Harvey Reginald Specter, Esq. from NY, is a skilled lawyer, considered "the best closer in New York City", and a name partner at Pearson Specter Litt. After being promoted to the position of senior partner at Pearson Hardman, he hired Mike Ross, a veritable genius who was able to pass the bar exam despite not attending law school, as his associate.
Quick Answers
Where did Harvey Specter grow up?
How did Harvey meet Jessica Pearson?
Who did Harvey work for before joining Pearson Hardman?
Who is Donna Paulsen?
Who did Harvey suspect of embezzling money from the firm?
History
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Young Harvey Specter as an Assistant District Attorney
Harvey was 16 when he first caught his mother, Lily Specter, cheating on his father, Gordon Specter. Not wanting to hurt his father's feelings, Harvey did not tell him about it and watched his mother's indiscretions in silence for the next two years. Eventually, she left them. Jessica Pearson met Harvey while he was still working in the mailroom of Gordon Schmidt Van Dyke. Harvey had realized that an associate backdated a postage when he missed a filing, so he came into Jessica's office and told her that if the firm did not declare misconduct, he would report them to the D.A. Impressed, Jessica soon paid for Harvey to go to Harvard Law, where he "jerked off the entire time he was there". He also met Dana Scott, a rival at law and occasional lover.
After graduating 5th in his class from Harvard Law, Jessica wanted him to gain "trial experience", so she recommended that he work as an assistant for New York District Attorney Cameron Dennis, saying that "Cameron was the only one he should learn from." Harvey worked as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) under Cameron for the next 2 years. This is where he met Donna Paulsen, who became his secretary. After catching Cameron burying evidence on his cases, Harvey decided to leave the District Attorney's office to work at Pearson Hardman, with Donna following right behind him. Entering Pearson Hardman as a "sophomore" associate, he soon went up the ranks and became a senior associate. While there, he meets Zoe Lawford, a fellow associate Harvey shared a mutual attraction with.
In 2007, Jessica approaches Harvey to find out who is embezzling money from the firm. Initially suspecting junior partner and colleague Louis Litt, they later realize that it is actually the managing partner, Daniel Hardman. Through Donna, he and Jessica find out that Daniel had been stealing from the company for his extramarital affair with Monica Eton, so they blackmail him into surrendering his seat at the firm to Jessica. Because of his deal with Jessica, Harvey is then promoted to junior partner. His father, Gordon Specter, who had long been rooting for him to be promoted, dies of a heart attack. He has been visiting his grave occasionally since then, symbolically sharing drinks with him. He has also kept a record of his father, who was a saxophone player, in his office.
Season 1
Harvey finally achieves his dream of becoming a senior partner in a firm, only to find out he must hire an associate from Harvard Law. He chooses Mike Ross, a brilliant but troubled young man looking to break into the legal world. Harvey's decision could possibly destroy him after he learns that Mike, although he knows the law back and forth, has never actually graduated from law school. Nonetheless, Harvey hires Mike and vows to keep his secret safe, essentially taking Mike under his wing. As he works various cases, Harvey enlists Mike to help him. Harvey is often seen trying his best to help people in poor circumstances, or those he knows, by riding on his reputation. Mike and Harvey have some very similar characteristics.
Season 2
At the beginning of Season 2, Harvey faces a conflict when his friend and boss, the firm's managing partner Jessica Pearson, learns the truth about Mike. In the meantime, Harvey has to help Jessica deal with the return of Pearson Hardman's other managing partner, Daniel Hardman, whom Harvey does not trust. Hardman's return sparks a conflict between he and Harvey, though it is clear Harvey is only looking out for Jessica's best interests. Harvey begins working closely with Jessica to keep the chaos in the firm from Daniel. In the meantime he continues to work on cases. The episode Rewind deals with flashbacks to earlier times in the lives of both Harvey and Mike, showing how their decisions have affected them. Eventually, Harvey's skills as a closer become needed as he continues his fight to assist Jessica in not only keeping the disarray of the firm from Daniel, but ousting him as partner. In Blood in the Water, Harvey must once again help protect the firm, now free from Hardman's influences, from a new crisis. In the following episode he is forced to go head to head with Robert Zane, father of paralegal Rachel Zane, on a gender discrimination case. In the season 2 finale, much to Harvey's chagrin, Pearson Hardman makes a deal with a British firm on a merger, finally removing Daniel's name from the firm, but linking to Edward Darby, whom Harvey does not trust.
Season 3
Harvey continues as a senior partner at the newly merged Pearson Darby, and is almost immediately supplied with a high profile client of Darby's, Ava Hessington. Once again, he and Jessica work closely to get Ava off the hook. In the meantime, Louis Litt steals Mike away from Harvey, claiming there is nothing more Harvey can teach him. When Ava is arrested for murder, Harvey must dig in his heels. In the meantime, Darby's own closer arrives and shakes things up for Harvey's case. Stephen Huntley, Darby's "fixer", begins to work with Harvey on the case in Shadow of a Doubt. Meanwhile, the opposing counsel on the case, Cameron Dennis tries all sorts of dodgy tactics to make sure Harvey loses. Harvey and Stephen are eventually split on how to handle it and Harvey is faced with the case going to trial as he, Mike and Jessica once again try to save the firm. Subsequently, Harvey found out that the orders to carry out the murder came from Stephen Huntley as he was the fixer in charge of helping Ava Hessington back then. This was done without Edward Darby's knowledge. Left with only one choice left to save Ava Hessington from a murder trial, Jessica Pearson and Harvey came out with a settlement proposal to Cameron Dennis, whereby Edward Darby will testify against Stephen Huntley claiming that Edward Darby knew of the orders made for carrying out the murder. As Cameron Dennis has a principle of catching the correct bad guys, he agreed to Harvey's proposal to drop the charges against Ava Hessington, provided that Edward Darby enters a settlement with the D.A. and testifies against Stephen Huntley. During the signing of the Settlement Agreement, Edward Darby suddenly realised there was an additional clause in the settlement, which forbids him from practicing his legal career in New York. It was a plan prepared by Jessica Pearson to oust Edward Darby from the firm. Edward Darby had no choice but to sign it as he intends to protect Ava Hessington due to the relationship he had with her father. After the case, Ava Hessington hired Travis Tanner to sue Pearson Darby Specter for malpractice. Travis Tanner had been tough with Harvey in his deposition and he was also playing dirty by dragging Dana Scott into the picture, so as to put Harvey on the defensive. During the deposition of Dana Scott, it was discovered that Stephen Huntley had lied in his affidavit claiming that Dana Scott knew about the orders for the murder. Mike Ross and Donna Paulsen went to prison to confront Stephen Huntley on his affidavit. Forgetting that he is in prison, and all conversations are recorded in prison, Stephen Huntley admitted to Donna Paulson that he lied in his affidavit. During the deposition of Ava Hessington by Harvey, Harvey went off the record and apologizes to Ava Hessington but remained stern that whatever he had done, it was in her best interest. Ava Hessington accepted Harvey's apology and Harvey made fun of Travis Tanner. Meanwhile, Jessica Pearson found out about Mike Ross and Rachel Zane were dating. She forced Mike Ross to bring an affidavit to Rachel Zane and ask her to sign and admit that she has knowledge about Mike Ross' fake Harvard Degree, thereby implicating Rachel Zane as one of the employees in the firm abetting in the cover up of Mike Ross academic identity. Rachel Zane brought the affidavit back to Jessica Pearson and demanded something in return if she were to sign the affidavit. Rachel Zane also made up her mind about going to Columbia Law School.
Relationships
Harvey is capable of being extremely charming, persuasive, and playful, although he does not always exercise these traits. His good looks, easy smile, confidence, and charisma make him a hit with both clients and ladies alike. However, not many people like him, possibly because they are exposed to his more ruthless side on a regular basis. Harvey's co-workers at Pearson Hardman feel a combination of grudging admiration and strong resentment towards him, especially Louis Litt. According to Donna, this is because "people just don't like that he's right all the time." This is likely aided and abetted by his tendency to win, driving work ethic, and unorthodox methods.
Harvey has few personal relationships, and can use his wit to keep people away as much as to draw them in. He does not trust easily; he either trusts a person completely or not at all. His view of relationships is very black-and-white. He typically abides by a rule of "not caring" because he thinks of it as a weakness to both him and his profession. Harvey seems to have not noticed the impenetrable armor he's built around himself; he refuses to show people any kind of vulnerability. He tries to emotionally distance himself from other people when he can, with Louis mentioning that "he's always been alone." Nonetheless, some of his care and concern expresses itself when it comes to those close to him, especially Mike, Donna, and Jessica.
Jessica Pearson
Jessica Pearson is Harvey's mentor, guide, friend, and boss. She is absolutely convinced that he is her "ace-in-the-hole," and he is her right-hand man at Pearson Hardman. He was raised accordingly with Jessica's "silver spoon" in his mouth. She first met Harvey when he was working in the mailroom at Pearson-Hardman. Outraged that an associate back-dated the postage for a missed filing (thus committing fraud), Harvey reported him to Jessica, informing her that if the firm did not file misconduct, he would report it to the DA's office. Impressed by his ethic and sensing potential, she put him through Harvard Law. She continued to guide his career after graduation. Jessica sent him to Cameron Dennis at the DA's office for trial experience, stating that "Cameron was the only one he should learn from." After two years, she hired him to work for her at Pearson Hardman, eventually promoting him senior partner for the firm. Harvey was the youngest senior partner to ever be promoted.
Jessica likes and trusts Harvey because of his fierce ambition, stubbornness, and unswerving loyalty. These traits are also partially why Pearson Hardman is so successful. Although Jessica is more cautious than Harvey in the risks she is willing to take, she likes Harvey's "shoot-from-the-hip" style. She is extremely indulgent with him and his whims, allowing his maverick, unorthodox methods to prevail so long as they result in a win for the firm (which they usually do.) Jessica's strong ruthless streak allows her to appreciate Harvey's strong need to win and his bending of the rules. However, Harvey's inability to take orders that contradict his own desires troubles her. For all that Harvey is her "ace-in-the-hole," he is also a wild card that she keeps a close eye on.
He and Jessica share the playful banter of two close friends. They have a mutual respect for each other's wit and abilities, and are incredibly loyal to each other. They trust each other absolutely. It is very likely that they can no longer imagine a workplace without the other, as proven in "High Noon." Their relationship is deeper than it seems (they have never even been seen hugging) and they create a powerful partnership at Pearson-Hardman. Both worry about the other's well-being and are not afraid to call the other person out.
Five years before the start of the series, Jessica and Harvey worked together to kick Daniel Hardman out of Pearson-Hardman when they learned that he was embezzling money out of the company.
At the end of Season 2 Jessica Blackmails Mike saying that she will reveal his secret if he wins an important case. Mike then loses the case and Pearson Hardman merges with Darby International because Harvey made a bet with Jessica saying that if he lost he would allow the merger to happen. At first Harvey is upset with Mike but later forgives him. However Harvey never forgives Jessica and makes a deal with Darby so that he can become managing partner.
Mike Ross
Mike Ross is Harvey's protégé and friend, and their relationship closely resembles the relationship between Harvey and Jessica. Just as Jessica believes Harvey is her “ace-in-the-hole,” Harvey believes Mike is his, and he will do anything to keep him by his side at Pearson Hardman. Like Jessica did with him, Harvey is training Mike to be his lieutenant and right-hand man (not to be confused with Donna’s right-hand position—according to Harvey, Donna is irreplaceable). Harvey first met Mike while conducting associate recruitment interviews at the Chilton Hotel. Donna, mistaking Mike for missing interviewee Rick Sorkin, was impressed with Mike’s “quick wit” and sent him to Harvey as a promising candidate. Mike, sensing an out, continued to impersonate Rick Sorkin until his briefcase fell open and bags of marijuana tumbled out. This effectively put an end to his charade, as it was highly unlikely that a Harvard law graduate would carry around marijuana in his briefcase. Harvey, amused and intrigued by the turn of events, asked Mike for his story. He admired Mike’s quick thinking, and when Mike revealed that he possessed an eidetic memory, he admired that even more. However, Mike’s lack of a law degree—or any degree, for that matter, made it difficult to justify spending any more time with him. After looking at the remaining “Harvard clones” sitting outside, though, Harvey decided to take his chances with Mike. He hired Mike on the spot, and has been a mentor to him ever since.
Although he’ll never admit it, Harvey loves Mike like a younger brother and treats him accordingly. He is both professionally and emotionally invested in Mike—to him, Mike is a younger, more naïve version of himself. This brings out the softer, more paternal side of him. Harvey really wants to see Mike succeed and fulfill his potential. Because he believes in Mike and thinks he is capable of a great deal, he is very demanding and holds him to an extremely high standard. As he tells Mike, he is “tough, but fair.” This means that when Mike messes up, Harvey is often hard on him, much like a father-figure. However, he also takes the responsibility for Mike’s mistakes upon himself, since he ascribes to the belief that a mentor is responsible for his protégé’s mistakes. This is an important lesson for Mike: having never had a responsible adult figure in his life (with the exception of his grandmother), he learns what it means to be responsible from Harvey.
Harvey likes to playfully bully him, especially when he believes Mike is asking for help with things he can figure out himself, such as filing patents, filling out subpoenas, etc. However, when Mike actually needs it, Harvey is always there to give him advice, help, and support, both on a professional and personal level. He protects Mike from Louis’ designs as well as Jessica’s criticism, often coming to Mike’s defense behind his back. He also comes to Mike’s aid in “Bail Out,” using his quick thinking and unorthodox methods to remove the threat of Trevor’s moneylenders from Mike’s life. He again bails Mike out in “Shelf Life" after Mike was caught looking through the files of a rival firm. Because Harvey is willing to—and has staked—his career on Mike, he demands the utmost loyalty and confidence from him.
The bond between Harvey and Mike is further strengthened in “She Knows.” After Trevor betrays Mike by ratting him out to Jessica, Jessica investigates Mike’s background to confirm Trevor’s story. Although she admits that Mike combines the best traits of both she and Harvey, she orders Harvey to fire Mike. However, Harvey can’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he uses Hardman’s return as leverage to keep Mike with him. He informs Jessica that he and Mike are a package deal—if Mike goes, he goes. Jessica, unwilling to risk losing her “ace-in-the-hole,” agrees to keep Mike on. However, she is resentful that Harvey would place his needs (i.e. Mike, his own “ace-in-the-hole”) above her own, especially after all she has done for him. It is a while before she forgives both of them for putting her in such an untenable position. By risking everything for Mike, Harvey shows that Mike means the world to him, and he would do anything to keep him.
Mike, in turn, admires Harvey and looks up to him the way one would look up to a father or an older brother. He strives hard to be worthy of the trust Harvey places in him, and is incredibly loyal to Harvey. Harvey is the first person besides his grandmother to really believe in him, and this is something that he desperately needs. The beginning of their relationship is slightly rocky because Mike is unsure of the extent to which he can rely on Harvey; Mike is constantly aware of his tenuous position at the firm and the secret of his deception weighs heavily on him. As he comes to know Harvey better, however, he realizes there is no better person than Harvey to rely on. His trust and loyalty become firmly cemented when Donna informs him of the lengths Harvey went to secure Mike's job. So when Travis Tanner revisits an old case of Harvey’s and comes after him for fraud, Mike steps up to the plate and has Harvey’s back. He closely guards Harvey’s secrets from Louis and Hardman, and discreetly handles any other cases that come Harvey’s way. Harvey, for his part, trusts Mike enough to let him handle it. Mike looks into all the files from the Coastal Motor case at Harvey’s request, and comes to him with all of his findings. He also helps Harvey during the mock trial, strategizing with Louis and convincing Donna to come back and testify. And, when all else fails, it is Mike who sits at Pearson Hardman late at night, looking through Tanner’s old cases to see if there’s anything to help Harvey. Harvey, for his part, shows that he trusts and respects Mike when he agrees to settle at Mike’s urging.
Despite beginning as a work relationship, Harvey and Mike quickly fall into the role of best friends and brothers.
The infamous movie quoters of Pearson Hardman.
They delight in each other’s quick wit and humor, and enjoy bantering with each other. They also take great pleasure in quoting lines from famous movies in an attempt to stump the other (so far, both have never failed to recognize where the quote is from). This is an aspect of their relationship that even Louis envies, and wistfully tries to emulate while working on a case with Mike. Harvey also likes to tease Mike about his rookie status, occasionally calling him “Junior” or comparing him to a puppy. For his part, Mike calls Harvey “Captain,” “Robert Duvall,” or “Batman,” to name a few. Mike also assumes a familiarity with Harvey that only Donna or Jessica could get away with. He occasionally drops in on Harvey unannounced to discuss personal issues that are bothering him. Harvey, who guards his personal life jealously, will express annoyance at these visits, but tolerates them good-naturedly. If he senses that the issue is serious, Harvey will usually hear Mike out and offer advice, even if it means postponing his own plans for the evening. Harvey, in turn, drops in on Mike when he is feeling out of sorts (as evidenced in “All In” after Harvey loses Donna), and again when he feels the need to check up on Mike in “High Noon”.
By the time of the events in “High Noon,” Harvey trusts Mike enough to relax and be more of a brother, rather than a father. Instead of playing the role of disciplinarian and scolding Mike for falling back on bad habits and smoking pot, Harvey gets high with him. They’re comfortable enough to share personal details about their family lives. And when they plot office pranks together against Daniel Hardman and back each other up... it's brotherly bonding at its finest.
Harvey is also protective of Mike, in a very brotherly way. In "Blood in the Water", when Mike comes into his office with a black eye, Harvey demands to know who did it so he "can kick his ass". When Mike says that there is no need, that he has it under control Harvey says he will take care of it because that is just "how he is".
Donna Paulsen
Donna is Harvey's trusted secretary, close friend, and confidante. No one knows Harvey better than Donna does (in fact, she probably knows him better than he knows himself), and she is fiercely protective of him.
Donna has been with Harvey since his first year at the DA's office, where she worked with him for two years before following him to Pearson Hardman. She adores Harvey and is extremely loyal to him, to the point where she would take a bullet for him. Harvey, for his part, loves Donna just as much—he adores her quick wit, her strength, and her sense of humor, and he deeply respects her. Donna is as much a part of him as he is of himself. The two frequently indulge in jokes and witty banter, and have an inside joke involving a can opener and thumbtacks for their pre-trial ritual. (The joke has yet to be revealed.) Donna also listens in on all conversations in Harvey's office (Harvey, in turn, never turns his intercom off), and she knows what he needs before he asks for it. As Harvey tells Louis Litt, he never tells Donna to do anything—she just does it. This trait, combined with Donna's ability to network and gather information, makes her extremely coveted as a legal secretary. She keeps Harvey's life running like a well-oiled machine, and he rarely (if ever) forgets it. For Harvey, Donna is an essential, non-negotiable element in his life, and he values her opinion. When Louis asks Harvey to borrow Donna after helping him out with a favor, Harvey tells Louis he can give him anything but Donna.
Donna is privy to most of the details in Harvey's personal life, and it is Donna who informs Harvey of his father's demise. Despite such a close relationship, Harvey does not tell Donna everything (a fact that rears its ugly head in "Break Point.") He has only been to Donna's apartment twice during the time they've worked together: once for a "god-awful dinner party" and "the other time." Harvey did, however, let Donna's parents stay at his condo when they were in town, although he was somewhat surprised when Donna told him she tricked him by faking tears. (Donna continues to possess the spare key to his condo.)
The depth of Donna's loyalty to Harvey is first revealed in "The Rules of the Game." The threat Cameron Dennis poses to Harvey's career convinces her to approach Jessica Pearson with proof of Dennis' misdeeds. Donna gives Jessica a file she took with her when she left the DA's office, suspecting it would be needed to help Harvey at some point in the future. This act proved that Donna will go out of her way to protect him. Harvey was not pleased about it, although he did not deny that would have done the same thing if she had been in a similar situation.
Harvey as he watches Donna go.
Her loyalty to him is further demonstrated in Break Point. In this case, Donna is literally loyal to a fault: her fear of implicating Harvey leads her to destroy important evidence in the lawsuit Travis Tanner filed against Harvey. Feeling betrayed, Harvey barges into the ladies' room and confronts Donna about it, informing her that the evidence would have helped his case. This devastates her, as her only goal was to protect Harvey. Despite her perceived betrayal, though, Harvey tells her: "I'm not going to fire you, Donna--I might KILL you, but I'm not going to fire you."
Although Harvey doesn't fire Donna, Jessica does. This is quite possibly the first argument Harvey has lost in a long time, and is likely due to the severity of Donna's mistake as well his own shell-shocked state. He waits for Donna at the elevators, watching her leave without saying a word to her.
It quickly becomes apparent that Harvey cannot function without Donna, nor does he want to. In "All In," Harvey is extremely reckless and out-of-control, taking risks that are out of character even for him. Donna is a tempering influence for Harvey, and she is one of the few people he will listen to: a feat neither Jessica nor Mike can accomplish. Although it possible for him to attempt working with someone else, he refuses to do so. As far as Harvey is concerned, Donna is an extension of himself. She is the woman who makes him "the Best Closer in New York," and he doesn't want anyone else filling her role.
In "Sucker-Punch," Harvey is still upset about losing Donna, but he has it under better control. This may be because he now has a game-plan that directly deals with the issue of Tanner and the memo. Harvey goes to Donna's apartment to talk her into attending the mock trial Pearson Hardman is holding in preparation for his trial. For the first time, Donna tells him no. She feels angry, hurt, and betrayed that Harvey did not fight for her the way he did Mike, and she tells Harvey this in no uncertain terms. It is only after Mike stops by Donna's apartment and talks to her that she attends. During the mock trial, Louis, playing the role of Travis Tanner, asks Donna if she loves Harvey. She refuses to answer and storms out of the firm without speaking to Harvey, who chases after her, unaware that Louis was going to humiliate her in front of the whole firm. Furious with Louis, Harvey confronts him about Donna in the men's room.
During Harvey's visit to his father's grave in Rewind, his inner emotional turmoil finally calms enough for him to really think and reflect upon the past, as well as his relationship with Donna. He returns to the office the next day, still pensive. In the end, Harvey informs Jessica that he will bring Donna back, which he accomplishes in Asterisk.
Convincing Donna to return to Pearson Hardman is not as easy as Harvey would hope. In addition to being angry that he didn't fight for her the first time around, Donna is also upset about her humiliation on the stand during the in-house trial. She tells him in no uncertain terms that she loves him like a brother or a cousin, but she is not in love with him. Harvey, for his part, is forced to do some serious groveling; it is only after he tells Donna that he needs her and: "I can't be me without you" that she agrees to return. (This may have something to do with the fact that it is the first time he's said those words and sincerely meant it.) Her two conditions for her return: he pay her a bigger bonus, and she can have the pleasure of firing the temp. To date, Donna is one of only two women in Harvey's life he has asked to come back (the other one being Scotty).
In "High Noon," Donna tells Louis that she and Harvey "are like this" (she links her hands together) and she would never leave him for just anyone.
In "Unfinished business" Harvey tells Donna that Jessica asked him to know more about Stephen Huntley,and Donna tells him that she anticipated Jessica needs.
During the episode 'The Other Time' which is referenced in 'Asterisk' it becomes clear during flashbacks that Harvey once tried to pursue Donna but due to her policy of not mixing work with pleasure, she resisted his advances. However when both Donna and Harvey quit the DA's office Harvey visits Donna and since they weren't working together anymore, she was already waiting for him with a can of whipped cream. Harvey steps into her apartment and she closes the door and he leaned over to kiss her. Although it's not seen, producer Aaron Korsh confimed in an interview that they slept together during this flashback. Afterwards when Harvey gets a new job at then Pearson Hardman, he asks Donna to work with him to which she agrees on two conditions: a large signing bonus and never to speak of them sleeping together ever again. The episode also shows where their loose banter and can opener ritual originate from.
In "Enough is Enough" Donna tells Louis she slept with Harvey.
Rahim Benghazi
Rahim, better known as "Ray," is Harvey's chauffeur. Harvey first met Ray eight years ago, when he accidentally left $3,000 behind in the backseat of the limo Ray was driving. Ray tracked Harvey down and returned all of the money. Harvey hired Ray on the spot and never looked back.
Both men share a very amicable relationship. Ray brings Harvey a cup of coffee and a newspaper; Harvey, in return, gives Ray a music CD of either jazz or blues music. They often quiz each other on music stats in an attempt to stump the other.
Harvey represented Ray pro-bono when a taxi hit their car in "Bail Out." This was notable because Harvey resists doing pro-bono cases, but immediately volunteered because of his fondness for Ray.
Louis Litt
Louis Litt is Harvey's co-worker at Pearson Hardman, and was recently but controversially promoted to senior partner by Daniel Hardman. Louis secretly admires Harvey and envies his professional and personal status. However, this admiration is also the cause of a deep-seated resentment towards Harvey because Louis feels he is neglected by Jessica in favor of Harvey and thus is not sufficiently appreciated. It is evident that while both characters display exceptional legal prowess, Louis' greatest limitation both inside and outside of the workplace is the charismatic charm that Harvey effortlessly exudes.
Harvey takes great pleasure in teasing Louis to the amusement of the viewer, including such subjects as Louis' cat, his stress balls, and lack of female attention. Louis is a source of good-natured humor for Harvey. In spite of this, Harvey is not entirely unsympathetic to Louis: he holds him in high esteem as a lawyer, acknowledging that Louis is the hardest-working lawyer at Pearson Hardman and the financial crime wizard. He also tells Mike that "Louis is cunning, devious, and intelligent." However, it is because of Louis' cunning and devious tendencies that Harvey does not entirely trust him. This distrust effectively excludes Louis from being a part of the inner circle; something Louis desperately strives for. Louis has great confidence in his own proficiency as a lawyer but it is the appreciation and approval from Jessica and, particularly, Harvey that he longs for.
These issues of distrust on Harvey's part and longing to be included on Louis' part play a pivotal role in the events that surrounded Daniel Hardman's return. In an act of betrayal, Louis informs Hardman of a private conversation between Mike and Harvey that he secretly taped in Harvey's office. As a result, the relationship of Harvey and Louis is exacerbated and the rift between them is widened. Louis later regrets his actions during the civil war and on hearing that Louis will be leaving; Harvey changes his mind by ripping up Louis' resignation letter, signalling for him to stay. In the season two finale, Louis further makes amends by offering help and support to Harvey in his efforts against the merger, setting up for a more cordial relationship in season three.
Mottos and advice
- Winners don’t make excuses when the other side plays the game.
- I don’t know what imaginary world you’re skipping in right now but it’s time you joined us in the real world.
- You don’t send a puppy to clean up its own mess.
- I don't get lucky, I make my own luck.
- When someone pulls a gun on you, your options aren't to just do as you're told or die, you take the gun, or you pull out a bigger gun or any one from 146 other options.
- Anyone can do my job, but no one can be me.
- I'm against having emotions, not against using them.
- You want to lose small, I want to win big.
- Don't play the odds, play the man.
- I don't have dreams, I have goals.
- I refuse to answer that on the grounds that I don't want to.
- Would you like me to thank your face with my fist?
- Ever loved someone so much, you would do anything for them? Yeah, well, make that someone yourself and do whatever the hell you want.
- Loyalty is a two-way street. If I'm asking for it from you, you're getting it from me.
- The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.
Trivia
- Harvey came from nothing.
- His younger brother Marcus was once in the hospital.
- His shoulder was injured when he was a senior in high school, thus rendering him unable to play in their state championship and preventing him from becoming a pro baseball player.
- His batting average in high school was 0.385.
- Harvey doesn't sleep with married women. He claims to abide by this personal rule not because of "moral values," but because he believes it will create complications for him. The wisdom of this rule was proved when Judge Donald Pearl's wife Lorene falsely claimed to have slept with Harvey, and Judge Pearl attacked Harvey in court with a vengeance.[1]
- Harvey's refusal to sleep with married women, stems from his childhood, as his mother frequently cheated on his father.
- His current office formerly belonged to Jessica Pearson. He got it after being promoted to junior partner.
- He's aware of the drug dealer near the coffee cart.
- Harvey is no teetotaler; he was a stoner in the 90s.
- He urinated in Louis' office before and told Louis it was Louis' cat's doing.
- Harvey does not have any records by "Queen".
- Harvey, based on episode titled "High Noon", obtained his undergraduate degree from New York University. It's shown on the diploma on the wall in his "new" office on the 46th Floor next to the painting.
- Michael Jordan is a client of Harvey's, and Harvey has Jordan's cell number on his speed dial.
- He and Donna have a pretrial ritual that involves a can-opener and thumbtacks.
- As a member of Gotham Car Club New York Harvey is known to drive Bentleys, an Aston Martin DB9, a vintage Mustang and Tesla Roadster Sport 2011. Harvey is also driven in a Lincoln Town Car, Mercedes S-class and Lexus LS at different points through the show.
References
- ↑ Errors and Omissions (June 30 2011). Season 1, Episode 2.