Being a lawyer specializing in maritime law is tough!
The same case can yield entirely different outcomes depending on the lawyers and judges involved, leading to bizarre new legal precedents worldwide every day—especially in a country with 50 states and 50 sets of temporary local laws. For instance, New York recently repealed a law that allowed sentencing suicide jumpers to death.
North American lawyers must constantly update their knowledge to avoid losing cases due to outdated information. Fortunately, law firms compile weekly briefs on such updates. Martin, with his sharp memory, skims these during dinner.
After reviewing the day's brief, Martin left the firm's cafeteria, slapping a folder against his thigh as he headed to the elevator. Passing a glass-walled conference room, he spotted a crowd of lawyers gathered around Louis Litt and two junior associates—including Mike Ross, the non-Harvard grad who'd sneaked into the firm with Harvey's help.
Though working in the Suits universe, Martin rarely interacted with the main characters. He tried to slip away with a smile, but Louis flashed his buckteeth and waved him in. As a senior partner, Louis couldn't be ignored.
Martin opened the door. "Hi, Louis, and everyone. What's going on?"
The room erupted in greetings. Martin's recent high-profile wins, like Facebook's financing and Amanda's murder case, had cemented his reputation as the firm's rising star. Despite being the youngest senior lawyer, his humility and rapport with everyone—even the janitorial staff—earned him widespread respect.
Louis brandished a stack of cards. "Harvard trivia competition. Wanna play?"
These tea-break games were a team-bonding ritual. Martin sat down, pulling out his wallet. "Stakes?"
"$100!" A mid-level lawyer grinned. "Who're you betting on?"
Martin eyed Mike Ross and the other associate. No Harvard degree, yet bold enough to compete? But as the protagonist, Mike couldn't lose.
"Mike Ross," Martin said, handing over $100.
The game began.
Louis fired questions:
- "How many governors?"
- "27!"
- "1973 law dean?"
- "Madari Pastina!"
- "Oldest library book?"
- "The Bible."
- "Gutenberg Bible. Precision matters, like the law! How many presidents?"
- "Eight!"
Mike and his rival traded answers, the score tight. Even without Harvard's pedigree, Mike's photographic memory shone.
The final question: "How many of the nine Supreme Court justices attended Harvard?"
The rival blurted, "Five!" Cheers erupted from his supporters.
But Martin noticed Mike's hesitation.
"Louis, I've got to go," Martin said, buttoning his suit. "Send my winnings to my office—or Rachel."
Confusion filled the room.
"Mike lost," Louis said.
Martin tilted his head at Mike, prompting him.
"Six," Mike corrected.
"Impossible!" Louis counted on his fingers. "Scalia, Roberts, Kennedy, Breyer, Kagan… Who else?"
"Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
"She went to Columbia!"
"She spent two years at Harvard first. Your question was 'attended,' not 'graduated.' Precision, right?"
The room flipped. Mike's backers cheered as Martin exited.
---
Later, Mike delivered $370 to Martin's office.
"1:3.7 odds," Martin chuckled. "Not many believed in you."
Mike slumped. "Louis suspects I'm not Harvard material."
"He's just proud of his alma mater. These games mean nothing."
"But his stares feel… probing."
"That's your guilty conscience" Martin leaned in. "Do you know what fugitives say when caught after years? 'I knew this day would come.' Fear and nightmares haunt you until then."
Mike stiffened. "You sound like a priest."
"My godmother was Baptist. I'll hear your confession if it helps."
"Why are you helping me?"
"Giving a rose leaves fragrance on your hand." Martin shrugged. "Harvey broke rules hiring you, but why should I care? Your genius earns my silence. Maybe I'll need your help someday. Would you refuse?"
Mike stared. "You're… blunt."
"That's why I sleep like a baby at night."
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