20 Life lessons from Suits that apply both in and out of the Courtroom

Deeya
Still from Suits (Image via Peacock)
Still from Suits (Image via Peacock)
Still from Suits (Image via Suits Official)
Still from Suits (Image via Suits Official)

Created by Aaron Korsh, Suits is a legal drama that is set in New York City and revolves around a college dropout, Mike Ross, who is a genius and begins working under the charismatic attorney, Harvey Specter. Starring Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht, the show is known for its stylish direction and setting and portrays many life lessons through its ingenious cases, manipulations, and legalities. Here are 20 life lessons that the acclaimed show has taught its viewers.

1.⁠ ⁠Own your strengths and be confident

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Each one of us is gifted with talents and abilities, and if we do not accept and feel proud of our own gifts, no one else will believe in us. In the show, Mike Ross’s photographic memory allows him to thrive at Pearson Specter, despite not having a fancy law degree. He is confident about his ability and therefore wins cases.

2.⁠ Stay on your toes

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Sometimes life throws such curveballs at us that we need to play by the rules, but cleverly. We might have to take an unconventional approach. But that does not mean that we step out of line. Most often, Harvey Specter operates on the edge of legality but avoids outright dishonesty. By being strategic and innovative, we can navigate challenging situations with integrity.

3.⁠ ⁠Loyalty is priceless

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

There are few qualities that one must always have in life, and one of them is loyalty towards the people you love. It seems like a simple virtue, but it is a powerful one, and being trustworthy can take one to great heights. In the show, Harvey and Donna have an unshakable trust, and Donna risks her job multiple times to protect Harvey.

4.⁠ ⁠Be a risk taker

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

In continuation to the point about being unorthodox, one can add that taking risks in life. Done in a calculated manner, it's a sure shot way of getting miles ahead. The ability to bet on one's strengths requires self-awareness and confidence. For example, Jessica hires Mike, fully aware of the potential fallout, because she believes in his value to the firm.

5.⁠ ⁠Your word is your bond

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

There are a few traits and virtues that make a person dependable, graceful, and attractive. One of them is to keep your word. If one can master this virtue, success will always stick around, and people will flock towards them. In the series, Harvey makes deals he sticks to, even when they’re not in his favor, like his agreement with Charles Forstman to protect Mike.

6.⁠ ⁠Always learn about your competition

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Staying two steps ahead of everyone always pays off, and in a competitive world, it is absolutely essential to be aware of one’s surroundings and keep adapting to it. One should therefore keep studying and learning about their competition to gain the upper hand. For example, Harvey never underestimates his competitors and does not mind putting in the extra work to learn about them.

7.⁠ ⁠Take responsibility for your life

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

The key to standing tall and being enigmatic is inculcating a behavior where one always takes control of and owns one’s responsibilities. Not only does that make one virtuous, but it is an important trait to stay ahead in life. In the show, Harvey takes Mike on board and is ready to take anyresponsibility, as he was the one who employed Mike.

8.⁠ ⁠Learn to negotiate

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Negotiation is an important tactic and skill that one must learn in life. Not only does it show the other person that you know about the actual value of a certain thing, but it also keeps you away from being taken advantage of. For example, every case in the show is a masterclass in negotiation, like when Harvey convinces Hardman to resign by leveraging his past fraud.

9.⁠ ⁠Failure is a stepping stone

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

If there is one thing that the series has shown us, then it is that failure is never the end of anything. Instead, it is a journey, and failing is sometimes a redirection towards better things in life. For example, Mike has had many setbacks, including getting caught for fraud, but that taught him resilience and even guided him towards redemption.

10.⁠ ⁠Adaptability helps you survive

Still from the show (Image via Peacock)
Still from the show (Image via Peacock)

Today’s world is fast-paced, and one can only survive in this cutthroat world by being adaptable. As is said, survival of the fittest, so does one have to quickly access a situation and take steps accordingly. In the series, Jessica quickly rebrands and adjusts when crises arise, such as merging with Darby International to save the firm.

11.⁠ ⁠Mentorship matters

Still from the show (Image via Peacock)
Still from the show (Image via Peacock)

There is a reason why it is said that one needs to always have good teachers and mentors. A good teacher can take you far ahead in life. In the show, Harvey mentors Mike, even though Mike is a genius, and teaches him how to win. This emphasizes the importance of guidance from experienced leaders. Harvey’s guidance transforms Mike into a responsible person.

12.⁠ ⁠Dress for success

Still from the show (Image via Peacock)
Still from the show (Image via Peacock)

The acclaimed show is known for its style as much as it is known for its lawyers and lawsuits. Each character in the show always dresses well, and there is a reason for this. It is not because the show is about fashion but because the series espouses the importance of having a personal style that commands respect. As Harvey says, “People respond to how you dress.”

13.⁠ ⁠Always have a backup plan

Still from the show (Image via Peacock)
Still from the show (Image via Peacock)

Life is unpredictable. Every day there are millions of things that happen and can derail one from their goal. It is therefore important to always have a backup plan. It not only demonstrates preparedness, but it is also a valuable skill to master. In the series, Harvey has earned respectability in his domain for his foresightedness and his ability to always save the day with a plan B.

14.⁠ ⁠Teamwork makes the dream work

Still from the show (Image via Peacock)
Still from the show (Image via Peacock)

While being able to work alone is a great skill, sometimes in life, one must learn to lean on others and trust themselves and others enough to put aside any differences and work on a project together. Developing teamwork skills will help one advance in life and forge relationships. For example, the firm’s biggest wins come when Harvey, Mike, Donna, and Louis work together.

15.⁠ ⁠Stand up for the right thing

Still from the show (Image via Peacock)
Still from the show (Image via Peacock)

Having morals is attractive and the parameter by which other people gravitate towards you. Standing up for the right thing, taking a stand, and having a moral compass show that one has knowledge about life and is experienced. In the series, Rachel Zane stands up to her father when he undermines her dreams of becoming a lawyer, proving the value of integrity.

16.⁠ ⁠Keep your emotions in check

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

There is nothing more important than keeping your feelings and emotions in check when being confronted with a tricky situation or when people are attacking you. Successful individuals understand that letting go of emotions delays goal achievement, and mastery over feelings is necessary for long-term success. For example, Harvey’s success comes from staying calm under pressure, even when faced with personal attacks.

17.⁠ ⁠Do not burn bridges unnecessarily

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Humans are social creatures and need each other to survive and thrive. One cannot do everything alone, and there always comes a time when one needs friends, acquaintances, or their loved ones. In a professional setting, it is especially important to build connections for one’s own growth. In the show, Louis’s career is often saved by past relationships, like Sheila helping him during critical moments.

18.⁠ ⁠Everyone has a weakness

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Regardless of how self-assured and confident someone appears on the outside, everyone has a hidden weakness. Knowing this fact gives one the strength to tackle the most difficult situation and also helps one understand the next person better. For example, Harvey’s fear of abandonment shows that knowing someone’s weakness gives you an edge.

19.⁠ ⁠Work Hard, Play Hard

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

The famous saying, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," holds true for all situations in life. While humans are resilient and can toil endlessly, if needed, they do need an outlet to relax. And one should not feel guilty about it; instead, one should welcome the celebrations. In the show, the lawyers at Pearson Specter work hard, but they also celebrate wins, like Harvey’s basketball games and Donna’s celebratory drinks.

20.⁠ ⁠Never underestimate people

Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)
Still from the show (Image via Suits Official)

Although it's a good thing to be two steps ahead of everyone, it's equally important to realize that everyone has unique skills and emotions that can make or break someone at any time. A good leader never takes anyone for granted and is always prepared. For example, Donna is often underestimated as a secretary, but she consistently proves that she is the firm’s backbone.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew
comments icon

What's your opinion?
Newest
Best
Oldest