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

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

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

As a professional myself, I would say that as an upstart, it would be bad for your first impressions. In Law, as in many other fieldss, you are judged by first and second impression. Long hair is unprofessional. Now later, after you have a reutation and you are a stud lawyer, why not? But not at the beginning.

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

Of course it does, especially in a field of that degree.

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

I think you should keep it pulled back while you're at work.

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

Ever heard of Tony Serra?

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

Calvin

5 minutes ago

i dont know any thing about law but i do know hair. if you like it and it looks good on you than keep it. if you feel it will interfer with your chances of being a lawyer then cutt it.

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

In my mind it does. Call me antiquated, but men should have short hair, unless they are a member of a biker gang or a Chippendales dancer.

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

I would say if you run your own practice then keep the hair. My buddy from law school was searching for 4-5 months straight, until he got a hair cut, then a firm finally hired him. I think it does effect how your employers see you, but I'm not sure your clients will care.

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

I'm not in the "legal" field but professionally speaking, I think if you pull it into a sleek ponytail, it might not be so bad. As to if i would higher a lawyer with long hair, that's a different question. Depends on how handsome you are to begin with. Haha. really though, just put yourself in someone else's shoes and wonder. how serious will people take you? it's just hair... but on a man, that is a little different than the norm ya know? ultimately you should do what you are comfy with, if that's keeping the hair, see how it goes. if you have no clientele, see if chopping the mane will make a difference: :) good luck

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

cut it off. no one likes long hair on men. ish

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

appearance is key. lose the hair. if you're well established you could probably get away with it, but not just starting out.

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

As a former employer, but not in the legal profession, I would suggest you lose the long hair. I don't think it looks professional, nor would it inspire confidence in your clients. "Who is this long haired hippie" "What image is he trying to pull off?"

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

make it your Trademark...look at Kubi( the lawyer) and other...U also can put it in a ponytail

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

I work for a financial planning firm. One of the top money earners, who makes in excess of 100k a year, wears shorts and hawiian shirts and ball caps. He's been doing this 15 years. He didn't start out dressing like this, he earned it through his competency.

You may have wait a few years and earn the right to wear long hair.

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

I dont see why your hair would matter if you are brilliant. Just keep it neat and clean, maybe even tuck it under your collar . You are to look professional and keep the professional appeal in the court room, but who is to say that you cant do that while at the same time having longer hair? It is your work that will speak for itself.

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

Dude its awesome dont cut it man! at the end of the day as a lawyer its really about your skill not how long your hair is.

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

no. my lawyer's hair is half as long as mine and mine is down to my knees.

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

I would think it would. Younger people might not be bothered by it, however, I think some older folks might. If you feel strongly about keeping your hair though, then do it. It certainly wouldn't affect your ability. Another thing to consider,though, is how a judge might perceive you in the courtroom.

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

Unless you propose to pass yourself as a flamboyant defense lawyer, the answer is Yes. Perceptions make up so much of the craft, as you know.

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

Yes, it does hinder your credibility. While we know that you may have superior knowledge in your field, your appearance (or unkept appearance) takes away from your credibility factor.

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

I was once on a jury. The lawyer had a pony tail, and a bad corduroy suit. Looked like a hippy or something. He asked us if we would give special consideration to a police officer in a uniform. All I could think was that I felt sorry for his client for having such a loser lawyer. His client was up for drug charges, and at least the client knew enough to dress well. I think you would be crazy to have way out of the normal appearance in a courtroom, of any kind.

Also, even if you aren't doing courtroom law, I wouldn't use a lawyer with weird hair, or clothes. A lawyer is continually meeting new people and making first impressions. If the first impression is bad, then he is done. If he is so attached to long hair, then I would question his judgment, and go to someone else.

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

You're right that your hair is an irrelevant measure of your capabilities, but unfortunately that's not how society perceives things. In any professional job image is important, whether or not it should be. You could choose to keep your hair long as a statement of your individuality, but be prepared to be negatively judged by clients, managers and colleagues....and this will affect your bottom line....your wallet. I'm not saying that it's fair, but that's how the world works.

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

Many clients are not going to go to you if you have long hair and look shall we say casual. You should also consider what effect your appearance will have on a jury. Will they respect you more if you look serious and professional or will they be more impressed with a fashion look? What effect would it have on the Judge and on your opponent? Will they be less inclined to take you seriously? My view is that you should be inconspicuous in the courtroom unless you are speaking. If you are neutral in appearance you are less likely to antagonize anyone. Ultimately your duty is to do the best for your client. Your dress and hair length should reflect that concern. I remember Mick Jagger once commented that when he saw his lawyers or accountants he expected that they wore suits and had neat hair because he anything else made him uneasy as to their professionalism. And that coming from the old old man of Rock and Roll who - becuase of his job - usually looks and is expected to look like a scruff.

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

I too have seen lawyers with long hair, but would not wish to hire them. Unfortunately, we are judged by our appearance whether or not we like it. When you meet people and they find out you are a lawyer, they will expect certain things. What if your doctor wore gloves to prevent the spread of disease, but had long, dirty fingernails that you could see beneath the gloves? He might be a medical genius, but you would question his ability based on what you saw of his fingernails. Anyway, that may be a stretch, but you get my drift. If you want people to take you seriously and see you a certain way, you do have to sometimes make some concessions to convention. It is also part of growing up. Good luck!

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

I think that most have given you good info. And you are right, eventually your reputation will be based on your practice, not your looks - BUT

I can tell you that judges and your opposing counsel will form an opinion of you based upon your appearance first. It may not be right, but it is the way it is.

There are several very successful attorneys who do wear longer hair pulled back in court, but I do not know any that started their practice that way since the 60's.

It all will depend upon the type of law you plan on practicing and what kind of clientele you are aiming to get.

My suggestion based on over 15 years here? Cut it. But not TOO short. There are many styles today that still look professional but still give you that "not just a cookie cutter look".

Hope this helps, email me if you have any more questions.

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

I'm not a lawyer, but I have a couple family members who are. From what I know about courtrooms, you're wrong about your look %26amp; style being irrelevant to your chosen craft. Even over the table with other lawyers, they're going to aim right at what they think is your image. The long hair can work in certain circumstances, but just like anything else that might seem "different" to the average person (on a jury, e.g.), you have to know the image it gives you and how to use it to your advantage. Lawyers with what we might call "quirks" quickly get reputations because it's a profession with so much support staff who gossips -- and even the lawyers gossip themselves. It's like being a baseball pitcher. If you have the means to create some intimidation, you've got a couple of points in your favor already.

But if you're not ready to take advantage of how you look, or you don't quite know how to take advantage of it, I suggest not keeping it that length. Ask your friends how it affects them. It's going to have some affect. They may not be honest, though, telling you what you want to hear and whatnot, so be prepared for that. My amateur opinion is that how you look affects how the other side is going to come at you; so it's better to be prepared than to just go into a situation not knowing what to expect.

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

Of course it does. You may be a great lawyer, but if you've got to convince a jury, WHY would you risk the chance that your appearance would offend a juror, or client just so you can maintain your vanity? Seems foolish to me. Plus, few law firms are going to accept it if you're representing their firm.

Make it easy on yourself, lose the locks...

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

I'm not a fan of long hair on a man. However, if you DO choose to go with it, I suggest pulling it back in a pony tail. Unless you want to look like Fabio.

Pulling it back is slightly more classy.

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

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.

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

I would LOVE to say it doesn't matter, because I like to consider myself to be open minded. Personally, I would listen to what you had to say first, BUT honestly I would then worry if everyone else Is taking you seriously, or judging you by first impressions. If it's my "well being" on the line, I wouldn't want to take any chances that someone in the jury has already formed an opinion based on my lawyers appearance.......sorry... I'd cut it until I gained a good reputation. P.S. I love Johnny Depp and long hair!

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

I'm not sure where you live, but I would look through the bar association journal, the advertisements, and see what the lawyers that practice the area of law you want to practice "hair-do's" are like...

Personally, I think longer hair on a man is sexy, but it doesn't win a court battle if the Judge thinks you're a punk with long hair. Have to earn the right through years of hard work to get away with anything like that with a Judge.

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

I am not in the legal field, but I have hired a few attorneys for legal services and advice. My personal opinion is that I am hiring a lawyer. I am more interested in his legal capabilities and demeanor than I am about the length of his hair (or lack of it).