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By Judge Claudia Isom
Some time ago, my son, who was a temporary employee at the courthouse at the time, asked me why, if everyone liked “Casual Friday” so much, wasn’t every day casual day. This was long before COVID loosened the constraints of fashion. I tried to explain that, if every day was casual day, it wouldn’t be a treat.
Post-COVID, counsel may need a gentle reminder of why every day should not be “Casual Friday.” Stodgy as it may seem, I believe it is all about R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Yep, sing it Aretha! That’s what going to court, being an attorney, being a judge, being part of the fair administration of justice means to me.
Show some respect, counsel. Dress, if not for success, in such a manner that what you wear does not distract from what you say, or from the merits of your cause. Again, at the risk of appearing to be older than the building you call “The Courthouse,” how you dress shows how important you feel your cause is and how seriously you want the judge, opposing counsel and the jury to treat your case.
I hesitate to offer examples, but, rest assured it is not how much your suit or shoes cost that counts, it’s whether they show respect. Beach attire, business casual, cocktail dress . . . these phrases do not include courtroom attire. If your feet need to breath free with flipflops, Birks or sandals, keep a pair of dress shoes on hand to use when you walk through the courtroom door.
If the chilly temperature in the courtroom doesn’t convince you to wear a jacket or long sleeves, then do it for your client. I’m sure they want you to look like a winner. And, don’t be reluctant to share this advice with them. How they dress for court will speak volumes without them ever opening their mouths.
Dress for success and dress to be taken seriously. Show some respect for yourself , for opposing counsel, for the jury, for the court and for the incredible privilege we all have of being a moving part of this great system of justice.
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