It’s hard to imagineSuitswithout Louis Litt, the scene-stealing attorney played by Rick Hoffman. Across all nine seasons of the hit USA Network series, Hoffman’s neurotic, loyal, and razor-sharp character became one of the show’s biggest fan favorites. Louis Litt inSuitswasn’t just comic relie - he brought real heart, unexpected emotional depth, and some of the show’s most iconic storylines. Whether clashing with Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) or fighting for his name on the wall, Louis became a character many viewers rooted for.
However, Louis Litt wasn’t Rick Hoffman’s first legal rodeo. BeforeSuitsmade him a household name among legal drama fans, Hoffman had already donned a suit and tie for another critically acclaimed courtroom series. Long before he was winning over Pearson Specter’s clients, he was trying to win cases in a different setting entirely, one with much higher stakes and a more serious tone. Seven years before his breakout role in as one of thebest characters inSuits, Hoffman played a very different kind of lawyer in a different kind of show. What’s more, it just so happened to be one of the most respected legal dramas of its era:The Practice.
Rick Hoffman Played D.A. Harvey Clarke In Three Episodes Of The Practice
WhileSuitsfans know Rick Hoffman best as the eccentric but brilliant Louis Litt, his first role as a lawyer came inThe Practice, where he played District Attorney Harvey Clarke in three episodes that aired in 2004.The Practicewas alreadya well-established legal drama by this point, created by David E. Kelley and known for its intense courtroom scenes and morally complex characters. Though Hoffman’s time on the show was brief, his role was a key part of a three-episode arc in the show’s eighth season.
These episodes ofThe Practiceshowcased Hoffman’s ability to hold his own in a serious ensemble cast.
Hoffman appeared as D.A. Harvey Clarke inThe Practiceseason 8, episodes 13 (“Going Home”), 14 (“Pre-Trial Blues”), and 15 (“Mr. Shore Goes To Town”). His character was a no-nonsense prosecutor - sharp, aggressive, and relentless in his pursuit of justice. Clarke stood as a stark contrast to the show’s main defense attorneys, providing a worthy adversary in the courtroom. While he didn’t have the flamboyant quirks of Louis Litt inSuits, Clarke still had an intensity that matched the drama’s darker, more grounded tone.
These episodes ofThe Practiceshowcased Hoffman’s ability to hold his own in a serious ensemble cast. Even with limited screen time, he stood out, displaying the kind of presence and precision that would later define Louis Litt. Plus, although D.A. Harvey Clarke was far less sympathetic thanthe belovedSuitscharacter, the role allowed Hoffman to explore the hard-nosed, high-pressure world of criminal law - something that would serve him well when he made the leap to Pearson Hardman years later.
The Practice And Boston Legal Are Two Of The Greatest Legal Dramas Of All Time
Suits Fans Will Find Plenty To Love In These Sharp, Character-Driven Courtroom Shows
BothThe PracticeandBoston Legalwere considered some of thebest legal dramas of all timelong beforeSuitsdominated the streaming charts. Created by David E. Kelley,The Practiceaired from 1997 to 2004 and focused on a Boston law firm that specialized in criminal defense. It was known for its gritty realism, ethical gray areas, and powerhouse performances - especially from Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell and Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt. UnlikeSuits, which leaned into slick corporate law and witty banter,The Practicetackled raw, emotional legal battles and often left its characters morally torn.
IfSuitsleft you craving more legal drama with complex characters,The PracticeandBoston Legalare essential additions to your watchlist.
Boston Legal, which spun off fromThe Practice, aired from 2004 to 2008 and took a more eccentric, comedic approach to similar themes. The series followed Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner) at the firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt. While still centered on legal drama,Boston Legalleaned heavily into character-driven stories, quirky cases, and bold social commentary. For fans ofSuits,it’s a must-watch just to see how far legal dramas can stretch the genrewithout losing emotional stakes or intellectual weight.
Both shows offer a different flavor oflegal storytelling compared toSuits, but they still center on brilliant lawyers, explosive courtroom drama, and intense personal dynamics. What’s more, the office politics and unexpected friendships that made Louis Litt inSuitssuch a compelling watch are present in both series. IfSuitsleft you craving more legal drama with complex characters,The PracticeandBoston Legalare essential additions to your watchlist.
7 Years After His Practice Episodes, Rick Hoffman Gave Us One Of TV’s Best Lawyers
Louis Litt Became One Of The Most Unforgettable Lawyers Ever Put On Television
After his short but impactful stint onThe Practice,Rick Hoffman spent several yearsappearing in TV shows likeCSI: Miami,Law & Order: SVU, andNCIS. But it wasn’t until 2011 that he found the role that would define his career. Louis Litt inSuitsstarted off as the show’s antagonistic, rule-obsessed foil - more comic relief than serious contender. Over time though, Hoffman’s performance added layers of insecurity, ambition, and surprising tenderness, making Louis one of the most beloved characters on the show.
It’s a testament to Hoffman’s skill thatLouis Litt could stand shoulder to shoulder with the ultra-suave Harvey Specter or fan-favorite Mike Ross(Patrick J. Adams) and still steal scenes. Whether he was obsessing over mudding, vying for the respect he craved, or delivering courtroom takedowns, Louis was never boring, and always human. The show’s writers leaned into Hoffman’s strengths, giving Louis some of the show’s best arcs, from his journey to becoming name partner to his struggles with mental health.
In many ways, Louis Litt inSuitsbelongs in the same tier of legendary TV lawyers asBoston Legal’s Denny Crane and Alan Shore. Sure, he was quirkier and more emotionally volatile, but he was also deeply principled and genuinely brilliant. Rick Hoffman may have started out in the courtroom withThe Practice, butSuitsgave him the platform to create one of television’s most unforgettable legal minds.
Suits
Cast
Suits is a legal drama series that premiered in 2011, centering on Mike Ross, a college dropout with a photographic memory who lands a job at a top New York law firm despite lacking a law degree. Partnering with one of the city’s best legal closers, Harvey Specter, they navigate the challenges of high-stakes cases and firm dynamics.
The Practice
The Practice is a legal drama series created by David E. Kelley, centered on the law firm of Donnell, Young, Dole, and Frutt. Led by Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott), the firm often deals with contentious legal and ethical dilemmas in its pursuit of justice. The show explores the complex dynamics of the legal profession and the personal lives of its attorneys.
