive legal skills to spare Leonard from his unjust destiny. However, it was also entirely fictional. In 2004, the same year Leonard received his sentence, New York discontinued the use of capital punishment. Consequently, Leonard should have either been sentenced to life imprisonment or had his existing sentence commuted to a life term at some point during that year.

4 Hoyt Nearly Loses His Company In A Poker Game

3 How Was Mike Hired In The First Place?

: Despite the Suits writing staff warranting some fairness, various elements of the case explored in season 2’s poker-themed episode "All In" do hold a certain degree of accuracy. As depicted, it is indeed possible to draft a contract on a napkin, and theoretically, a company can be used as collateral to regain entry into the game. Furthermore, Mike astutely identifies the three essential components that constitute legally binding contracts: offer, acceptance, and consideration. However, the critical oversight in the episode lies in neglecting the fact that Keith Hoyt was under the influence of alcohol when he entered the contract. Considering Harvey's exceptional legal expertise, deeming the contract voidable should have been a straightforward task, but unfortunately, the show conveniently ignores this significant aspect.

Mike’s recruitment to Pearson Hardman was marred by another issue. The manner in which he was hired raises eyebrows. Ignoring Mike’s lack of eligibility based on legal and company policies, Harvey Specter somehow circumvented the scrutiny of the Human Resources department. A firm the size of Pearson Hardman would surely have an HR team responsible for the thorough onboarding process of associates, including conducting comprehensive background checks. At this stage, Harvey, and very likely Jessica Pearson, would have been alerted to the absence of any documentation supporting Mike’s claim of holding a Bachelor's degree or even attending Harvard Law School.

2 Donna Destroys The Evidence

Suits’ Donna Paulson possesses an almost uncanny level of ability as a legal secretary. Her boss Harvey acknowledged that “Donna never makes mistakes,” although there was one exception – when she deliberately destroyed evidence that could have supported a fraud accusation against Harvey. The impetus behind this reckless act can be attributed to emotional motivations that are comprehensible. Donna's actions stemmed from her loyalty to Harvey, and considering the close nature of their relationship, she must have been aware that her actions would provoke his anger. However, tampering with evidence contradicts Harvey’s ethical code. The question remains: why didn't Donna first approach Harvey? Given her status as one of his most trusted confidants, she should have developed a carefully thought-out and legally-compliant plan of action.

1 It Regularly Fails The Bechdel Test

Is Suits Bechdel test compliant? The Bechdel test ensures that a film, TV show, or comic book includes substantive female characters engaged in conversations beyond their male counterparts. Despite featuring intelligent, successful, and empowered female characters – such as Jessica Pearson, Rachel Zane, and Donna Paulson – Suits does not meet the requirements of the Bechdel test. While later seasons improve on this aspect to some extent, the majority of storylines involving women still center around male characters, hindering the development of more significant narratives for the female cast.