Written by Kieley Cornwell
Why Suits Makes a Great Show
but a Bad Law Manual
As one of the most-watched TV series of the 2010s, Suits captivated millions with its portrayal of a fast-paced corporate law firm, filled with razor-sharp lawyers and impeccable fashion. I myself watched Suits before starting my law degree, excited for the day I could get paid to dress like Rachel Zane and negotiate like Harvey Specter.
Six seasons of high-profile attorneys racing between client meetings, blackmailing opposing counsel, and closing million-dollar deals all in a day’s work painted an exhilarating picture of my possible future. But how accurately does Suits represent the life of a corporate lawyer? I’ve done my research and am here to debunk a couple of myths.
Image: Korsh, A. (Creator). (2011–2019). Suits [TV series]. Netflix.
First and probably most obviously, to practise as a lawyer (at least in Australia) one must have a practising certificate issued in an Australian jurisdiction. To get this, you must have appropriate academic qualifications and undertake practical legal training. Though Mike Ross’ natural talent and charm (with the help of Harvey Specter’s coverups) make for great television, the reality is that no amount of intelligence or charisma can bypass the legal and regulatory requirements for admission to practise law. In Australia, practising without a certificate is a serious offence, and would almost certainly result in criminal charges and disbarment of anyone involved in facilitating it.
Secondly, while Harvey Specter seems to wrap up multi-billion-dollar mergers or lawsuits in the space of a single episode, the reality is far less entertaining. In real corporate practice, these kinds of matters often take 12–18 months (and sometimes years) to resolve. Deals of these kinds involve extensive due diligence, countless drafts of agreements, regulatory approvals, and endless back-and-forth between teams of lawyers, accountants, and executives.
Image: Korsh, A. (Creator). (2011–2019). Suits [TV series]. Netflix.
Whilst Harvey’s rivalry with Travis Tanner made for a captivating storyline, the shady dealings, bribery and blackmail going on between these two is not at all common practice for real-life lawyers. Lawyers operate under strict professional conduct rules, from which they can face serious consequences for breaching. Most lawyers are not only highly conscious of their ethical obligations, but their reputations and careers depend on maintaining integrity.
So, although real-life practice may not be as thrilling as you and I had pictured, this is not the be-all and end-all! Like any profession, you’ll find some work fascinating and other tasks a bit dull. Keep an open mind, and you may find that you enjoy solving complex problems, helping clients navigate challenges, and working alongside sharp colleagues – or maybe not. To find out more about corporate law from a corporate lawyer, head to the EncycLAWpedia website!