Suits LA: who's who and who's back

If the original Suits was a slick-dressed tale of male friendship and twisty legal cases, Suits LA is the flip side of that coin. Co-founders of LA-based legal firm Black Lane – Ted Black and Stuart Lane – go from being best mates to haters when Stuart pulls a slick move on Ted and walks off with half their firm and their best clients. From that point, the greatest legal battles won’t be in the courtroom, they’ll be in the sidebar. As Ted and Stuart, and their proteges Rick and Erica, go all-out to score points off each other it’s a case of the more you know, the harder you can hit them.

Since Suits LA focuses on firms that specialise in entertainment law, we can look out for some real-life performers playing larger-than-life versions of themselves, too. The late John Amos (Good Times, Roots) played a fictional version of himself in the series premiere. And we can look forward to appearances from comedian Patton Oswalt (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Brian Baumgartner (The Office), and Enrico Colantoni (Allegiance S1). 

But it is Stuart’s rugpull moment alone that makes the series premiere popcorn-worthy. This fight is far from over, so come meet the who’s who of getting scr***d.

Stream Suits LA now, new episodes each Monday. And binge Suits S1-9 now.

Who’s who in Suits LA

Ted Black

Played by: Stephen Amell (Hung S3)

Who now? One of the co-founders and top dogs at law firm Black Lane, Ted is a former New York federal prosecutor with a grimy past (sorry to the key witness who was murdered during his bungled organised crime case). He moved out to LA 15 years back to start a new career in entertainment law. Ted now represents some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, like Dylan Pryor (Victoria Justice). 

He’s a complicated guy under the smirk, but his arrogance and tendency to take people for granted have earned him bitter enemies close to home. Worst of all, his desire to pull Black Lane away from criminal defence and deeper into his division of the firm, entertainment law, has alienated Stuart Lane. During merger negotiations he truly sticks his foot in his mouth when he claims, “Stuart’s a flea, and I’m aligning in terms of the value of the firm.” 

At home, the voice of Ted’s conscience is his late younger brother Eddie (Carson A. Egan), who died because of their dad’s (Matt Letscher) lackluster decision making skills. PS: Ted has some friends in high places, including Harvey Specter, who’s seen in a photo of Ted that he has displayed behind his desk.

His greatest weakness is: Reading the fine print, apparently! Oh, and his contempt for criminal defence attorneys … like Stuart.

Stuart Lane

Played by: Josh McDermitt

Who now? While Ted had the glamour boy looks and attitude, Black Lane co-founder Stuart Lane had the connections to Hollywood’s legal elite that are the firm’s life blood. As a prosecutor, he got stuck with the work that Ted didn’t want to dirty his pretty boy hands with, so after years of putting up with Ted looking down on his job, Stuart engineers the “merger” deal that pulls the rug out from under Ted in the series premiere. It leaves Ted holding a begging cup, while Stuart walks off with their plum clients to do his own thing. Seeing Stuart pull off his scheme is a hint to how close he plays his cards to his chest. Beware the second he starts to seem nostalgic and chummy.

His greatest weakness is: His beard hides that second face of his.

Erica Rollins

Played by: Lex Scott Davis

Who now? This ambitious, determined and driven young legal eagle might have the chance to swoop in on an opportunity when the Black Lane merger causes an uproar. In the season premiere, she’s offered a shocking choice to get a promotion in exchange for spying on Ted for Stuart for six months. But when she finds out that she’ll be given all the cases with “diverse” clients while Stuart sucks up to the rich, white clientele, Erica makes a stand. Now she’s going to hold Ted to his promise of promoting her to Head of Entertainment. The new job will put her in direct opposition to former colleague Rick. Bring it on!

Her greatest weakness is: Other people’s perception of her as a woman of colour. Oh, and she doesn’t really watch movies or shows. Considering she’s an entertainment lawyer, that’s a choice.

Rick Dodsen

Played by: Bryan Greenberg (The Emperor of Ocean Park)

Who now? The slick, Hugo Boss-wearing Rick is Ted’s protege at Black Lane. He’s backstabbing his way to a promotion, one body at a time. One day Ted will be just another body on the ladder to success for him – it makes the rungs nice and soft under his feet as he claws his way to the top. Rick might think he’s leaving the Ted bridge unburned, since he left Ted a nice letter explaining that he’s made the move to Stuart’s firm for his career and a job as Head of Entertainment, but at least Stuart took Ted to dinner before betraying him. 

His greatest weakness is: His squishy heart, would you believe? Rick genuinely has his clients’ best interests in mind.

Also look out for

Kevin 

Played by: Troy Winbush

Who now? Ted’s longtime friend and ace in the hole is a former FBI agent turned private investigator.

Leah Power

Played by: Alice Lee

Who now? This up-and-coming young legal hotshot works closely with Erica as an associate attorney.

Roslyn

Played by: Azita Ghanizada

Who now? Ted’s secretary at Black Lane has his complete trust and handles all those calls from demanding clients

Samantha

Played by: Rachelle Goulding

Who now? Ted’s former love is now one of his greatest rivals. With the inside scoop on what’s behind his mask and how to push his buttons, she promises to be a dangerous opponent in court – especially once she’s poached by Stuart Lane.

Amanda Stevens

Played by: Maggie Grace

Who now? Amanda is a pro bono lawyer who rents office space at Black Lane, as she pursues justice for all those little people that the entertainment industry chews up, spits out and silences.

Harvey Specter

Played by: Gabriel Macht (Suits S1-9)

Who now? Charming, unconventional and brilliant New York City lawyer Harvey is as cocky as he is charming. He and Ted go way back, so we haven’t seen the last of him. 

Stream Suits LA now, new episodes each Monday. And binge Suits S1-9 now.