Peak lapel on trial?

LesterSnodgrass · Apr 24, 2009

So I am about to leave town for a 4 - 6 week trial in federal court, and am planning my wardrobe. Getting dressed in a hotel room 2000 miles from home requires some pre-planning. I have selected 4 suits already (all navy and grey) and am torn choosing a Friday suit. My current choice is a SB peak-lapeled light grey number. A two button, and quite conservative otherwise.

Is it too fashionable for federal court? Should I just pick another boring number to stay safe? Maybe a brown (although that would require brown shoes -- something I'd like to avoid)?

Litigators speak up . . . .

FidelCashflow · Apr 24, 2009

There's something slightly cocky about a peak lapel suit. I don't know if that's how you want to come across or not.

I can't imagine a defendant in a criminal case wearing one in court, unless he's in the mafia.

wmmk · Apr 24, 2009

How are you involved in the trial?

Bird's One View · Apr 24, 2009

It's fine to wear black shoes with a brown suit.

Connemara · Apr 24, 2009

I really don't like single breasted PL suits. Am I the only one?

JohnD356 · Apr 24, 2009

I know a number of lawyers who swear by brown suits for trials. I would avoid peak lapels too.

pandemic · Apr 24, 2009

Originally Posted by Connemara

I really don't like single breasted PL suits. Am I the only one?

nope, db ftw. I'm not sure for court though.

CharlestonBows · Apr 24, 2009

I think the peak may be a little aggressive for fed court. But that may be something you want?

davidsj · Apr 24, 2009

I would say it also depends on whether it's Court of Appeals vs. Federal District, what circuit you're in, whether your petitioner or respondent, and who your client is. BTW, I'm not a litigator.

JayJay · Apr 24, 2009

Originally Posted by Connemara

I really don't like single breasted PL suits. Am I the only one?
I'm not a fan either.

Nexus6 · Apr 24, 2009

Originally Posted by Connemara

I really don't like single breasted PL suits. Am I the only one?

+1 agreed

Wes Bourne · Apr 24, 2009

I like single breasted peak lapels. Actually considering one for my wedding. Don't know if they're appropriate for Court though...

TexasLidig8r · Apr 24, 2009

With a trial of that length, a change of pace every fifth day might not be a bad idea. First, some presumptions...

1. It's a jury trial.

2. It's a civil matter involving a corporate defendant, probably several defendants at least.

3. You are one of the defense attorneys.

4. Since you are in DC and traveling approximately 2000 miles, that would mean you are maybe.. Los Angeles (which is about 2700 miles) maybe Las Vegas.

Presumably, you are starting off with the power navy suit, white shirt, red tie on day one and gradually going lighter throughout the week. It may also depend on whether you are a more flamboyant advocate.. or a more methodical one.

By day 5, the jurors (or judge to a certain extent), is going to start to get "tired head" syndrome, especially in the afternoon (assuming the judge even holds trial on Friday afternoons instead of doing sentencing or other matters during that time). In all likelihood, on Fridays, the jury isn't going to notice "peak vs. notch." They may initially notice suit color and shoes but unless there is particularly compelling testimony, will be focused more on the upcoming weekend instead of the the 5th straight day of expert testimony.

Depending on the specifics of the brown... (is it brown, or chocolate, or walnut).. is it a solid, or pinstripe or window pane)... that could be a very nice change of pace.

See what your jury consultant says.

airportlobby · Apr 24, 2009

Is this a jury trial? If not, you can take more chances. Also depends on the court. I know of one older district court judge (in Dallas) who is not above telling an attorney that his attire is inappropriate. Ask around about the court.

Overall, though, I'd dress conservative and have one less thing to worry about.

LesterSnodgrass · Apr 24, 2009

Details: I am a federal prosecutor. It is a criminal case -- conspiracy, filing false tax returns. It will be a jury trial in the 8th Circuit -- I suppose that's more like 1500 miles from DC. The judge is pretty easy going as far as federal district court judges go.

And, FWIW, I plan on a white shirt, conservative tie and black shoes every day.

Peak lapel on trial?

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