Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
Jessica knows Mike has no law degree, but keeps him at Pearson Hardman as Daniel Hardman returns after his wife’s death and tries to reclaim power. Donna is fired after destroying a memo that appears to implicate Harvey in fraud. Harvey proves Hardman planted it as part of his scheme, Hardman is removed, Jessica resumes as managing partner, and Donna returns as Harvey’s assistant. The firm survives the challenge, but the partners remain divided about who should control its future.
Mike and Rachel try dating, but he ends the relationship when Harvey and Donna warn that his secret could endanger her. Louis, feeling overlooked, explores jobs at competing firms. Jessica considers merging with British firm Darby International to stabilize the practice; Harvey opposes it and makes a contest of three cases. If Mike beats Darby’s lawyer, the merger stops and Harvey becomes name partner; if Darby wins, the merger proceeds. Jessica threatens to expose Mike, so he deliberately loses and Harvey fires him in anger.
Jessica reverses the firing, and the merger goes through. After Rachel learns she was not accepted to Harvard, Mike finally tells her the truth about his education and fabricated credentials. She is angry, but understands his earlier distance was meant to protect her; they sleep together in the file room. Mike remains employed, Rachel now knows the secret, and the firm becomes Pearson Darby as the merger takes effect.