A career in law isn’t for everyone. You will need people skills, a drive and determination that could see you literally going head to head with the law of the land, and the work-life balance is known to get out of hand very quickly when working on big cases (or multiple small cases). However, it’s not all doom and gloom. You’ll be helping people to bounce back from life-altering situations. You’ll be the reason that families are afforded the opportunity to stay together or variously escape some form of injustice. You will be making and breaking where it truly matters. And in return, the average returns in remuneration packages ain’t half bad (i.e. you’ll be paid so handsomely that a popped tyre on your four-by-four will mean you’ll have to take one of your weekend sports cars to work for a day). So, not at all a bad career choice. The only thing is, you may not be sure what to wear for your first role in law. Whether that role is in family law, debt litigation, head on collision lawyers, or any other type of law. Let’s take a look.
You Could Always Just Ask
As straightforward as it sounds, law firms often impose strict dress codes (creating the desired client-facing impression is something that usually comes with a handbook of what to wear), meaning you could simply ask your employer for the dos and don’ts. Overall, you can expect pretty much all law firms to adhere to immaculate standards in attire – how you present yourself can make the difference between a client choosing to be represented by your law firm or the client choosing to opt for a competitor to represent their interests. Therefore, the typical dress code should come as no surprise…
Get the Basic Right and the Rest Will Follow
Start with a tailored suit (nothing inappropriately sized that may look like you’re wearing a borrowed suit) and choose a neutral colour. This means greys and blues in reality, with black as a backup option due to how much black will show up any lint. Match your suit with conservative shoes in brown or black leather (polished, obviously).
Avoid casual clothing like sportswear, t-shirts, and flip flops. Jewellery is OK, but don’t overdo it (stick to a maximum of three pieces for a tasteful finish). Visible tattoos and facial piercings may also be frowned upon, as will an abundance of strong perfume or aftershave. Instead, choose a light and unobtrusive day fragrance.
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