Lawyers and fashion

Appearance sometimes is over looked or not given proper attention by some young lawyers, they feel what matters most in the profession is the knowledge of the law and that is all.  There is this belief that once a lawyer knows and understands the law then it is quite unnecessary to worry about fashion or […]

Appearance sometimes is over looked or not given proper attention by some young lawyers, they feel what matters most in the profession is the knowledge of the law and that is all.  There is this belief that once a lawyer knows and understands the law then it is quite unnecessary to worry about fashion or how a lawyer looks – you can wear a chinos trousers and T-shirt to work on days you don’t go to work and feel alright.
Before going further, it is important to note that in this business of law one must have substantial knowledge of the law to be successful in the business, however “God forbid that any lawyer should know all the law” and I totally agree, but would the reader if given the choice, prefer a cake with icing or just plain cake. The same can be said about lawyers and fashion.
Looking good is an advantage for any young lawyer in the profession; to be a gentleman is one thing, looking the part is another and one cannot go without the other. Times are hard for young lawyers and most of us have essential needs to cater for than stuffing our wardrobes with expensive suits and packet shirts all in the name of looking good.  And I agree, which is why no one is saying spend all your money on wardrobe but rather a young lawyer ought to always look business-like, dress smart, be well kept, keep the one or two suits clean and your shirts ironed.
“They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and I firmly believe this. People make snap judgments and form lasting opinions about you based on whether you look professional, healthy, and confident when you meet them. It’s a subconscious thing, lawyers will always have to demonstrate, that they are worth the hours they bill,  dressing well can give you a leg up and that’s important in such a competitive industry…” Peter Sullivan, Associate, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
No matter how intellectually brilliant a lawyer is, appearance is what would bring the clients to you. In my humble opinion, a tattered looking young lawyer irrespective of his knowledge of the law would not be taken serious if his appearance is in contradiction with what he knows.
It’s like someone said; “If you look after yourself, you will feel better, and feeling better will help you be better at your job.”  Your performance at the work place goes hand in hand with your dressing.
Got some fashion advice for our female young lawyers from lawandstyle.ca; choose conservative pieces; sheath dresses with jackets, shoes in pristine condition, simple jewellery and accessories, for skirts; go with knee-length or slightly above the knee, always wear a cardigan or jacket if you are meeting with clients or if you are wearing a sleeveless top. If you are going to wear red lipstick, the rest of your make up should be subtle and if you are not interested in fashion, don’t pretend to be, stick to classic pieces.
For the male lawyers; well-kept facial hair, no jeans to work not even on a Friday, maybe a well pressed chinos with button up shirts, practically keep outlook professional, smart, and business like. The clothes don’t need to be expensive or shouty,  a young wig just needs to keep the inexpensive wardrobe clean and pressed.
Lawyers in Nigeria are not allowed to advertise themselves or the service they render, what better way to attract clients to your work than looking serious minded and professional, to give the impression that you are on top of the game and can deliver when called upon.
This writer is not a ‘fashionista’ per se, only a fan of looking good; some are not keen on fashion and still are doing well in the profession, does that mean that appearance is not essential to the lifestyle of a young lawyer, I think not for the way “we are dressed, so we are addressed.”
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