X

Lawyers Dressing Up to Avoid Being Laid Off

The ABA Journal reports that more lawyers are dressing up for work, ditching their causal wear to impress superiors and avoid being chosen for layoffs.

Fear of layoffs has more lawyers giving up business casual and returning to business suits and tasteful accessories…

“Power clothes” are back in fashion, and worried lawyers are among those embracing the style, the Wall Street Journal reports. Communications consultant Gretchen Neels told the newspaper that the bad economy is spurring the change at law firms she advises. “In our economic times, you really want to have your game on,” she said. “You can’t be too formal.”

…at [Dallas litigation firm] Bickel & Brewer, power clothes were never out of style, according to the story. Even mailroom clerks wear suits at the firm. Hiring partner Michael Gardner keeps an eye on clothing choices; he advised one new lawyer to ditch his trendy shoes for cap-toed Ferragamos.

Via ABA Journal. See also: I was arrested by law firm fashion police.

Erik Even: