How legally accurate is Suits?
Asked by: Gwendolyn Treutel | Last update: February 20, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)
Suits is largely inaccurate legally, prioritizing dramatic entertainment over realism, with major falsehoods including its premise (a college dropout faking being a lawyer), the speed of cases, oversimplified research, and unrealistic courtroom tactics like bluffing and direct talks with the Attorney General, though it captures some firm culture and the importance of paralegals/staff. Real law involves specialization (litigation vs. transactional), extensive online research, and adherence to strict procedural rules that the show often ignores for plot.
What is unrealistic about Suits?
Unrealistic Trial Timelines
The series frequently shows cases going to trial within a week of being charged. In practice, preparing for a criminal trial takes months or even years. The process involves extensive discovery, investigation, and preparation.
What law show is most realistic?
Getting it Right: Top 10 Realistic Legal TV Shows
- Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
- Murder One (1995-1997)
- The Good Wife (2009-2016)
- The Practice (1997-2004)
- Damages (2007-2012)
- For Life (2020-2021)
- Goliath (2016-2021)
- L.A. Law (1986-1994)
Is law by Mike an actual lawyer?
I've represented hundreds of clients over my 12+ years as a practicing attorney. Understanding the law can be challenging, but I've made it my mission to educate YOU about your most important legal rights in a way that will actually make sense.
Is a legal mind the same as Suits?
Suits first appeared on USA Network's development slate under the title A Legal Mind in April 2010. On April 5, 2010, USA announced that it was developing seven new pilots for its 2010–2011 television season, including A Legal Mind, which became Suits.
Real Lawyer Reacts to Suits (full episode)
How much does Harvey make as a lawyer?
As high as his sky-high status in the legal world. When Harvey's in the room, you know it! Financial Evaluation: Harvey starts at a high earning point of $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 as a senior partner. His move to managing partner could see him earning up to $2,500,000.
What is the #1 law firm in the world?
There isn't one single "number 1" law firm, as rankings vary by criteria (revenue, size, prestige, specific practice), but Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks as the #1 highest-grossing firm globally by revenue, exceeding $8.8 billion in 2024, followed by firms like Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper. For prestige or "feared" status, firms like Quinn Emanuel might top lists, while others excel in specific areas like M&A or IP, so "best" depends on the context.
Why was Mike Ross removed from Suits?
Mike Ross left Suits at the end of Season 7 because actor Patrick J. Adams felt the character's story had reached a natural conclusion, wanting to explore new projects after eight years, and to prioritize his personal life, with the opportunity coinciding with Meghan Markle's departure as Rachel Zane, leading to their characters moving to Seattle for a legal clinic. Adams later revealed personal struggles with depression and drinking during his final season, which influenced his decision to leave the demanding schedule.
Does Lawbymike have a degree?
A graduate of USC and the Duke University School of Law, Mike Mandell has built a digital footprint of over 9 Million across all platforms. Mike redefines the justice process and connects with a younger, internet-savvy audience.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
Who is considered the greatest lawyer of all time?
There's no single "greatest lawyer," but top contenders often cited include Clarence Darrow, famed for defending the unpopular; Abraham Lincoln, a legendary figure known as "Honest Abe"; and defense attorney Gerry Spence, who famously never lost a criminal case before a jury, while others like Johnnie Cochran, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Edward Bennett Williams are recognized for their massive impact, skill, and influence in specific areas of law.
What is the most realistic FBI show?
FBI TRUE - Watch on Paramount Plus. FBI True goes behind-the-scenes with real agents telling true stories of their most dangerous and infamous cases.
Did anyone in Suits date in real life?
Gabriel Macht Is Married to His "Suits" Love Interest in Real Life - IMDb. If you're just catching up on "Suits," you may have noticed the long-running series is packed with cameos connected to the cast in real life. One exciting appearance is by actor Jacinda Barrett, Gabriel Macht's real-life wife of almost 20 years.
Why did Suits become so bad?
“Suits” begins to rely more on recycled plotlines and unnecessary drama, making the final stretch painful to watch. Just as how Harvey overthrew Jessica to become managing partner, Louis does the same only about two seasons later.
How much did Meghan Markle get paid for Suits?
Meghan Markle earned around $50,000 per episode for her role as Rachel Zane on Suits, with earlier seasons reportedly paying $35,000, totaling roughly $450,000 annually, though she received royalties for only some seasons. Her salary increased as the show progressed, but she wasn't the highest-paid cast member, with main stars earning significantly more, but her overall net worth grew substantially after leaving to marry Prince Harry, due to other deals like Netflix and Spotify.
Why did Mike never go to Harvard?
Mike had been admitted as a transfer student to Harvard for the next year immediately before. The dean was forced to resign and his last act was to expel Mike and tell Harvard what he did so he would never get in. Some time after his expulsion, Mike started smoking pot with Trevor.
Which is harder, law or med school?
Medical school is generally considered harder due to its intense, fact-heavy curriculum requiring massive memorization and dealing with life-or-death stakes, while law school focuses more on reading, critical thinking, and analysis, though both are rigorous and demand significant commitment. Med school involves vast scientific knowledge and clinical rotations, whereas law school builds analytical "thinking like a lawyer" through heavy reading, writing, and case application, culminating in high-stakes final exams.
Why did Suits end so abruptly?
Suits ended abruptly because creator Aaron Korsh wanted to finish "on a high note," coinciding with key cast departures (Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle) and a natural decline in viewership after the main characters left, leading to a shorter, 10-episode final season to wrap up storylines cleanly and set up a potential spinoff.
Are Harvey and Mike friends in real life?
Yes, Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross) and Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter) are genuinely close friends in real life, a bond that began before the show and deepened during filming, making their on-screen chemistry authentic; they remain great friends, often seen together, and their real-life connection is a key reason for their characters' compelling relationship on Suits.
Why was Rachel written off Suits?
Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) left Suits at the end of Season 7 because she married Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) and they moved to Seattle to start a new firm, a decision driven by Markle's real-life engagement to Prince Harry, which led to her retirement from acting to focus on royal duties and humanitarian work. The show's creators provided a happy ending for both characters, allowing them to leave together on a positive note before Markle's new life began.
What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?
A small percentage of lawyers earn over $500k; while the median salary for lawyers is around $150k-$170k, the top 10% earn over $239k, but reaching $500k+ usually requires being a top partner in a "Big Law" firm, specializing in high-value areas like corporate or IP law, or having a very successful practice, notes the BLS and Legal Brand Marketing.
What is the most feared law firm in the world?
The firm consistently ranked as the "most feared" in litigation by legal decision-makers, based on research by BTI Consulting Group, is Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, known for its intense approach, fierce tactics, and winning trials, often leading the "Fearsome Foursome" list of top litigation firms. Other firms frequently cited for striking fear in opponents include Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, Gibson Dunn, and Jenner & Block, for their formidable litigation prowess.
Who is the richest lawyer in the world?
There isn't one definitive "richest lawyer" as wealth fluctuates, but prominent figures often cited include Richard Scruggs, known for massive settlements like tobacco litigation (though he later faced legal issues), and Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's partner and Harvard Law grad, who became a billionaire through investments, not just law practice. Others like Thai businessman-lawyer Wichai Thongtang, former Microsoft GC Bill Neukom, and TV personality Judge Judy (Judith Sheindlin) also rank among the wealthiest lawyers.