How important is a professional appearance in law school? Forum

[A. Nony Mouse]

See, everyone here is about the safer bet. When you don't yet have a job you hedge all your bets (and we're talking primarily entry level hiring, too).

[Power_of_Facing]

Dude, aren't you a 0L? You probably shouldn't be advising someone on what big law firms look for. I get your point that it shouldn't matter, but you can change that when you make partner.

I mean, I'm not even in a firm, and there's no men in my office with hair below their ears.

I'm indeed a 0L, but I currently work (and have done for some time) with a biglaw firm on stuff like recruiting -- and my experience has been pretty at odds with the cynicism put forth by most TLSers.

People with hair beyond their collars (partners and associates of both sexes) exist if not abound.

Your the one saying law firms don't give associates a way to shine. That is not true.

No, I'm simply saying that from what I gather from all of your responses, most biglaw firms recoil from bright, promising people who deviate even slightly from extreme conformity.

I think this sucks, and I think aspiring lawyers would benefit from a change in this attitude.

[Power_of_Facing]

See, everyone here is about the safer bet. When you don't yet have a job you hedge all your bets (and we're talking primarily entry level hiring, too).

Point taken.

[DELG]

Dude, aren't you a 0L? You probably shouldn't be advising someone on what big law firms look for. I get your point that it shouldn't matter, but you can change that when you make partner.

I mean, I'm not even in a firm, and there's no men in my office with hair below their ears.

I'm indeed a 0L, but I currently work (and have done for some time) with a biglaw firm on stuff like recruiting -- and my experience has been pretty at odds with the cynicism put forth by most TLSers.

People with hair beyond their collars (partners and associates of both sexes) exist if not abound.

"Stuff like recruiting"? So you're some sort of HR consultant?

I am actually at a firm, and have met people from a big number of large law firms from several cities, and have never ever ever ever met a male associate or partner with hair past his collar. I can't even think of anyone with long-ish hair.

Either you're a liar or in some very odd market, like Hawaii.

[alphasteve]

Dude, aren't you a 0L? You probably shouldn't be advising someone on what big law firms look for. I get your point that it shouldn't matter, but you can change that when you make partner.

I mean, I'm not even in a firm, and there's no men in my office with hair below their ears.

I'm indeed a 0L, but I currently work (and have done for some time) with a biglaw firm on stuff like recruiting -- and my experience has been pretty at odds with the cynicism put forth by most TLSers.

People with hair beyond their collars (partners and associates of both sexes) exist if not abound.

"Stuff like recruiting"? So you're some sort of HR consultant?

I am actually at a firm, and have met people from a big number of large law firms from several cities, and have never ever ever ever met a male associate or partner with hair past his collar. I can't even think of anyone with long-ish hair.

Either you're a liar or in some very odd market, like Hawaii.

I've got a few at associates and partners at my firm with hair below their collar or in pony tails (as dudes). It's not NYC, though... so there's that.

[bamfrosty]

Guess I just have to move to Austin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBNU85X8tSo

[Nebby]

This guide may help you navigate the terrain:

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Co ... r+clippers

[lhanvt13]

This guide may help you navigate the terrain:

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Co ... r+clippers

+1.

[Brad Wright]

Personally, I have always wondered why professional individuals persevere with their suits and ties no matter what weather extremity is developing. Surely in the middle of a heat wave, summer dresses would be a more sensible choice? Understandably however, it is important for them to portray confidence and competence and, in doing so demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

[BVest]

summer dresses would be a more sensible choice?

There aren't enough razors in the world to get my legs in shape for a summer dress.

In all seriousness, though, a number of employers (and countries) (including the UN... you can decide whether that's an employer or a country) have been relaxing their dress codes in order to save money on air conditioning.

[lhanvt13]

summer dresses would be a more sensible choice?

There aren't enough razors in the world to get my legs in shape for a summer dress.

In all seriousness, though, a number of employers (and countries) (including the UN... you can decide whether that's an employer or a country) have been relaxing their dress codes in order to save money on air conditioning.

yeah speaking of other countries, Korea has an 83 degrees (iirc) air conditioning mandate in gov and public buildings. That means you can't dip the AC below 83 degrees or you get a hefty fine. It gets ridiculous because Korea's so humid and constantly over 90F in the summer

[anyriotgirl]

summer dresses would be a more sensible choice?

There aren't enough razors in the world to get my legs in shape for a summer dress.

In all seriousness, though, a number of employers (and countries) (including the UN... you can decide whether that's an employer or a country) have been relaxing their dress codes in order to save money on air conditioning.

meanwhile I am sitting in my office in a dress wearing a sweater over it, with another sweater on my lap

so professional