The season begins with the fallout from Pearson Hardman's merger with the UK legal firm of Edward Darby. Harvey Specter dislikes the merger, and Jessica Pearson finds it difficult to adjust to their new relationship.
Harvey joins forces with Ava Hessington (Michelle Fairley), Darby's right-hand man and an oil executive who is accused of bribery and murder. Jessica and Harvey are at odds over this case.
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Jessica vs. Harvey
Harvey covertly links up with Darby to take over the company since he feels deceived by Jessica's insistence on the merger.
But when Mike Ross, who wants to prove himself while remaining faithful to Harvey, tells Jessica about Harvey's plans, his scheme fails.
When Harvey discovers that Jessica still values him as a partner, he finally gives in.
The Relationship Between Mike and Rachel
The relationship between Mike and Rachel Zane is elevated. He eventually shares his secret—that he never attended law school—after experiencing several ups and downs.
Instead of leaving, Rachel decides to stay with him and submits an application to Columbia Law School.
Louis Litt's Problems with Loyalty
A battle over the firm's associates develops as Louis becomes close to Nigel Nesbitt, a British lawyer from Darby's side.
Additionally, he has the chance to hire Mike instead of Harvey, but Mike declines out of loyalty.
In the end, Louis remains faithful to Pearson Specter in spite of his continuous disputes.
Darby & Ava Hessington's Case's Decline
When it is discovered that Stephen Huntley, Darby's "fixer," ordered the deaths connected to Ava Hessington's case, the case takes a sinister turn.
Darby's demise results from Harvey and Jessica's joint effort to overthrow him.
Jessica coerces Darby into signing a contract that gives her back authority over the company.
Mike's Career Turning Point
As a phony, Mike begins to doubt his future. He chooses to quit Pearson Specter and accept a respectable position as an investment banker following an emotional encounter with Harvey.
This paves the way for significant Season 4 adjustments.
Cliffhanger at the End of the Season
Harvey appears hesitant when Jessica offers him a named partnership.
Harvey is shocked when Mike quits the firm to pursue a respectable profession.
Law school excites Rachel, but there will be new difficulties in her relationship with Mike.
Intense power conflicts, treachery, and character development are all part of Season 3.