Suits: A Lawyer Surviving TV Chaos

After meeting with their client, the group entered the courtroom and took their seats at the defense table. 

The case was straightforward: a landlord had punched a tenant twice after being provoked during an attempt to evict him from his property due to problems of trashing property, frequent drug use, and disruptive behavior. The tenant had now sued landlord for assault and illegal eviction. 

Martin organized his files while asking casually "Any trial advice Harvey?" 

Harvey Specter leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed replied lazily, "I'm your supervisor, not your legal consultant. My job is to grade you, not hold your hand. Figure it out yourself." 

Martin shrugged indifferently. 

Beside them, the landlord slumped in defeat. He'd thought hiring New York's prestigious *Pearson & Hardman* law firm guaranteed victory—until they assigned his case to this green rookie. Even if Martin was a Harvard JD, he was fresh out of school and handling his first case. What experience could he possibly have? 

The landlord had protested, but Harvey shut him down: *"Want someone else? Sure, My consulting fee is $2,000 an hour. Cash or check?"* Reluctantly, the landlord pinned his hopes on the $400-an-hour rookie. 

Martin finished arranging his documents and turned to the despondent landlord, holding up one finger. 

"Rule One: Tell the truth in court. No lies, no omissions." 

A second finger rose. "Rule Two: Never contradict me openly—no objections, no eye rolls, no sighs. Save it for recess." 

Finally, his thumb. "Rule Three: Keep your mouth shut unless I tell you to speak. Even if they're lying through their teeth." 

Pausing, Martin locked eyes with the landlord. **"Follow these rules, and we win. Understood?"** 

The landlord bristled but nodded eagerly at the promise of victory. 

Harvey raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Martin's confidence. The evidence was damning: medical reports, police statements—all confirming the landlord's guilt. Winning this case seemed impossible for a rookie. 

Before Harvey could dwell further, the bailiff announced the judge's entrance. 

**"Case No. 20070630442,"** the white-haired judge intoned, reviewing the charges. **"Plaintiff alleges unlawful eviction and assault. Any additions?"** 

The plaintiff's lawyer shook his head. **"No, Your Honor."** 

The judge turned to Martin. **"Defense?"** 

Martin stood, buttoning his suit jacket with a polished smile. **"Nothing to add Your Honor."** His poise earned a subtle nod from the bench. 

**"Any chance of settlement?"** the judge asked. 

Both sides declined. 

The plaintiff presented medical records and police statements—an airtight case. Ten minutes later, the judge removed his glasses. **"Defense counsel, your rebuttal?"** 

Martin stood, handing a document to the clerk. **"Your Honor, the plaintiff concealed his recent divorce during the rental application. Had my client known of his history of alcoholism, domestic violence, and revoked custody rights—"** 

**"What does divorce have to do with tenancy?"** the judge interrupted, squinting at the file. 

**"Everything,"** Martin countered. **"My client has two young children. Had he known the plaintiff harbored hostility toward minors—evidenced by this neighbor's testimony about the plaintiff screaming at children for 'noise'—he'd never have rented to him."** 

He slid forward a family photo of the landlord's smiling children. The judge's gaze softened. 

**"Objection!"** The plaintiff suddenly stood, face red. 

The courtroom froze. Even the stenographer stared. 

**"You idiot—sit down!"** the plaintiff's lawyer hissed, yanking his client's arm. **"Apologies, Your Honor. He's… inexperienced."** 

The judge slammed his gavel. **"$200 fine for contempt. Control your client, counsel."** 

Harvey leaned forward, now fully engaged. He'd known this judge doted on his granddaughter—but how had Martin, a rookie without resources uncovered that detail? 

Martin pressed on, submitting records of the plaintiff's drunken bar fights. Legally irrelevant, but combined with the earlier evidence, it painted a portrait of a man dangerous to children—a narrative the judge couldn't ignore. 

The verdict came swiftly: 

- **$400 penalty** to the landlord for assault. 

- **Lease voided** due to fraudulent application. 

- **$1,743** awarded to the landlord for property damage. 

- **$4,000+** in legal fees shifted to the plaintiff. 

The tenant left bankrupt. The landlord's children hugged Martin as he packed his briefcase. 

**"Score?"** Martin asked Harvey afterward. 

Harvey stood, offering a hand. "Welcome to Pearson & Hardman" 

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