Would you employ an attorney that didn't wear a suit and tie to meetings?

modern_leifeng · Aug 28, 2009

I can only think of the Curb Your Enthusiasm scene with the lawyer (accountant?) dressed in jeans insisting that "it's casual Friday."

Anyways, as a lawyer, I would never show up to a 1st client meeting, no matter what the weather, in anything other than a suit and tie. Once there is some familiarity there and if the client is looser, then I can understand it, but not for a 1st meeting. Unless, of course, you're a criminal lawyer and its casual Friday and you suddenly get a jailhouse call, but that's why you should keep a suit and shirt in the office.

stylesmurf · Aug 28, 2009

Gawd I've had terrible experiences employing lawyers. If they did their job right, they could wear American Eagle for all I care.

AtticusFinch · Aug 28, 2009

Lawyers should wear suits. Every day. I reject the concept of casual Friday.

Nicola · Aug 28, 2009

No robes?

Prince of Paisley · Aug 28, 2009

If it was a female lawyer, sure, I'd let them lose the tie. If it's a man, standard legal uniform should apply.

mdg137 · Aug 28, 2009

I have a colleague, who has been in practice for about 30 years routinely go to depositions and meeting in jeans and a polo, or even a sweatshirt.

He once said to me.. "I have made a career out of making people underestimate me"

cglex · Aug 28, 2009

Depends, business casual, not a problem. Already know the guy, not a problem. First meeting and khakis or less, a problem. Bill more than $450 an hour, I expect at least business casual and I would probably be dressed the same.

Mark Seitelman · Aug 28, 2009

Originally Posted by AtticusFinch

Lawyers should wear suits. Every day. I reject the concept of casual Friday.

I concur.

Originally Posted by mdg137

I have a colleague, who has been in practice for about 30 years routinely go to depositions and meeting in jeans and a polo, or even a sweatshirt.

He once said to me.. "I have made a career out of making people underestimate me"

The guy might be a competent lawyer, but I see this as disrespect to the client, opposing counsel, and the court reporter.

It's symptomatic of today's casual, careless, and "I don't give a darn about anyone else" attitude.

ohm · Aug 28, 2009

Well done Vox, but with one flaw - all of his shoes are exactly the same color. I assume this mistake was sprezzatura on your part?

instep · Aug 28, 2009

Originally Posted by Prince of Paisley

If it was a female lawyer, sure, I'd let them lose the tie. If it's a man, standard legal uniform should apply.
Really?

globetrotter · Aug 28, 2009

I don't like when my doctor doesn't wear a tie. I can't imagine working with a lawyer who dressed casually.

HRoi · Aug 28, 2009

Originally Posted by instep

Really?

dear God, i am mesmerized

onion · Aug 28, 2009

Originally Posted by modern_leifeng

I can only think of the Curb Your Enthusiasm scene with the lawyer (accountant?) dressed in jeans insisting that "it's casual Friday."
I was thinking of that clip when I saw the thread title as well. For those that haven't seen it:
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wingcat · Aug 28, 2009

i am a lawyer and as much as i may not want to wear "dress up clothes" (and i have done it) when not in court i agree that at best it is inapppropriate not to wear dress pants, shirt, tie and dress shoes when working; that is engaged at work during regular business hours. i guess i will have to try harder and stop giving myself excuses to dress down, however, there may be something to the theory that most clients are looking for results and really don't care how the lawyer is dressed. very interesting thread, even if limited in scope or maybe because it is very narrow and limited in scope

gdl203 · Aug 28, 2009

I don't fully comprehend the concept of office pants and tie without a jacket...

I'd say it wouldn't be a problem for me at all if (a) he is uniquely qualified or recommended for the job/case, and (b) he wore a jacket at least for our first meeting. Any subsequent meetings, I couldn't care less if the guy is in suit or not as long as he's doing a good job and not trying to pull countless and unjustified billable hours out of me. That's my #1 turn-off with lawyers.

Would you employ an attorney that didn't wear a suit and tie to meetings?

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