does my long hair hinder my public image as a professional lawyer?

Question

I am a law student and I have seen attorneys with long hair. I believe the style or look one posses is irrelevant to how one practices his trade, craft, or profession. However, I do believe there are many unspoken words and I would like to know if upon becoming an attorney I should lose the long hair (it resembles like Depp's hair in Blow) which is at shoulder length. I'm asking an honest opinion from those who are in the legal field.

Thank you

Answer 1

As you will soon find out, appearances will matter in the legal profession. If you are going to become a sole practitioner, then the way you wear your hair is up to you. However, if you are looking to join a firm, then you have to "fit the part".

I have encountered some male lawyers with long hair and even some with unconventional hairstyles. They are either pegged as "eccentric lawyers" or they are respected practitioners within their area of law. In both cases, the Bar seems to tolerate them.

At the end of the day, you have to go with what you feel is best in your circumstances. Law school and the practice of law in general are tough enough (I know from personal experience). Just as long as your hair is clean and neat, you make the call.

Best of luck in law school!

Answer 2

It depends on whether you are going out on your own or if you are hoping to become part of a firm, possibly a partner, or work as a DA or PD. The less stroke you have, the more respect you need to demonstrate to get what you want. Some judges may hold your appearance against you. Some clients may do likewise. Senior partners may see your hair as a liability. In short, it will have an effect on your success. That being said, a good number of lawyers have long hair. Most are women but the point is that it is common place. My feeling is that you have to make this decision for yourself and deal with what may come. As for myself, it is all about the money. This is a job and a well paying job. It is up to you haw well paying it may become. Great performance is the goal, but; how far are you willing to sacrifice for your client is the question. Is a hair cut to much to do to make your client believe you are giving it your all? I think not. You're already going to have to do the wardrobe. Might as well go all the way and do the hair style as well.

Answer 3

Long Hair Lawyer

Answer 4

I think clients would not take you seriously.
The image of a lawyer is someone serious and powerful and long hair diminish this image.
When I was in Law School some guys got crazy looks and long hairs but when they started to practice, g.bye to this looks.
In legal world everything is appearence, you sell to your clients the image: your car, your haircut, your suit. If they see a lawyer with this stuff, with a good image of serious lawyer and nice stuff they think: hey, this must be a great lawyer and he must win lot of cases because of the things he owns.
Short hair gives you a serious image.

Answer 5

I'm not in the legal field but I worked at a law school for a few years and the "clean cut" ones more often got the better jobs and/or were hired sooner. Sad to say the professional legal environment is so closed-minded as a rule.

Part of your consideration should be where you want to locate. Northeast urban would be more open to nice long hair than, say, Houston, TX, or any smaller city or community.

Answer 6

One of my best friends in law school had long hair that he kept in a pony tail or down on his shoulders when he trimmed it. He graduated at the very top of our class and was hired by one of the largest International firm in the country. We were all waiting to see whether he'd cut his hair. Well, he hasn't. He's been there 7 years now and he is very liked at his firm. He represents some very large corporations. I believe that some people may have said something to him, but considering how smart and hard-working he is, no one cared much. It's only hair, he is very articulate and professional. Now, I don't know whether you can make yourself invaluable and whether that's what saved him, and whether had he been average, he might have been asked to get a haircut. And I am waiting to see whether they'll make him partner or suggest he cut his hair first. You don't have to be too concerned about unspoken words. It's not like keeping your hair long is a constitutionally protected right. They'll let you know if they want you to cut it.

Answer 7

Personally I think as long as a professional looks neat and tidy I am happy, long hair is OK so long as it is clean and say in a pony tail and not all straggly.
However some people may prefer to see a clean cut young person and be put off by long hair.

Answer 8

Assuming you will practice in front of a jury, then your image will lend 'credibility' and either help or hinder your ability to prosecute or defend..

If you look like Depp, then a jury likely won't take you seriously, and your ability to 'win them over' will be hampered, especially if you face a lawyer who looks like what the vast majority expect.. Perception is reality.. those who look the part, are expected to be the part.. those who have hair that's longer than the guy they are defending, a jury will assume guilt by association..

Answer 9

Unfortunately, most people still judge you on how you look (first impressions). My boyfriend ran into the same problem. For whatever reason, older people still associate long hair on men with juevenile delinquents. I think you'll be more successful in the law business, and command more respect, with a short hair cut (I'm so sorry - I LOVE long hair on guys).

Once you're established, grow it back (like that crazy guy on CNN who wears the cowboy hat and fringe jacket).

Answer 10

It's all just a matter of personal preference. I actually have short hair and guys like it. And i prefer a person with short hair over a guy with long hair because long curly hair tends to make guys look also girly.