Is Suits based on Kirkland and Ellis?
Asked by: Lyric Padberg | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 5/5 (51 votes)
No, Suits isn't directly based on Kirkland & Ellis, but the show's creators drew inspiration from real big law firms, and Kirkland & Ellis served as a filming location and shares some cultural vibes with the fictional Pearson Hardman, though the show's depiction of law is highly dramatized and unrealistic. Showrunner Aaron Korsh's own Wall Street experiences heavily influenced the show, creating a melodramatic, less-than-accurate portrayal of the legal world.
Was Suits filmed at Kirkland and Ellis?
The pilot was filmed in New York City, where the series is set, at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. The rest of the series was filmed in Toronto (at Downsview Park Studios), where the sets are built to be identical to the New York law offices seen in the pilot.
What is the Kirkland and Ellis controversy?
Kirkland & Ellis faces controversies including allegations of gender and age discrimination (like Zoya Kovalenko's suit), criticism for an "uncooperative negotiation style" by private equity investors, a conflict of interest accusation in a private equity spat (Ascent Resources), and blowback from representing clients on opposing sides of a major antitrust lawsuit (Optimum vs. Asset Managers). The firm is known for high-pressure work, leading to internal and external criticism about associate well-being and negotiation tactics, while also navigating complex ethical issues in high-profile legal battles.
Which law firm was Suits based on?
“A law firm in New York City that closely resembles the fictional Pearson Hardman from Suits is Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Here are some reasons and similarities: Prestige and High-Stakes Cases: Both Pearson Hardman and Wachtell Lipton are known for handling high-stakes, high-profile cases.
What was the show Suits based on?
Suits stood out from its fellow courtroom shows with that awesome hook, which might seem so screen-worthy that it couldn't possibly be real. But they do say, write from experience. In the case of Suits, showrunner Aaron Korsh based many a fiction in the show on his truth from when he worked on Wall Street.
Harvey Specter Owning The Trial for 16 Minutes Straight | Suits
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.
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.
Who is the richest lawyer in Suits?
The richest lawyer in the TV show Suits is widely considered to be Harvey Specter, with estimates placing his potential annual earnings well over a million dollars and a net worth potentially in the tens of millions by the show's end, reflecting his status as a top "closer" and name partner at the prestigious firm.
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.
Do they remove Zane's name?
Following Robert Zane's disbarment, the New York State Bar Association had Faye Richardson forcibly assume command of the firm as Special Master. Faye then removed Robert's name and renamed the firm as Specter Litt Wheeler Williams.
What are the top 3 law firms in the US?
The top US law firms consistently include Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, often leading in revenue, prestige, or size, though rankings vary by metric (revenue, headcount, prestige). Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins frequently top revenue charts, while firms like Cravath and Wachtell Lipton are known for elite prestige.
Is it hard to get into Kirkland and Ellis?
Getting a job at Kirkland & Ellis (K&E) is extremely difficult and highly competitive, requiring top academic performance, elite law school credentials (often Top 10-25 schools), strong Law Review experience, and exceptional interview skills, as they hire only the most prepared candidates for high-stakes work. The hiring process is rigorous, multi-stage, and focuses on substantive legal knowledge, strong communication, and a good fit with the firm's demanding, fast-paced culture.
Did Kirkland and Ellis make a deal with Trump?
Yes, Kirkland & Ellis made a significant deal with the Trump administration in 2025, agreeing to provide substantial pro bono legal work for causes like veterans' aid and combating antisemitism in exchange for avoiding punitive executive actions, such as investigations or restrictions on government contracts and security clearances. The firm committed to approximately $125 million in these services, resolving issues with the EEOC and preventing being targeted by Trump's executive orders against law firms.
Are Harvey and Donna friends in real life?
Yes, Gabriel Macht (Harvey) and Sarah Rafferty (Donna) are very close friends in real life, having known each other since the 1990s, and their long-standing friendship was a major reason for their on-screen chemistry as Harvey and Donna on Suits. Their bond is so strong that Macht recommended Rafferty for the role, they lived together while filming in Toronto, and their families are close, even with their daughters being best friends.
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.
Who was the highest paid actor on Suits?
Even a $150,000 Salary Per Episode Didn't Bring Gabriel Macht and His Net Worth to Anywhere Near to the Richest 'Suits' Star - IMDb. Gabriel Macht played Harvey Specter for nearly a decade in the legal drama Suits. It went on to become his biggest role in his career and earned him millions in paychecks.
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.
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.
Who are the 7 sisters law firms?
In the Canadian legal market, the 'Seven Sisters', leading Bay Street Toronto, Ontario corporate firms, continue to dominate the marketplace. They are Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Goodmans LLP, McCarthy Tétrault, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP and Torys.
How much is Donna's salary in Suits?
Donna Paulsen's salary in Suits varied greatly, starting as a high-end legal secretary earning around $70k-$90k but significantly increasing to hundreds of thousands (possibly $200k+) as she became COO, supplemented by bonus payments from Harvey, with her total worth tied to her evolving role and firm success, not just a standard pay scale.
Is Harvey a billionaire?
Steve Harvey's net worth currently stands at approximately $200 million, with annual earnings around $45 million from his diversified media empire.
Who is smarter, Mike or Harvey?
In Suits, Harvey Specter gets all the glory, but let's be honest, Mike Ross was the real genius of Suits. While Harvey strutted around in thousand-dollar suits, Mike was the one actually solving impossible cases with nothing but his brain and a photographic memory.
Does Mike eventually get a law degree?
Mike's lie leads to him going to jail, but ultimately paves the way for him to become a real lawyer thanks to the help of Jessica's confession. The legal drama Suits begins with Mike Ross tricking his way into a law firm, but as Mike didn't go to law school, the question remained if he would become a real lawyer.
Who is the most followed lawyer on YouTube?
The most followed lawyer on YouTube is Mike Mandell (@LawByMike), often called "Social Media's Most Followed Lawyer," with millions of subscribers (around 16.8M as of late 2024/early 2025), known for explaining legal rights with humor, while LegalEagle (Devon) is another huge channel, boasting millions of subscribers for legal analysis and reactions to current events.