Does height matter for success in BigLaw? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Would small stature make a bad impression on clients or colleagues? Do partners, like US Presidents, have to be taller than average?

[jasonc.]

assuming your a man? yes it would be better if you were taller and handsomer

[sundance95]

Yes, if under 5'7", your best option is to /self.

Honestly, there must be things that you can actually control that you could be worried about. I'm betting being a short guy who is overcompensating for/worrying about being the short guy would be more problematic than the height itself.

[2Serious4Numbers]

Yup. If you are below 6 feet you might as well not even go to lawl skool. Seriously, these threads are lolzy tonight

[OGR3]

I'm banking on height being a considerable factor in biglaw hiring. Otherwise, I'm screwed...

[JazzOne]

Would small stature make a bad impression on clients or colleagues? Do partners, like US Presidents, have to be taller than average?

I've met a few short partners. Most of them are pretty tall though.

[3ThrowAway99]

lol at the "Does size matter" question. Seriously though, I think it is a reasonable question and that this could potentially affect someone's perception of you, but really what can you do about it? I'm sure there are some pretty short partners out there BTW.

[user08132021]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

[OGR3]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

The beautiful people go into business. The uglies go into law.

[2Serious4Numbers]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

The beautiful people go into business porn. The uglies go into law.

[3ThrowAway99]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

The beautiful people go into business. The uglies go into law.

Were twice-gifted: ugliness and horrid personalities. (actually there are a lot of attractive lawyers out there, and prob some nice ones too )

[Chris_cpb]

Shorter men in professional fields are faced with a problem where their co-workers (usually bosses) will have the urge to call/think of them as 'kid' or names/symbols similar to this. These people should dress in a certain fashion that would depict a person who could not possibly be a kid, wearing clothes that only a grown man could wear. Unfortunately for some people, the reality that being tall (near 6" or above) is seen as a sign of dominance can play a negative role in one's overall persona.

[user08132021]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

The beautiful people go into business porn. The uglies go into law beast porn.

[OGR3]

According to an article I once read (googled couldn't find it) short men in professional fields are faced with a problem where their co-workers (usually bosses) will have the urge to call/think of them as 'kid' or names/symbols similar to this. The article mentioned how shorter men should dress in a certain fashion that would depict a person who could not possibly be a kid, wearing clothes that only a grown man could wear. I really wish I could remember the article because I think it would really help here; it gave quite a great deal of advice for men to avoid being seen as 'little' or 'inexperienced'.

Note that this could all be based on a poor study - just my 2c.

I call nearly everyone 'kid', though I think it's just because I tend to not be very formal.

[OGR3]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

The beautiful people go into business porn. The uglies go into law beast porn.

Credited.

[3ThrowAway99]

Soooo.....if you are ugly and/or short..you probably shouldn't consider studying law? harsh.

I'm just seeing this theme on the forums

The beautiful people go into business porn. The uglies go into law beast porn.

[Chris_cpb]

I guess imo you don't 'have to be tall' to be exceptionally successful in any given professional field (besides bball), but the truth is, if you are 'short' you kind of need something to make up for it like being handsome, funny, or a badass.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Guys, this is a legitimate concern. My grades are all A's and my LSAT was in the top 99.99%. I always have a perceived lack of stature compared to others of above average height so I've always compensated for it by phenomenal work ethic. It seems those who are taller always work less but can assume leadership position. Those who are shorter but more hard-working can only be secondary.

[IAFG]

6'3"+ or enjoy dla piper

[d34d9823]

OP here. Guys, this is a legitimate concern. My grades are all A's and my LSAT was in the top 99.99%. I always have a perceived lack of stature compared to others of above average height so I've always compensated for it by phenomenal work ethic. It seems those who are taller always work less but can assume leadership position. Those who are shorter but more hard-working can only be secondary.

As someone said before, your insecurity will be a far greater detriment than your lack of height. That said, yes, attractive, tall people have an advantage in life.

[IAFG]

OP has all the makings of a future serial killer

[A'nold]

I hope this helps me in interviews. 6'4 baby. Not ugly.

[OGR3]

OP here. Guys, this is a legitimate concern. My grades are all A's and my LSAT was in the top 99.99%. I always have a perceived lack of stature compared to others of above average height so I've always compensated for it by phenomenal work ethic. It seems those who are taller always work less but can assume leadership position. Those who are shorter but more hard-working can only be secondary.

Truthfully, I feel that people tend to gravitate toward people with more confidence. It might be easier to project confidence when you're 6'5" than 5'6", but it's still in your head. The best leader I've ever met was a good friend of mine who was no taller than 5'7". Granted, he used to be a sergeant in the Marines, but still, he dominates any room he walks into.

[sundance95]

OP here. Guys, this is a legitimate concern. My grades are all A's and my LSAT was in the top 99.99%. I always have a perceived lack of stature compared to others of above average height so I've always compensated for it by phenomenal work ethic. It seems those who are taller always work less but can assume leadership position. Those who are shorter but more hard-working can only be secondary.

[JazzOne]

OP here. Guys, this is a legitimate concern. My grades are all A's and my LSAT was in the top 99.99%. I always have a perceived lack of stature compared to others of above average height so I've always compensated for it by phenomenal work ethic. It seems those who are taller always work less but can assume leadership position. Those who are shorter but more hard-working can only be secondary.

I imagined an immigrant Asian voice as I was reading this post.