Tattooed Lawyers

Comment

Comment by Inkedglasses on November 7, 2009 at 10:47pm

I don't think we need to address the issue a bit differently. A good part of being a lawyer is to convince people that you are just like them. Judges and juries do not want to see a lawyer that is alienating. Juries want to see a lawyer that appeals to their view of justice (or in some places, is simply really hot). In law school we learn how to take our client's position and convert it into a legal framework held by others. This requires fitting in to some degree.

Now, on the other hand, in law school, students are told that they need to conform for its own sake. This probably isn't healthy, because it means that people that drink that Kool-Aid, start changing not only the way they look at dress, but they way they think, to the point at which they cannot think outside ANY box, and can't write a brief. So, admonitions in this category (such as "no unseen tattoos") are more a form of social coercion than practice tip.

Comment by Mike on November 6, 2009 at 7:56am

Not a lawyer, but an expert witness, so I have many of the same issues regarding visible ink. I have to say, though, as I've gotten older, I am more willing to show my tattoos and care less what others think. Still, I wouldn't consider showing any ink in a professional setting. Too bad that old stigmas still exist, but they do.

Comment by Pooja P. on October 14, 2009 at 12:41pm

I have to disagree. I know several people in law school that have a goal on landing a job as an in-house counsel attorney. I do know it is very difficult obtain directly out of law school. And, I was aware that most people work for a firm for about 5 yrs before going to in-house counsel.

I am very open to a change in my career path. But, I am the type of person that needs a goal to look at to give me a drive. Right now, I think in-house counsel would be an awesome job. I don't see myself working in corporate law forever. I hate the civil side of law. I do enjoy contracts and think I would enjoy torts. Thanks for your opinion though.

Also, keep in mind I'm a chick. I do want some sort of family life and don't want to be at work all day every day. :-) I love working hard though.

Comment by Inkedglasses on October 14, 2009 at 1:27am

In house counsel is a retirement job, for when you can't hack it at a firm/litigating/etc. It isn't so much a goal, as it is an "alternative." And usually, once you go in-house, you can't go back. And I say this as a tax lawyer-turned public defender who is having much more fun now than working at a firm.

Generally, most in-house people worked at a firm for 4-5 years, and developed a close relationship with their clients. Then they move over to their clients.

Anyway, without fail, 100% of people I knew that thought they knew what they are going to do when they started law school changed their mind. Hopefully, I have reached a point of stability.

PS: I am not really in the town I list, in case anyone was wondering.

Comment by Pooja P. on October 13, 2009 at 6:04pm

No but I really want to. It's a pretty good way to get into In-house counsel. That's what I really want to do.

Comment by Inkedglasses on October 13, 2009 at 12:54pm

Ah.. Everyone pre-law school says they want to do "corporate." Then it is "appellate.' Then it is "anything."

Just keep an open mind is all I can say.

Comment by Pooja P. on October 13, 2009 at 12:50pm

thanks a bunch! i am currently aiming at corporate law and that's making me rethink getting the tattoo haha :-) but my mind will probably change in law school regarding my choice of profession.

Comment by Inkedglasses on October 13, 2009 at 12:47pm

A lot of lawyers have semi-visible tattoos. However, it is more acceptable in some areas of practice than others. It is also a distraction. Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with distracting people, but it might limit your ability to do some things. And, at this point you have no idea what you will be doing in 5 or 10 years (without fail, everyone, myself included, has changed their mind during law school).

My advice: until you are settled in an area of practice with a "book" of business, avoid the visible areas.

Comment by Pooja P. on October 13, 2009 at 12:44pm

Hey guys! I am hopefully going to law school starting next fall. I'm considering getting a tattoo on my wrist. Do you think this spot is too visible? I will be able to cover it up with a watch. Do any of you have semi-visible tattoos? Lemme know :-)

Comment by Inkedglasses on August 13, 2009 at 12:50pm

Let me play "devil's advocate" here. Most of my job involves explaining to decision-makers why my client (and his/her past or future behavior) is completely acceptable. These people (judges and juries), for better or worse, have certain notions about the way people should behave, think, and dress. Visible tattoos might be contrary to those ideas.

Essentially, we take pains to convert our client's position into a neat package that is comfortably within everyone's norms. Usually this takes the form of following lots of procedural rules in doing this.

I have enough problems picking a jury that won't see my client's lawyer as a person that wants to destroy their way of life, and will likely see the defendant as someone that is just like them. Should the guy that is trying to explain this have a visible tattoo (and they do not) it makes the task that much harder.

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