5 legal negotiation myths 'Suits' told you
What's the story
Suits, the popular television series, gives us a glimpse of the high-stakes world of corporate law. But, while the show is entertaining, it often prioritizes drama over reality. Here are five things that Suits gets wrong about legal negotiations, to help you understand the difference between Hollywood and real-life legal practices.
#1
Overemphasis on personal relationships
In Suits, personal relationships often take precedence over legal strategy in negotiations. While relationships are important in real-life negotiations, they are not everything. Lawyers usually rely on facts, evidence, and legal precedents to make their case. Personal rapport can help, but it doesn't replace the need for a solid legal foundation.
#2
Unrealistic timeframes for negotiations
Suits often shows negotiations happening in a matter of minutes or hours. In reality, legal negotiations can take days, weeks, or even months to reach an agreement. The time-consuming process involves thorough research, analysis of documents, and multiple rounds of discussions between parties.
#3
Simplified portrayal of legal tactics
The show simplifies complex legal tactics into easily digestible scenes for viewers. However, real-life negotiations involve intricate strategies that require a deep understanding of law and finance. Lawyers must consider various factors, such as risk assessment and long-term implications, before making decisions.
#4
Lack of focus on ethical considerations
Ethics play a crucial role in real-life legal negotiations but are often sidelined in Suits for dramatic effect. In reality, lawyers must adhere to strict ethical guidelines that govern their conduct during negotiations. These rules ensure fairness and integrity in the negotiation process.
#5
Overshadowing teamwork with individualism
While teamwork is key in Suits, it is often overshadowed by individual brilliance or charisma winning the day. In reality, successful legal negotiations are usually the result of collaborative efforts between teams working towards a common goal, rather than individual heroics alone.