Pocket Squares in BigLaw?

[lefty]

If you guys fail at BigLaw do you get booted down to MiddlingLaw?

lefty

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by mishon

I am an associate at a well respected firm, although not BigLaw. I can truthfully say that unless you are in a city where pocket squares among attorneys are a norm, wearing one will result in unwanted attention (as in my case) from your co-workers. The same, however, goes for the rest of your wardrobe. My attitude had always been "who cares" although, in hindsight, I wish I would have done a few things differently.

Is wearing a pocket square something you would have done differently, i.e., you would have not worn one?

It surprises me that anyone thinks this would make a difference to someone's legal career.

 

[Master Shake]

No one has ever said a negative thing about it at my biglaw firm, and I sport one every day. Frankly, if you've gotten to the point that you are considering a pocket square, the fit of your suits and the fact that you even wear suits will make you stand out already. Do you really whether one wears a pocket square has any affect on their partnership chances?

 

[mishon]

Originally Posted by dopey

Is wearing a pocket square something you would have done differently, i.e., you would have not worn one?

It surprises me that anyone thinks this would make a difference to someone's legal career.
Looking back, I would have probably changed my overall approach to work clothes. This is my second job out of law school, which increased my salary almost twofold. I began to buy very expensive clothes because I could finally afford them. The partners at my firm quickly noticed and began asking me what I was wearing. Because I work for a conservative Florida firm, brands like Ferragamo, Zegna, Borrelli, and Brioni, just to name a few, meant nothing to them. Hence, they'd look up these brands and when they saw full retail prices, they could not believe that a young associate was spending so much money on clothes (I won't get into the fact that my work product was also quite good for a "baby" lawyer). Perhaps, I do not work for the most collegiate law firm out there, but I digress. Pocket squares made my wardrobe even more flashy and contributed to my status as a "controversial figure" - this is the phrase one of the partners used recently when he told me that if another opportunity came along, I should consider it.

Manton, in one of his chapters, wrote something to the effect of "one should never dress better than his supervisor." This is precisely what happened to me at my current place of employment. I am not saying the same thing will happen to the OP, but this is what happened to me.

 

[teddieriley]

Sorry to hear your situation. Your partners seem like A-holes.

 

[vitaminc]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Sorry to hear your situation. Your partners seem like A-holes.

Why? I don't get why people often cite Duke of Windsor, Astair or Grant as examples of how to dress. Sure they are well put-together and dress very elegantly but most of us are neither royalties nor Hollywood stars.

Unless you are in the decision making positions, dress appropriately.

 

[LesterSnodgrass]

A silk poof is different than a peek

of linen.

Start Jack McCoy style and elevate as you feel comfortable.

 

[TexasLidig8r]

I do corporate defense work mostly in federal courts throughout the U.S.

I wear a pocket square when I'm appearing in front of a judge or on motions. But, I don't wear one when trying a case in front of a jury. I tend to wear understated cufflinks or barrell cuffs in jury trials as well.

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by mishon

Looking back, I would have probably changed my overall approach to work clothes. This is my second job out of law school, which increased my salary almost twofold. I began to buy very expensive clothes because I could finally afford them. The partners at my firm quickly noticed and began asking me what I was wearing. Because I work for a conservative Florida firm, brands like Ferragamo, Zegna, Borrelli, and Brioni, just to name a few, meant nothing to them. Hence, they'd look up these brands and when they saw full retail prices, they could not believe that a young associate was spending so much money on clothes (I won't get into the fact that my work product was also quite good for a "baby" lawyer). Perhaps, I do not work for the most collegiate law firm out there, but I digress. Pocket squares made my wardrobe even more flashy and contributed to my status as a "controversial figure" - this is the phrase one of the partners used recently when he told me that if another opportunity came along, I should consider it.

Manton, in one of his chapters, wrote something to the effect of "one should never dress better than his supervisor." This is precisely what happened to me at my current place of employment. I am not saying the same thing will happen to the OP, but this is what happened to me.

I am sorry to hear that. Good luck to you.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by dopey

I am sorry to hear that. Good luck to you.
+1

 

[mishon]

Thanks guys. I hope something good will come along soon.

 

[pitboss12]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Sorry to hear your situation. Your partners seem like A-holes.

All partners are assholes. Unfortuante, but true.

 

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Sorry to hear your situation. Your partners seem like A-holes.

+1

the same holds true in corporate america - don't let them get to you just get something better and make sure you JAM THEM when you get the chance later.

 

[sehandgo]

I would also suggest going conservative at first. For me, you can't get a classier look than a plain white pocket square folded straight and showing about 1/4 inch. I agree that a dramatic silk print billowing out of the pocket is a little flamboyant,
Good luck.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Individualistic qualities are what make someone different.

I dont like the everyone should be the same idea, no thanks, not me ever. I deal with business people quite often these days and i believe they appreciate my sense of style.

I keep it subtle, however i always wear pocket squares, french cuffs, and jewelry all those no-no things i keep hearing will destroy my career on this forum.

Except everyday i make more contacts, i make more friends, i receive more business.

I STAND OUT, and thats what gets me noticed, it puts me on the map in other people's minds, i remain a person they dont forget.

My uncle is a Brooklyn, NY lawyer, i saw him a few months ago, he was wearing a navy suit sporting a white linen pocket square just peaking out of his jacket pocket.

I seriously doubt he thought much of it, and it certainly hasnt effected his career as far as i know.