Suits captivated audiences with its sharp dialogue, high-stakes legal drama, and charismatic attorneys. But beneath the entertainment lies a world of ethical dilemmas that raise serious questions about the practice of law. This article explores ethical lessons from Suits and evaluates key character actions under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
Watch the full "Ethics Lessons from Suits" course, presented by Brent Turman of Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, on Lawline.
From the very first episode, Mike Ross operates as a lawyer without ever attending law school or taking the bar exam for himself. Despite his photographic memory and natural talent, his employment at Pearson Hardman is a blatant violation of ABA Model Rule 5.5, which prohibits the unauthorized practice of law.
Key Ethical Issues:
While Mike’s abilities make for great television, in the real world, practicing law without proper licensure carries severe consequences, including disbarment and criminal prosecution.
Harvey Specter’s decision to hire Mike, knowing his credentials are fake, is more than just a plot twist—it’s an ethical disaster. Under Rule 5.1, lawyers with supervisory authority must ensure that subordinates comply with ethical obligations. By hiring and mentoring Mike, Harvey violates this duty.
Additionally, Mike’s secret binds multiple characters, including Jessica Pearson, who, upon discovering the truth, chooses to protect Harvey rather than report the misconduct. This decision violates Rule 8.3(a), which requires attorneys to report violations that raise substantial questions about a lawyer’s honesty or fitness.
The firm often assigns attorneys to cases despite clear conflicts of interest. For instance, Harvey and Louis Litt represent opposing heirs in a will dispute, violating Rule 1.7(a), which prohibits concurrent representation where interests are directly adverse.
Real-World Takeaway:
Throughout Suits, lawyers deceive clients, opposing counsel, and even courts. A key example is Harvey misleading a client to secure a settlement, a direct violation of Rule 4.1 (truthfulness in statements to others) and Rule 3.3 (candor to the tribunal).
Lessons for Attorneys:
In one of the show’s most critical moments, Donna Paulsen finds a document proving Pearson Hardman received key evidence in a product liability case. Fearing its implications, she considers shredding it—a violation of Rule 3.4 (fairness to opposing parties and counsel), which prohibits destroying evidence.
Legal Takeaways:
Harvey instructs Mike to file a patent, despite Mike’s complete lack of experience in intellectual property law. While humorous, this scenario highlights Rule 1.1 (competence), which requires attorneys to provide legal services with adequate knowledge and skill.
Practical Implications:
Louis Litt, known for his abrasive personality, struggles with stress, anxiety, and professional insecurity. The show subtly highlights mental health challenges in the legal profession, aligning with the increasing awareness of attorney well-being initiatives.
Key Takeaways:
Suits provides an entertaining yet exaggerated look at legal practice. While it dramatizes ethical breaches, it also serves as a useful case study in what not to do.
Watch the full "Ethics Lessons from Suits" course, presented by Brent Turman of Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, to explore these lessons in greater depth.
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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