Suits Season 2 Episode 3 - Meet the New Boss

Harvey becomes increasingly frustrated with Daniel's interference in a lawsuit he's handling, leading to a battle of one-upmanship that jeopardizes the case and puts Mike in a difficult position.

During a meeting with the partners, Daniel Hardman asserts his position as second-in-command and acknowledges that Jessica still runs the firm. However, he repeatedly tries to take control of the meeting from Jessica, causing tension and undermining her authority.

Rachel creates a profile on Match.com but struggles to describe herself. Mike steps in and helps her by writing a profile that highlights the qualities he loves about her. Rachel realizes that Mike has feelings for her and later confronts him at his apartment, questioning his decision not to pursue a relationship. She accuses him of hiding something from her, but Mike insists that he doesn't want to lie.

Pearson Hardman takes on a case involving Prescott Hospital and the nurses' labor union. The nurses are threatening to strike due to unpaid overtime resulting from inadequate staffing. After multiple negotiators fail, Mike is assigned to the case. He invites the union leader, Nell Sawyer, to meet his grandmother at the assisted living facility managed by Prescott, emphasizing the personal connection. During the visit, Mike learns about the nurses' excessive workload.

Upon discovering that the firm ranks poorly in associate quality of life, Jessica instructs Louis to address the issue to prevent Harvard Law School from rescinding recruiting privileges. She also points out that the associates believe Louis doesn't do much work himself, relying on them instead. Louis takes steps to improve the situation, ensuring a positive impression on the Harvard representative and completing assigned tasks overnight to demonstrate his own productivity.

Jessica informs Louis that the associates rank poorly in quality of life, potentially risking the firm's exclusivity agreement with Harvard. Seeking to make amends, Louis invites a Harvard representative, Sheila Sazs, to oversee his treatment of the associates. However, Sheila quickly realizes that Louis has been lying about his relationship with the associates. Despite this, Sheila allows the firm to keep its exclusivity but advises Louis that the associates perceive him as not working as hard as they do. Determined to prove himself, Louis stays up all night completing their tasks, emphasizing his capability and the value of their learning experience.

Jessica commends Louis for his efforts in improving the associates' situation, but he expresses his desire for her to provide similar opportunities for his own advancement.

The firm takes on the case involving Prescott Hospitals and the nurses' union. Daniel Hardman tries to claim the case for himself, but Jessica lies, stating that Harvey is already assigned to it to prevent Daniel from taking over. Harvey suggests filing a temporary restraining order (TRO), while Daniel insists on an injunction. Hardman succeeds in obtaining a TRO, frustrating Harvey. Later, Harvey informs Daniel that it was Mike who came up with the TRO idea, urging him to think like a seasoned attorney rather than a rookie.

Harvey and Daniel involve Mike in handling the nurse's strike, using his personal connection to Nell Sawyer. Mike discovers that the nurses are working long, unpaid hours. After a discussion with Louis about the legality of extended work hours, Harvey uses the knowledge of manipulated timecards to pressure Nell into accepting a reduced settlement. Nell expresses her resentment towards Mike, but Harvey defends their actions, emphasizing that the nurses still receive some compensation.

Harvey spends an evening reading in Jessica's office while she drinks tea until Daniel interrupts. Daniel apologizes for undermining Jessica and sabotaging Harvey's case, attributing it to seeing Jessica in his chair. Jessica confronts Daniel about his actions prior to the meeting, including summarizing the firm's cases and setting up his own office. Daniel defends himself, claiming his return as a name partner grants him those privileges. Jessica questions his theft of her tea set, which belonged to his late wife, and implies he crossed a line.

After the nurse's union ordeal, Mike asks Harvey to keep him out of the conflict with Daniel. However, Harvey calls Mike into his office and reveals Daniel's past deception regarding embezzlement. Harvey warns Mike against trusting someone like Daniel.

As Rachel struggles to write her dating profile, Mike helps by listing all the things he admires about her. Rachel visits Mike's apartment and questions why they can't be together if he still has feelings for her. She senses that he's hiding a secret, but Mike explains that he can't disclose it as everything depends on it, and he refuses to lie to her. Rachel leaves abruptly.

Rachel retakes the LSAT exam.