I recently caught up with a close friend to get some insight on how fashion plays a role in the legal world. Leland Mcrae has been an acting attorney in the metropolitan Detroit area for past 4 years. Leland’s focus is in general litigation with an emphasis on criminal and civil. Needless to say, if you need some help, message me offline and I will get you his info (Or you can just Google him like everyone else does these days).
Does fashion play a role in the courtroom? If yes, how so?
Fashion definitely plays a role in the courtroom…fashion is a way for attorneys to distinguish there success and style…aggressive clean lines for corporate attorneys, with subtle but noticed attention to detail and professionalism…or tailored suits garnished with more flamboyant accessories for the solo practitioner who has the personal freedom from the corporate world to express himself…for the female, exist the same differences, but with the female solo practicing attorney exist a sex appeal that is absent in the corporate world…no stockings and skirts pushing the two inches above the knee protocol.
If you could give fashion and demeanor advice to a new lawyer heading to the courtroom, what would it be?
Dress professionally and well… a good suit is like a good introduction, it leaves an impression…also dressing well gives you confidence. There is nothing a young lawyer needs more than confidence. Lastly, make an investment in your professional attire early, meaning in quality clothes that last and have iconic style. You save money over the long haul, before the expenses of married or family life take over. Enjoy your money early and spend on yourself so that you have a reserve of professional attire to hold you for a while (As long as you don’t gain too much weight).
What is some of the strangest fashion you have seen working as a lawyer?
Gators and a cape that matched a suit…oh yea and threw in a matching dob hat as well. Oddly enough it worked. There are a few judges that are known as the fashionable judges…suits are out there!
Is there a major difference in the dress from the city courtrooms to the suburban courtrooms?
Yes and no…In general the vast majority of attorneys are pretty conservative in their attire, but if you were to see some reaches, it would most likely be in the city…the city clientele is much more tolerant of creative fashion, ie. gators and capes.
In the courtroom are there certain colors to stay away from or keep heavy in the closet rotation? Is there a stylistic culture (cuff links, suspenders, wing tip shoes)?
As for colors, having a blue, black, or a tan blazer can go a long way because they are easy to coordinate with and are much more comfortable than a suit. Older attorneys wear more blazers, they know the game. Younger attorneys tend to wear more suits because that is all they know. Prosecutors or government attorneys are generally discouraged from having too much style or flash, doing so keeps in line with the image of being the people’s attorney…I think that this is true to an extent, but also keep in mind government lawyers dress more modest because they don’t have the pressure to impress clients or peers. They also may not have the money to invest in clothes; working for the government, especially at the state and local level does not generally pay at the same level as the private sector.
Some words of advice for new attorneys making their mark:
What is something that a lawyer should stay away from at all cost when starting out?
Ruining his or her reputation or compromising their integrity. Once those things are gone they are almost impossible to get back.
What are some of the biggest obstacles you faced graduating from law school and being the new guy out there?
Gaining respect, and learning the aspects of practicing law that they don’t teach in law school, and have nothing to do with interpreting case law…the intangibles of getting from A to B, but also the understanding the need to build relationships to get things done.
Take this information to heart, be confident and understand that dressing well makes a difference not only at the club, but in the legal world as well.
