Season 1 Episode 12 - Dog Fight

Harvey's attempts to secure the release of an innocent man, Clifford Danner, encounter a significant obstacle when he approaches the district attorney, who appears more interested in upholding the system than pursuing justice. Meanwhile, Mike's former friend Trevor causes trouble when he unexpectedly appears at Mike's doorstep.

Harvey's primary focus is on freeing Clifford Danner, who he wrongfully imprisoned twelve years ago for the murder of a girl at his private school. However, Cameron Dennis, the former District Attorney, buried crucial evidence, including a letter proving Danner's relationship with the victim and a camisole containing DNA from the actual culprits, Matt Bailey and Jason Black. 

With Dennis being forced to step down, his replacement Terrence Wolf shows reluctance to cooperate with Harvey, possibly due to rumors that Harvey leaked classified documents leading to Dennis' resignation. Harvey realizes that Donna was the one who leaked the documents and contemplates firing her, but Jessica intervenes, urging Harvey to forgive her while reminding Donna to never act behind his back again.

Rachel finds herself developing feelings for Mike after resolving their previous issues, leading her to ask Donna whether she should harm Jenny Griffith, albeit in a playful manner. They decide to share a drink in Harvey's office instead, with Rachel even inquiring about a potential relationship with Harvey. Donna claims that such a romantic involvement would jeopardize their current dynamic. Later, Rachel, inebriated, call Mike and confesses her feelings to him.

Trevor returns from Montana, having secured a job in a law firm's mailroom. He asks to stay with Mike for a few days, unaware of Mike's relationship with Jenny. Jenny warns Mike that if Trevor discovers the truth, he will expose Mike's fraudulent activities. Realizing the impact of Clifford's secret relationship, Mike decides that he and Jenny must inform Trevor before he learns from someone else.

The DNA evidence is deemed inadmissible due to Detective Packel's past misconduct, wherein he abused his position twelve years ago. Packel justifies his actions by claiming that sometimes good individuals must resort to wrongdoing to bring the guilty to justice. Harvey, persuading Clifford to punch him as a way to buy time, decides to physically assault Matt Bailey to extract a confession. 

Witnessing Harvey's determination to secure Clifford's release, Mike suggests involving Trevor, tasking him with breaking into Matt's house and threatening him on Jason Black's orders. Harvey, Mike, and Packel position themselves in Matt's living room, pressuring him to confess or risk being murdered by Jason. Matt eventually confesses, leading to both culprits being incarcerated and Clifford's freedom. Harvey and Mike visit the prison to witness Clifford's release, with Mike using Harvey's phone to inform Trevor about Jenny since he left his own phone at home.

While attempting to expedite DNA testing, Louis attempts to blackmail Jessica, demanding a promotion to senior partner. Jessica asserts her authority, reminding Louis that she holds the power and suggests that he can issue commands once he runs his own firm, playfully naming it "Litt, Nothing & Nobody." This marks the second time Louis expresses his desire for a senior partner promotion, with the first instance occurring in the pilot episode.

At Mike's apartment, Trevor discovers Mike's phone and listens to Rachel's voicemail, where she discusses Mike and Jenny's relationship. This infuriates Trevor, prompting him to confront Jessica at Pearson Hardman and expose Mike's fraudulent activities.

In the first-season finale, Harvey faces obstacles while working to free an innocent man, Clifford Danner, as the district attorney prioritizes preserving the system over seeking justice. Meanwhile, Trevor's unexpected appearance creates difficulties for Mike at home.

This episode marks a significant shift as Harvey puts in tremendous effort to win the case rather than relying on his usual advantages.