How to Write Dialogue Like Suits

The key to writing dialogue that crackles with wit, confidence, and legal swagger.

The TV show Suits is known for its sharp, fast-paced dialogue that blends intelligence, humor, and high-stakes legal drama. If you want to capture that same energy in your writing, you need to master the art of power-driven banter, strategic comebacks, and a keen understanding of verbal dominance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Confidence-Driven Banter

Every character in Suits—especially Harvey Specter and Mike Ross—speaks with unshakable authority, even when they’re bluffing. The best lines don’t just respond; they escalate the conversation. Characters in Suits don’t just talk—they assert control.

• Weak: “I think I can win this case.”

• Suits-style: “I don’t lose cases. I let other people think they can win, then I remind them why they never stood a chance.”

2. Rapier-Sharp Wit

Every exchange in Suits is a verbal sparring match. The dialogue thrives on snappy, clever retorts and well-placed sarcasm.

• Mike: “I didn’t know we had a meeting.”

• Harvey: “That’s the difference between us—I knew you’d be unprepared, and I planned accordingly.”

A great Suits-style line not only answers the question but also delivers a subtle flex.

3. Legal Jargon with Style

Legal drama thrives on using technical terms, but Suits doesn’t just throw in jargon—it makes it sound cool. Every legal term is used like a power move.

• “You want to file a motion to dismiss? Sure, but I’ll bury you in so many counterclaims you’ll forget why you walked into the courtroom.”

It’s not just about using the right terminology, but delivering it with a sense of dominance and control.

4. Verbal Power Plays

Every conversation in Suits is a battle for dominance. Even when a character loses, they lose with style, ensuring they walk away with their dignity intact.

• Jessica: “You’re fired.”

• Harvey: “You can’t fire me, Jessica. Because if I walk out that door, your firm goes with me.”

The trick is making every character sound like they hold the upper hand—even when they’re cornered.

5. Cultural References as Verbal Weapons

Mike and Harvey’s signature style includes a sharp use of pop culture, history, or sports references to make a point. This makes dialogue more engaging and gives characters an extra edge.

• Mike: “You ever hear of Newton’s third law?”

• Harvey: “Yeah, for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. But Newton wasn’t in court—I am, and I hit harder.”

A well-placed reference can make a line instantly memorable and give it more punch.

6. Emotional Subtext Underneath the Tough Talk

Beneath all the bravado, Suits dialogue is often layered with emotional subtext. Even power plays carry the weight of past relationships, personal grudges, or hidden vulnerabilities.

• Mike: “You never needed me.”

• Harvey: “Maybe not. But I wanted you here, and that’s not something I say lightly.”

Even in a world of corporate cutthroats, moments of genuine emotion make the dialogue resonate.

7. Keep It Pithy and Punchy

Long-winded explanations kill momentum. Every line in Suits is tight, efficient, and designed for maximum impact. Characters get straight to the point, and they do it with style.

Final Thoughts

If you want to write dialogue like Suits, focus on confidence, cleverness, and control. Every conversation should feel like a chess match where both players are thinking three moves ahead. Mastering this style means:

• Projecting dominance in speech

• Delivering rapid-fire wit

• Using legal terminology as a weapon

• Leveraging pop culture for punchlines

• Balancing sharp talk with emotional depth

By following these principles, you can create dialogue that’s as compelling, intelligent, and engaging as Suits itself. Now go write like Harvey Specter—because if you’re good enough, you don’t just have the right to write dialogue like this. You have an obligation.