Courtroom Fashion - What NOT to Wear
I spend many work days at the Harris County Family Law Center in Houston, Texas. Even though few things shock me, I am continually irritated by what litigants and even some attorneys wear to court! A court of law, along with the judge, jurors, court personnel, attorneys, and other litigants, are entitled to respect; part of showing respect for the court is dressing appropriately. This does not mean a person has to be rich or spend lots of money. My grandmother always told me “As long as you’re clean and dressed in your Sunday best, you should never be ashamed to go anywhere.” This common sense approach will go a long way to making a good presentation to the court.
What one wears makes a statement about who he/she is. Remember that a judge and/or jury will make very important decisions about the life of a family law litigant. One can never go wrong wearing professional business attire such as a suit. If a suit is not in the wardrobe, then consider a collared shirt, slacks, skirt, or nice dress. Things one should NEVER wear to court include, but are not limited to: jeans, mini skirts, shorts, tube tops, halter tops, t-shirts, sweat pants, hats, and flip flops.
A wise attorney once told me that criminals have a constitutional right to wear nice clothes to court, so shouldn’t civil clients do the same!
I 100% Agree with this post. Dress for the occasion, dress for success!