Lunch w/ Partner Forum

[platesup]

Hey guys,

1L here. I have a lunch meeting with a partner at a big law firm this week and was wondering what the attire should be? I initially thought business casual until he said to come by his office...is that relevant as to wear a suit or is business casual (slacks and dress shirt) still okay?

Thanks

[KMart]

Business professional - especially in the office setting.

[platesup]

Business professional - especially in the office setting.

so....a suit?

[Br3v]

Business professional - especially in the office setting.

so....a suit?

Yes

[platesup]

Business professional - especially in the office setting.

so....a suit?

Yes

Thanks!

[GOATlawman]

Business professional - especially in the office setting.

so....a suit?

wtf no

unless the office is business formal (do these exist? personally I've never seen one)

Dress the same as everyone else in the office, it's not an interview
Presumably you might want to interview down the line. Appearing as though you could fit in socially and not be the weirdo wearing a suit in a casual office would help with that

[Johann]

wtf unless you have a job at the firm and you know you dont have to wear one, you always wear a suit to a law firm's office. its a pretty simple easy rule

[GOATlawman]

wtf unless you have a job at the firm and you know you dont have to wear one, you always wear a suit to a law firm's office. its a pretty simple easy rule

/wore a suit for the first 2 weeks of his SA when everyone else is wearing chinos and shit

[valen]

wtf unless you have a job at the firm and you know you dont have to wear one, you always wear a suit to a law firm's office. its a pretty simple easy rule

Titcr. It is not weird to be overdressed for an initial meeting. Until you get the job and everyone else is business casual, stick to business professional.

[Br3v]

I'm not sure if lawman is being serious but if you are going to a law firm to meet with a law firm partner and go to lunch, I would wear a suit unless told otherwise.

[logdog]

Yeah, where a suit--especially in this case, because: (1) it sounds like you don't know whether the office is business casual or professional; and (2) it shows respect for the firm and the partner. The older guys will appreciate it (if they even notice), and the younger guys will probably be looking at their computer at the memo they're working on.

[FSK]

wtf unless you have a job at the firm and you know you dont have to wear one, you always wear a suit to a law firm's office. its a pretty simple easy rule

/wore a suit for the first 2 weeks of his SA when everyone else is wearing chinos and shit

That's basically a job ding dong.

[platesup]

the firm is apparently business casual, but stick with suit?

[kalvano]

A suit is always the right answer unless specifically instructed otherwise. No one will think less of you for wearing a suit, but plenty might think less of you for wearing slacks and a button-up.

[AVBucks4239]

the firm is apparently business casual, but stick with suit?

You're overthinking this. You're not an employee yet. Wear a suit. In terms of dress, nothing can possibly go wrong if you wear a suit.

[platesup]

alright cool, appreciate the responses everyone

[olive16]

Here's a helpful flowchart.

(1) Are you interviewing/having lunch/meeting regarding possible job with a biglaw partner or associate?

(2) If yes, were you specifically told not to wear a suit?

(3)(a) If you were specifically told not to wear a suit, do not wear a suit. Otherwise proceed to (3)(b).

(3)(b) If you were not specifically told not to wear a suit, wear a suit.

[Sheriff]

Disregard all of the above.

This sounds like an informal meeting, so TCR is a tuxedo t-shirt. It shows that you want to be classy, but are there to party.

[Actus Reus]

Wear a suit. If you see a super casual office, take off the tie. Or of the partner gives you shit for being in a suit, take off the tie

[CanadianWolf]

Wear a suit. It's always an interview until you're hired.