In the sophisticated world of New York City’s top lawyers, Suits presents a captivating portrayal of legal battles filled with witty dialogue and elegant wardrobes. The USA original series follows the story of Mike Ross, a brilliant young man with an eidetic memory, who lands a job as a Junior Associate at one of New York’s prestigious law firms despite never attending law school. Teaming up with the charismatic attorney Harvey Specter, they face some of the toughest cases in the bustling city while hiding their fraud. But just how accurate is Suits when it comes to the legal profession?
Suits: Entertaining but Far from Accurate
Suits may be a thrilling and engaging series, but its depiction of the legal system and the lives of attorneys is far from reality. The central premise of Mike Ross’s hiring as an associate is a major inaccuracy. No sensible attorney would risk their career by hiring an unqualified individual with a fraud-ridden background. There were plausible alternatives, such as providing Mike with a strong letter of recommendation to secure a spot in law school, or exploring other roles within the firm.
Furthermore, Harvey Specter’s legendary bluffing skills would lead to disbarment in real life. The courtroom interactions in the show, with lawyers making wisecracks and side comments in front of judges, would lead to contempt charges in an actual court setting. Suits often overlooks ethical standards and presents incorrect courtroom objections.
Inaccuracies Enhance the Show’s Appeal
Despite its inaccuracies, Suits uses creative liberties to craft an engaging television series. The accelerated timeline of legal work adds to the show’s pace and intensity. The characters’ ability to read and understand legal documents quickly may be unrealistic, but it keeps the courtroom drama flowing smoothly.
Additionally, the series allows its lawyers to handle diverse cases, even beyond their expertise. While this may not be true to real life, it opens up creative opportunities for intriguing storylines in each episode.
What ‘Suits’ Gets Right
Amidst its inaccuracies, Suits does capture certain aspects of the legal profession accurately. The meticulous attention to detail in prop use, such as specific legal document bindings, showcases the show’s commitment to authenticity.
The importance of social skills and client relationships in prestigious firms resonates accurately. Building trust and rapport with clients is crucial for legal success, and the series portrays this aspect convincingly.
The roles of legal secretaries and paralegals are highlighted effectively, emphasizing their indispensable contributions to law firms. The hierarchical structure within the firm is also accurately depicted.
