Tags
articles, attire, attorney, basic, best, blog, business, chat room, clothes, club, dress, essential, firm, group, how to, items, jamie collins, must have, office, paralegal, pointers, post, proper, requirement, secretary, social forum, the paralegal society, tips, top, wardrobe, way, website, work
By: Jamie Collins
The words contained in the title above recently landed a random Google searcher on our blog. Couple that random search with the fact that I’ve been absolutely dying to write a post on this particular topic for the past several months, and the words, “how to dress like a paralegal” gave me a swift kick in the paralegal skinny pants. I’m here to share the 3 items that, in my humble opinion, every paralegal on the planet should own. While you may not wear or carry these items every day, you darn sure better own them.
While there are a variety of dress codes within the legal world, namely: serious business, business-casual, and uber casual, I am here to tell you that there is a “Trifecta” for paralegal attire which must be acknowledged. Whether you are an experienced paralegal or a student slowly climbing your way up the rungs of the career ladder one carefully placed high heel at a time, today, we’re going to address “The Paralegal Trifecta.” Here goes:
ONE: A nice suit. For many of you, this suggested item will seem so incredibly obvious that you will have no idea how it made the number one slot. (I’m totally with you on that. Truly. Keep reading…) But I am consistently amazed by the number of paralegals I have encountered during the course of my career who did not bother to own a suit. I use the term “did not bother” because that truly seems to be what it is. They do not bother to buy one.
When I’ve worked alongside you for a year and you don’t have a suit, I understand you are probably saving up money for one and will get one, in time.
By years 2-3, I’m starting to wonder if you have any idea that you even need a suit to thrive in a business world – much less the legal arena where you will be surrounded by people wearing suits on a regular basis, if not daily. This is especially true of anyone working in litigation. (x 30,000)
Now by the time we hit the 5+ year mark and there is still not a single suit to be had in your work wardrobe, I really begin to wonder about you. I question whether you take your job seriously.
(I am guessing you know at least one person who has made you wonder each of these things at some point. Hence, the reason it is number one on today’s list. Even though it kills me.)
Whether your office is “major” business or business casual makes absolutely no difference. Do not hide behind a dress code or offer it up as an excuse. Let’s say you work in that uber casual office where a sweater and jeans will get you by on most days. Perhaps you work in an environment where people generally don’t wear suits and you can get by wearing dress slacks and a nice, button-down shirt. But if you had a job interview or incredibly important meeting tomorrow, you would need a suit – casual office policy or not. Please, for the love of all that is legal, buy at least ONE nice suit. Black is a great choice. Stick with a solid suit or subtle pattern that is conservative in appearance.
(Why is it I feel like there are experienced paralegals out there right now, in droves, affirmatively nodding their heads with me in this moment…)
My favorite place to buy suits is Stein Mart – you can buy a $200+ suit for about $100 without a coupon or sale. That said, I had to work my way up to the nicer suits. I initially started out purchasing $50-60 suits from stores like Kohl’s or JC Penny’s. And you better believe I looked for sales and coupons…still do. Make a mental note when buying a new suit as to whether it is dry clean only or washable. If you do not have money for dry cleaning (it does add up), always search for suits in the latter category. Shop smart. But please do shop for at least one suit!
If you do not, the others will begin to wonder about you. They will wonder if you take your job (and self) seriously. Think of it as an investment in yourself. Because it is.
Cost: $50.00+
Image you will convey in that suit? Priceless.
TWO: A Padfolio. Think of this as an accompaniment to your suit. Where it goes – your padfolio goes. These two items generally go hand-in-hand, much like conjoined twins. Important interview? Big meeting? Paralegal event? Arrive with both items – the suit and the padfolio. Unless, of course, you know the dress code is going to be business casual, in which case your padfolio can go it alone.
A padfolio serves two primary purposes: (1) It keeps you organized and gives you a sturdy base on which to take notes when you find yourself in less than ideal writing situations; (2) It helps you to portray a more poised, polished, professional image upon first sight. I can’t begin to tell you how much I adore my padfolio during the process of jury selection. I am usually seated behind my attorneys’ table, so it makes for a stable writing surface and allows me to appear far more “with it” and organized than I otherwise would, feverishly scribbling down notes on a flimsy notepad teetering across the top of my lap, sliding left, sliding right, and if I’m lucky, sliding back to center…with a glimmer of notepad-rollercoaster-wrangling sparkling out from behind my eyes.
When selecting a padfolio, go with a solid color or one with only a faint pattern, that is conservative in appearance. Great colors to choose are: black, brown, gray or navy. Most will have a slot for you to insert a regular sized notepad, a few pens, and your business cards, in addition to having some extra space to store (did I say “store,” I really meant shove…) documents.
Hint: I recently bought an intern of mine a really nice looking, black padfolio from Target for around $15.00.
Cost: $10.00-80.00
THREE: An Oversized Handbag or Briefcase. I want you to imagine yourself in a courtroom for the first time. You will need to bring the following items along “on your person:” legal sized charts for voir dire/jury selection, several note pads, a handful of assorted pens, highlighters and fine-point felt tip markers, large post it notes, small post it notes, a few granola bars, a bottle of nail polish (ladies), your wallet, a fabric softener sheet in case your hair is flying crazy static into the wind, car keys, breath mints or gum, your parking stub, your cell phone, chapstick or any other essential make-up items, a few pages of witness contact info., and several other items I am probably not thinking of in this moment.
That pivotal moment your attorney turns to you in need of a pad of post it notes because he can’t seem to readily locate one of the half dozen pads you placed in front of him at the table earlier that day? ‘Tis done. That fun moment when your legal team has officially used up (or misplaced) the armada of notepads sitting before them? ‘Tis done. This mini arsenal of supplies will make you look like a trial-need-fulfilling ninja. Only instead of throwing those little pointy stars, you’ll be whirling hightlighters and voir dire charts through the air. Wa-chaw.
When selecting an oversized handbag, select one that is solid in color: black, brown, gray or navy, and ensure that it will fit at least a regular sized notepad. You can always fold and clip the pages of any legal size documents (so long as they aren’t being filed with the court or aren’t that important), but you will need to fit notepads in your handbag or briefcase. You never know when you might be called over to a witness in the hall, approached by an expert or an attorney who begins to share really important, unexpected information with you in the hallway…or even in the bathroom. (Yes, this has actually happened to me.) You will be glad you have an arsenal of supplies tucked under your arm in this moment – I can assure you.
Do not be one of those paralegals entering the courtroom wielding a regular handbag (or no bag at all), clearly not fit to carry all of the items you must have as the legal team’s concierge and legal-tactical assault ninja. Wa chaw. Where you go, a bounty of necessary supplies goes.
The Paralegal Trifecta – you heard it here, folks. Retail therapy all ’round! Shop like you mean it.
I confess, I am feeling much calmer and happier for having written this post. If you feel calmer and happier for having read it, please share it.
_____
Wishing you an absolutely fabulous day working among those brave, resilient souls in the legal trenches just prior to sliding out that door in your high heels or slippery soled oxfords on this paralegal holiday otherwise known as “Friday.” Happy shopping, my friends! Just tell your husband or wife the TPS Founder said you MUST go shopping. It’s a career requirement.
(And to you experienced paralegals – you’re welcome).
The Paralegal Society™ 
“It may not be fair that people make judgments so quickly, usually within a few seconds of observation, but it’s unrealistic to expect that they won’t. So, if you want to be judged in a certain manner, be sure that your look and demeanor give that impression.” – Richelle E. Goodrich
Excellent article. I know I am on the right track.
Thank you for this beautiful written article. It was very interesting, enjoyable, and very informative.
Love this!!! All true, especially in litigation. One thing I could add to the briefcase/oversized handbag section: an extension cord or power bar to make sure you can reach all the necessary plug-ins for your laptops, projectors, etc. Every courtroom is different.
Numbers Two and Three should be combined as one item: The oversized-bag or briefcase WITH padfolio. That will leave room for the real “number three,” which is the silk scarf.
The suit is a must-have, I agree. I want to add that if you invest in a classic (read not trendy) style, made with good quality material, it will last forever and look great every time. You can create a lot of outfits if you begin with a basic suit.
These suggestions are right on, and have been my “go to” three for many years.
Another great article, Jamie. I agree with you 100%! I work with ladies (all secretaries in my opinion) or hybred wanna-bes. I bet not a one of them has a really well fitting suit. Many of them have been in this office 15-20+ years and are so comfortable wearing jeans everyday to work that I think it is reflective of the attitude in the office, which by the way drives off some really good and talented workers. I showed up the newbie 3 months ago in a suit. I was told the first day that I didn’t have to wear suits to work. I told her that suits is what I own for a working wardrobe. I have continued to wear my suits M-Th and jeans with a suit coat on Fridays. And some of my jeans are worn with high heels!!
Happy High Heel Friday!
The same goes for my office. Most there 15+ years. I was also told that I do not have to wear a suit. My response was similar to yours, this is how I dress for work and “it works for me”! The dress code is business casual although we are not allowed to wear jeans on Friday. None of these women look professional! I wear a suit and/or dress, skirt and blouse M-Th. My goal is to appear professional at all times. I agree with the other “everyday” items as well.
This is great! Another great article, Jamie! I have to say, I do have all three items and it makes me look put together.
Spot on.
I once did some consulting work for outgoing Army JAG members. Right before I was to go on, two consultants from Nordstrom addressed the audience regarding the right thing to wear in an office or on an interview.
The first slide they showed was a man and a woman dressed in Brooks Bros. suits, padfolio, leather handbag, well groomed. “What do you think these two people do for a living?” the audience was asked. The responses were pretty much the same: CEO, financial advisor, lawyer, banker……
Then they showed a second slide of a man and a woman. The man was wearing a brown suit with brown shoes. The woman was in business casual, hair pulled back. “What do you think these two people do?” the audience was asked. Once again, pretty much the same throughout: used car salesperson, secretary, teller, mechanic, receptionist.
The two consultants put the two slides side by side and ‘lo and behold: The man and the woman in the first slide was the same man and woman in the second slide. Just goes to show: the suit makes the person!
I agree that every paralegal …wait no.. every working person needs a suit. Even if you are not wearing one on a daily basis it should be tucked safely away in your closet readily available when needed. I once told a friend of mine going for an interview at a restaurant to wear a shirt and tie. In the end he was offered the position because he was the only one that was dressed for an interview.
I’d add to this two pairs of “sensible” shoes — the female paralegal that wears high heels all of the time is going to die when running down hallways or on uneven flooring and trust me, running is in a woman’s future. And, whether male or female, keep those shoes in good repair and looking shiny! People DO look down at your feet and size you up based upon what they see.
I am in total agreement with the dress code, of wearing a suit or at least own one, for paralegals in all areas of practice. In addressing the last comment–yes, your shoes and the impression they leave is a lasting one. That was one of the first things I was taught while working on my Bachelor’s Degree in legal studies. Your shoes must be clean, shiny and in good repair. It does wonders for your appearance and self-esteem.
As a new member of the profession I would agree with all that has been said , including the comfortable shoes. One thing I would add for the women is wearing hose. I live in the deep south and our weather is warm a lot of the time. In addition to shiny in good repair shoes, ladies please make sure your hose don’t have a big run in them!
I agree.
I agree with the article. I would also add having your fingernails well groomed. This doesn’t mean professionally manicured but have them clean and filed. A clear coat of polish will do.
I agree that having a tasteful and appropriate suit is a important. You don’t have to spend $200 to dress professionally. If you are going to trial, a black or navy suit may be important to have in your wardrobe. But for the office, you can dress professionally with tasteful clothes.
Avoid long dangling earrings. Avoid multiple piercings and tatoos. I know they are popular, but I’ve actually heard an attorney say he would never hire anyone with a tatoo.
Tasteful cardigans and jackets with a neutral shell and slacks will suffice. And you can find really nice things at resale or even at the Salvation Army or thrift stores. Yes, you’ll find some junk too, but a discerning eye can pick out things that will work with your wardrobe. People won’t know they came from a thrift store unless you tell them. You can find high name brands, especially at resale stores.
It’s great if you can afford to buy brand new expensive clothes. But if you can’t, don’t worry. Pay attention to how others dress at the office. Your clothes must always be well pressed, and fit well. If you can sew great; fix things that don’t fit. Otherwise, rely on a good tailor. Polish your shoes. If you cannot afford going to the shop to get a manicure, do it yourself.
The point is – look professional. There’s more than one way to get there. Clean, tasteful, well-pressed, and well-fitting clothes and shined shoes are your goal here.
As for having a briefcase, I’ve been there, done that. When I go to trial, we’re normally taking big, over-sized briefcases and boxes. You might consider using a fishing tackle box. I know that sounds garish and ridiculous. Get one in black, It will hold paperclips, exhibit stickers, and all kinds of stuff. Easy to access. And no, you don’t put it on the counsel table. It’s sitting within reach, along with everything else, like deposition transcripts, etc. I use one in my study and when I teach. Very handy.
Clothes, tasteful makeup, etc., are great, but will make no difference if your demeanor at the office is not professional. Avoid drama. It’s more important to be a team player than to wear your credentials on your sleeve. People will respect you because you act professionally, do your job, and earn their respect. Erase the words “that’s not my job” from your vocabulary. If you’re getting paid and your boss asks you to do it, if it’s not immoral or illegal, it IS your job.
Do any of you professionals have suggestions of clothing items to stay away from? A “how not to dress.”
Black ballet flats, timeless and classic. You can run around like you need to on a day in the office, and still look pulled together and sleek.
Simply stated: anyone who does not dress in a professional manner (jeans, sweaters, shorts, unshined shoes, no neckties, …) I won’t allow in my business or would refuse an interview if seeking a position. Personally, I believe men should have cuffed trousers, French cuffs, tailored worsted wool suits and spotlessly shiny leather shoes. Women should strive for a meticulous appearance, and have more to choose from in tailoring and classical attire. That’s the “military” in me. I think what is classical is always in…..provided it’s conservatively tasteful! If I can’t do it in a suit……I won’t do it!
Pingback: Building Up Your Business Attire on a Student Budget | dtccparalegalprogram
I once worked for a suburban law office that allowed its office manager to wear miniskirts and garish heels on a daily basis. I should have followed my instincts that first day and turned around and walked out the door when she came to greet me for my interview. I initially thought she was a “less than savory” client entering the waiting room. Imagine my horror to learn of her position at the firm. I ended up leaving that firm in less than a year when I realized that letting office staff dress in an inappropriate manner was just the tip of the iceberg. I walked out and never looked back and do not list them on my resume to this day.
Excellent article! These essential tips for success will set everyone apart. I would add only as a corollary: make sure your suit fits correctly, and that your tie matches the width of your jacket’s lapel (men). Shoes are important, so match them together with the suit.
I worked for a company where everyone dressed in jeans. Regardless, I always wore slacks and a collared shirt as a minimum. Needless to say, most people thought I was in leadership. Formal dress makes you feel like a leader.
Question: im a veiled muslim women in bachelors paralegal degree program. Is there much diversity in the workplace as a paralegal? What of the paralegal doesn’t wear pants are there long skirts for suits?
There are dress, skirt, and pant suits although long skirts are very difficult to purchase. As for diversity in the workplace there are not many veiled muslim women. In Texas alone 95% of paralegals are white women. Apply to the government positions located up north than in the south. Peace be with you.