Look good, perform better, a panel of jurists advise

Law is by nature a conservative profession, and if you want to be effective in a courtroom, it’s better to stand out for your skills than for the way you dress.

That was the lesson brought home – with humor and lots of stories – in a special presentation called “Transformation From Student to Attorney-at-Law,” held Oct. 6 in the Cellino & Barnes Conference Center. Sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges (New York Chapter, Western New York District) and the UB Law Alumni Association, the event culminated with the launch of the Law School’s Career Closet of professional clothing available to law students.

Five local jurists, as well as Michael P. Daumen ’74, a former state Supreme Court law clerk, told the law students in attendance that becoming a professional means dressing the part. The panel was moderated by Hon. Tracey A. Bannister ’84, a state Supreme Court justice.

“We are in a profession where what we look like does matter,” said Hon. Shirley Troutman, also a state Supreme Court justice. “The first thing anyone ever notices is what your exterior looks like, so you want to put your best foot forward. And when we dress well, we feel better, and that affects your presentation.”

The rule she heard in law school, Troutman said, was white shirt, blue blazer “and those little bows that you tie.” In reality there’s a little more latitude than that, she said, but she cautioned the students to avoid too-tight or otherwise ill-fitting clothing. Anything that needs to be tugged at, she said, is a problem. “And do a little reconnaissance,” she advised. “Speak to practitioners about where you are going.”

Hon. Donna M. Siwek '87, also a state Supreme Court justice, said it’s especially important for young attorneys to look the part. “When you’re starting out, conformity is probably the way you would roll,” she said. “Always err on the side of caution. But we all don’t have to look like robots in black. Once you’ve established yourself, spread your wings a little if you’d like.

“You need to inspire confidence in your client. Somebody is going to hire you and pay your bill. The question is, do I look like I’m worth that kind of money?"

“Even though it’s 2015 and people are more casual in general, that is not the case in the legal profession,” said Hon. Lenora B. Foote-Beavers ’97, Erie County Family Court support magistrate. “This profession has remained very traditional.”

“Keep it simple," she advises. "You don’t want to look like you’re going to the club or a party – you’re going to court. You want them paying attention to what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing. If it’s too tight, I don’t care how much you spent on that suit, it looks terrible.”

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Appearances count,” said Hon. Penny M. Wolfgang, a state Supreme Court justice. “People are looking at you and remembering how you appear, colleagues as well as judges.” She said she still gets asked about a red leather suit that she wore once in court two decades ago.

For his part, Daumen, who coaches the School of Law’s trial teams, noted a geographic component of professional expectations around dress. “As we take teams to Texas or Georgia,” he said, “the general rule is hair off the shoulders or pulled back; and no bangs.”

“It’s very difficult to be seen as outstanding if you stand out,” Daumen said. “If you’re going to stand out, do it on your skills as a lawyer. You need to be seen by the judge as competent, and if the judge’s first impression is, what the heck are they doing with those shoes, it’s very difficult to be seen as competent.”