This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
*We caught up with Lex Scott Davis to unpack her role as Erica Rollins, the only female and Black lead in “Suits LA”, the latest spin-off of the hit legal drama “Suits.” The NBC series premiered in February and offers a fresh perspective on the legal drama genre, with Davis bringing a much-needed diversity and strength to a world often dominated by white men.
As Erica Rollins, Davis portrays a “savvy and strong-willed rising star” at the law firm. Erica is described as someone who tests the loyalty of her associates, but also admires them for their resolve and refusal to back down. In our interview, Davis revealed how her character is navigating the high-stakes world of law while constantly fighting for recognition and a seat at the table.
“I think what’s beautiful about our pilot is that we see her get the things that she is fighting for,” says Davis. “We get to see Ted (Stephen Amell) be like, ‘No, I do hear you. And I do value you in high regard.’ And therefore, here you go. Here is this title. Here’s this position.”
The relationship between Erica and Ted, her superior at the firm, serves as a pivotal foundation for the series. Erica’s determination and excellence are not only recognized by Ted but also celebrated. “She is saving this law firm literally,” Davis continues. “And he puts her to the test almost every day about saving this person, bringing them back, going to get this person. And she’s like, ‘Got it, Captain. We’re on it.’ It’s a cool relationship to watch.”
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Throughout the season, Erica’s role evolves as she steps up to take on more responsibility in the firm’s ongoing crisis. As the firm struggles to stay afloat, Erica finds herself in charge of not only managing high-profile entertainment law clients but also lending her expertise to criminal law cases. Davis explains that Erica’s growth throughout the series showcases her multifaceted skills and unshakable confidence.
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“She’s on a mission to save this firm, to save as many clients as she can, and bring in new clients as well,” says Davis. “I think a great example of this is when Brian Baumgartner and Patton Oswalt come in. She takes the time to hear what her client has to say, what his needs are, and although it didn’t look like how he thought it should be, she was able to provide him with something that set him up on the path for success.”
But Erica’s contributions extend beyond just managing clients. In a pivotal moment, Erica assists Ted with a high-stakes criminal law case—something outside her usual wheelhouse in entertainment law.
“She’s able to provide some sort of aid throughout that process,” Davis explains. “That is a make-or-break case for him. The firm is already in crisis, and now you have this entertainment lawyer deciding he’s a criminal attorney out of the blue. And if this fails, they could fail too.”
As the series progresses, Erica’s role as a leader within the firm becomes even more apparent. She’s not just fighting for herself but for the firm’s survival. “We get to see why Ted values her the way that we do,” Davis says. “We get to see it really play out.”
One of the most compelling aspects of Erica’s character is her confidence—a confidence that doesn’t overpower those around her.
“Her type of confidence doesn’t bump people,” Davis explains. “Her type of confidence is the right amount you need to know you are capable, to believe in yourself, to show up and put your best efforts forward, while also acknowledging your shortcomings, and seeing the greatness in other people, and reaching out to other people for guidance.”
Throughout the season, viewers will see Erica balance her unshakable confidence with her willingness to collaborate and learn from others. Davis explains how this dynamic helps make Erica a relatable and grounded character:
“There’s a lot Erica doesn’t know. And that comes up throughout the season. She’s able to collaborate while still holding and maintaining the confidence, but she’s able to collaborate where necessary.”
With a combination of intelligence, resilience, and emotional depth, Erica Rollins is a character who challenges the status quo while redefining what it means to succeed in a world where power is often in short supply. Watch our full conversation with Lex Scott Davis via the clip below.
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