Mike Ross: Practicing Law Without A Degree?

In the popular legal drama *Suits*, Mike Ross, who does not have a law degree, is able to practice law with Harvey Specter. Despite not attending law school, Mike has a photographic memory and a deep knowledge of the legal system, which impresses Harvey, who hires him on the spot. Mike eventually obtains his law license in season 6, but the show explores the complexities of him practicing law before that. The series follows the dynamic duo as they navigate corporate law in New York City, with Mike's lack of a degree serving as a central plot point and creating a sense of intrigue and tension.

Mike Ross had a photographic memory and deep knowledge of the legal system

Mike Ross, a character from the TV show Suits, is able to practice law without a license due to his photographic memory and deep knowledge of the legal system. In the show, Mike impresses lawyer Harvey Specter during an interview, and Harvey hires him on the spot, despite knowing that Mike does not have a law degree. Harvey takes a risk by bringing Mike on board, as he could lose his job and reputation, and even face jail time.

Mike's photographic memory allows him to retain vast amounts of legal information, which, coupled with his deep knowledge of the legal system, makes him a formidable associate. Despite not attending law school, Mike is able to pass the bar exam (although probably not under his own name) and practice law. This is possible because some states in the US do not require a law degree to practice law, and passing the bar exam is sufficient. However, New York, where the series Suits takes place, is not one of these states. In New York, a person must complete a year of law school and three years of study in a law office before taking the bar exam.

Mike's deep knowledge of the law and his natural genius are what attract Harvey to him in the first place. Mike's knowledge and experience are comparable to that of a legitimate attorney, and he is well-equipped to handle legal matters. Mike's capabilities are further highlighted by the fact that he and Harvey are considered the best closers in the city. Their partnership is so successful because they complement each other perfectly: Harvey brings real-life experience, while Mike contributes his genius and extensive legal knowledge.

Mike's lack of a law degree does create some challenges and concerns throughout the show. There is a constant risk of Mike's fraud being exposed, which could have serious consequences for both him and Harvey. Additionally, some characters, such as Anita Gibbs, actively work to prevent Mike from becoming a lawyer due to his lack of credentials. It is only in season 6, thanks to the intervention of Jessica Pearson, that Mike is finally able to become a licensed lawyer.

Harvey Specter took a chance on Ross, despite the risk of jail time and disbarment

In the TV show Suits, Mike Ross is a character who practices law without a license. Despite his lack of qualifications, he impresses Harvey Specter, who takes a chance on hiring him as his associate. This decision by Harvey is a risky one, as he is aware that Mike is a fraud, and this knowledge could lead to jail time and disbarment for himself.

Harvey Specter is a senior partner at the prestigious law firm Pearson, Hardman, which has a reputation for hiring exclusively from Harvard Law. However, he decides to hire Mike Ross as his associate, despite knowing that Mike has no law degree and has never attended law school. This decision is a significant risk for Harvey, as it could potentially lead to his disbarment and even jail time if he is found to be complicit in Mike's deception.

The show Suits revolves around this central premise, and the relationship between Harvey and Mike is at the heart of the story. Despite the risks, Harvey is compelled to hire Mike due to his impressive legal knowledge and eidetic memory. Together, they become a formidable team, with Harvey's experience and confidence complementing Mike's deep understanding of the law.

Harvey goes on to protect Mike throughout their time working together, even after Mike's lie is exposed, which results in Mike serving jail time. Eventually, Mike obtains his law license in season 6, but he decides to leave corporate law and open a legal aid clinic with Rachel Zane in Seattle. Despite the initial risks taken by Harvey, the show portrays a complex and well-developed relationship between the two characters, with their initial mentor-mentee dynamic evolving into a strong friendship.

In summary, Harvey Specter's decision to hire Mike Ross, despite the risks involved, sets the tone for the entire series, showcasing the importance of their relationship and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other, even in the face of potential legal and professional consequences.

Ross practiced law without a license, which is a felony

In the TV show Suits, Mike Ross is a character who practices law without a license. Ross never attended law school, which is a requirement to practice law in New York, where the show is based. To become a practicing lawyer in New York, one must complete a year of law school and three years of study in a law office under the New York Bar Admission Rules.

Despite this, Mike is able to practice law through his association with Harvey Specter, who hires him as his associate. Harvey is a senior partner at the prestigious law firm Pearson, Hardman, known for hiring only Harvard Law graduates. Mike impresses Harvey during an interview with his legal knowledge and ingenuity, and Harvey takes a chance on him, despite the risk of disbarment and jail if discovered.

Mike's lack of a law degree is a secret that he and his colleagues must keep, and it creates a sense of intrigue and tension in the show. The character is presented as highly capable, with a deep knowledge of the legal system and an eidetic memory. This allows him to excel in his role and become one of the best associates at the firm, even without the required qualifications.

Practicing law without a license is a serious offense and is considered a felony. In the show, Mike's lie eventually catches up with him, and he ends up serving time in jail. However, his time in the legal world is not wasted, as he is given the chance to become a legitimate lawyer after his release, obtaining his law license in Season 6.

Ross went to jail for his lie, but it paved the way for him to become a lawyer

Mike Ross, a character in the USA television series Suits, is a highly intelligent individual with a photographic memory. Despite his exceptional mental capabilities, Mike never attended law school, which is a prerequisite for practising law in New York, where the series is set. In the show, Mike manages to secure a position at a prestigious law firm, working under Harvey Specter, by leveraging his impressive memory and deep knowledge of the legal system.

However, Mike's lie about his educational background eventually catches up with him, leading him to serve time in jail. This setback proves to be a pivotal moment in his legal career. After his release, Mike is given the opportunity to become a legitimate lawyer. In the Suits season 6 finale, Jessica Pearson, a former partner at Pearson Hardman, intervenes on Mike's behalf, successfully appealing to the compassionate side of Anita Gibbs, who had been adamant about preventing him from becoming a lawyer.

With his legal capabilities recognised and his past transgressions addressed, Mike is finally able to obtain his law license. This development marks a significant turning point in the series, as Mike transitions from practising law clandestinely to becoming a fully licensed legal professional. It is worth noting that, in reality, the path to becoming a lawyer without a law degree is challenging and may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

While Mike's journey to becoming a lawyer is unique due to the fictional nature of the show, it underscores the importance of perseverance, redemption, and the belief that one's capabilities should not be solely defined by academic credentials. Mike's character serves as a testament to the idea that talent and knowledge can be found in unexpected places and that sometimes, unconventional paths can lead to remarkable destinations.

Ross obtained a law license but left corporate law to open a legal aid clinic

In the TV show Suits, Mike Ross is a talented individual with a photographic memory and a deep knowledge of the legal system. Despite never having attended law school, he is able to practice law. In the show, Mike Ross and Harvey Specter's relationship is central to the plot. Harvey, a lawyer, takes a chance on Mike and hires him as his associate, risking his own job and reputation.

Mike's lack of a law degree is a secret that he keeps from clients and opposing counsels. It is suggested that if he were to obtain a law degree, it would have to be from a different location to the show's setting of New York, as it would be suspicious for a successful lawyer at a top New York firm to have graduated from anywhere other than Harvard, the only law school that Pearson, Hardman hired from.

Mike's lie about his qualifications is eventually exposed, and he serves time in jail. However, in season 6, he is able to obtain his law license. With the help of Jessica Pearson, who convinces Anita Gibbs that Mike will be an upstanding lawyer, Mike is able to move forward and become a legitimate lawyer.

After obtaining his law license, Mike Ross decides to leave corporate law. He opens a legal aid clinic in Seattle with Rachel Zane. This marks a shift in Mike's career, as he transitions from working in the high-pressure world of corporate law to providing legal assistance to those in need through his clinic.

Frequently asked questions