Appearing in Court: An Attorney's Guide for Looking Good
If you've ever watched a courtroom drama on television, you've probably noticed everyone in the courtroom is well-dressed, well-behaved and respectful of the judge and attorneys. In real life, that's exactly how a courtroom plays out--in an atmosphere of dignity, seriousness and respect. Whether you're coming to court as a party to a case, as a witness or as an observer, it's crucial to follow long-established rules of etiquette and protocol. Here are some pointers on how you should dress and conduct yourself.
Behavior
When you enter the courtroom or approach the bench, walk at a normal pace and use good posture. Show confidence, but don't be cocky.
Speak to the judge, the attorneys and all others (including those on the opposing side) with the utmost respect. You should always address the judge as "Your Honor," "sir" or "ma'am" (depending on the judge's gender). If your case is in Tennessee, the tradition is to address the District Attorney General as "General [last name]."
When you're addressing the court, speak loudly and clearly. This is especially important because many court cases are recorded.
Don't show frustration, resentment or anger. When the ruling is given, don't show emotion--especially if you don't agree with the outcome.
If you're finding it difficult to control your emotions during proceedings, remember that your respectful demeanor could pay big dividends when it comes to the final ruling.
Clothing
Always dress professionally. For men, wear a suit and tie; if this isn't practical, wear your conservative, plain "Sunday best." For both men's and women's attire, dark colors are considered more appropriate. The better-dressed you are, the better impression you'll make--and this could make the difference between winning and losing your case.
Here's a list of what not to wear:
Low-cut dresses or blouses
Short skirts
Baggy pants
Shorts
T-shirts or shirts with writing or pictures
Jeans
Tennis shoes
Dirty, torn or ill-fitting clothing
Baseball caps
Tattoos: Cover these up with makeup or clothing so they're not visible. For neck tattoos, wear a turtleneck--even if it's summer.
Piercings: Don't wear jewelry in piercings (except for ear piercings).
Jewelry: Jewelry should be conservative, never flashy.
Whether you're a party to the case or a witness, you're going to be judged--not only by your answers when you're addressing the court, but by your clothing, body language and general behavior. Remember: Judges, juries and attorneys will form an immediate opinion about you as soon as you enter the court--and that opinion could impact the results of your case.
