The best piece of advice I ever received from a more experienced trial attorney was to always look your best.
For some that is being clean shaven.
For others it may mean getting a hair cut or your hair done.
For me this means putting on a nice suit, straightening that tie, and shining your shoes and turning into a professional trial dog.
So why is something as trivial as wearing a nice suit so important when it comes to jury trials? First you always want to be professional in front of the jury.
obviously this means treating the Judge and opposing counsel with respect and being courteous.
But it also means showing the jury that you took the time to look nice in front of them.
You don't need to wear a $5000 suit to accomplish.
Simply having a clean pressed shirt, a nice tie, and shoes that have been shined shows the jury that you're successful, you're professional, and you have taken the time to look nice for them.
A nice suit instills confidence from your client.
Imagine being charged with a crime.
Being scared, not knowing what to expect, and actually go through with a jury trial.
Then imagine having all those feelings and seeing your attorney show up in a sports jacket that is wrinkled, dirty scuffed shoes, and slacks that haven't been ironed.
Regardless of how you feel about your attorney that is going to scare you.
Lastly as silly as it may sound feeling good about yourself gives you confidence.
In my opinion the confidence you get from wearing a nice suit cannot be explained.
There is something about getting dressed up and feeling good about what you're wearing that gives you that extra something.
After all, why do people wear tuxedos when they are getting married.
Because they want to dress up and look good for the wedding.
The same thing applies when it comes to criminal jury trials.
Now obviously wearing a nice suit is not going to make you a better trial attorney.
That comes from hard work, preparation, and natural talent.
But there is something physiological about feeling good when you step foot in that courtroom and you look that jury in the eyes.
And in my opinion wearing a nice suit helps you obtain that feeling while at the same time shows the jury you're a professional and you're ready for trial.
And when you look good you will feel good.
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