Women in the Law
Should Female Lawyers Put Fashion Foot Forward in Court?
Posted May 22, 2008, 04:35 pm CDT
By Martha Neil
Women clearly have come a long way in the legal profession in recent decades. But perhaps nowhere is the professional difference between the sexes more pronounced than in issues of courtroom attire.
Should women wear heels or comfortable shoes they can stand up in all day? Skirted suits or pantsuits? And, of course, pantyhose and makeup are rarely, if ever, issues for male colleagues, notes the Wall Street Journal Law Blog.
The post obviously struck a chord with readers, especially concerning female footwear. While stiletto heels are a mistake, so are bland black flats, many seemed to feel.
Writes one anonymous reader: "I think that heel height and skirt v. pants matters less than whether you end up looking put together and on top of things, or kind of dowdy (or like a slob). As a long-time woman lawyer in Washington DC—notorious for cookie-cutter Talbots-type dressing—I can tell you that jurors DO notice and appreciate a little effort. You don’t have to wear a 2-inch pump, but if you wear the same black mid-heel made out of that stretchy stuff with everything, it looks dull and thoughtless. Plenty of shoe companies now make cute shoes with kitten heels or mid-height heels that are stylish."
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Comments
Posted by TJM - 4 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 3 hours, 34 minutes ago
Give me a break. I don’t want anyone in the courtroom distracted by what I am wearing, I prefer that they listen to what I am saying. A simple, plain suit will suffice. High heels are hard on your feet and undobutably not recommended by most podiatrist--
Posted by squanto - 4 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 2 hours, 16 minutes ago
ANy time a lawyer goes in front of a jury he or she should try to avoid any wild card factors that might make the lawyer a distraction to the case. However - lack of attention to detail or perceived slovenliness could be just such a wild card factor. ANy male or female attorney should try to dress as if he or she cares about and respects the court and the jury - nothing more, nothing less.
Posted by Jade - 4 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 58 minutes ago
The fact of the matter is, people care what you look like. If people think you are frumpy and boring, they will refer you to the show “What Nt to Wear”, but will not respect you.
Posted by Pessa - 4 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 24 minutes ago
No thank you on the kitten heels. As for the two inch pumps, those are for the faint of heart. I’ll just keep wearing my 3.5 inch pumps which look just grand with my nicely tailored suit. I’m sure the jury will be perfectly fine with my choice of shoes and suiting.
Posted by PS - 4 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 16 minutes ago
Nothing wrong with dressing appropriately while looking sexy. Many of us can pull it off. There are many times I want to distract the jury. :)
Posted by L Kay Wilson - 4 months, 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 33 minutes ago
This comment trail is so depressing.
Posted by I Love Cute Shoes - 4 months, 1 week, 5 days, 2 hours, 51 minutes ago
There’s a judge here that believes ALL women should wear skirt suits in his courtroom, and he teaches that in trial practice class. That being said, despite discomfort, I feel much more confident in super cute shoes!