During the course of your personal injury case, there may come a time when you’ll need to attend court in Portland. Going to court can be stressful for various reasons, especially if it’s your first time.
Whether your case involves a car accident or medical malpractice, you can rely on your lawyer to skillfully present your case in court. Along with handling your claim, your attorney can also give you advice on how to present yourself in a courtroom setting.
Your appearance in court is crucial, as it can have some bearing on others’ impressions of you and the outcome of your case.
Appearance, including the way you dress, groom yourself, and present yourself, all matter in a courtroom setting for various reasons.
When you go to court, you’re presenting your case in front of a judge or jury. These individuals are in charge of the outcome of your case. You want to appeal to them and make a good impression, and appearance plays a significant part.
There is often a psychological connection between appearance and the outcome of your case.
Additionally, appearance is a form of non-verbal communication. What you wear can communicate something, whether negative or positive, to the judge and jury.
Before considering what you should wear, it’s helpful to understand what you shouldn’t wear.
When it comes to clothing and accessories, you should avoid all of the following:
Footwear to avoid wearing includes:
For grooming and hygiene, you should not:
If you have visible tattoos, it’s best to try to hide them as much as possible. Wear long sleeves, pants, and other clothing that could help cover them up while in the courtroom. Also, remove body jewelry before entering the courtroom.
In general, you should aim to dress conservatively in court. Regardless of what your everyday attire looks like, when you have a court appearance, you should put extra effort into your look.
Not only can a conservative look make a better impression, but it is also a sign of respect for your environment and the judge.
Conservative dress is usually a bit easier for men. Men should aim to wear the following:
Women can opt for any of the following:
Both men and women should wear closed-toe shoes. Heels for women aren’t necessary, but shoes should be closed and appropriate for the outfit.
When it comes to jewelry, less is more. Remove all body jewelry. Any jewelry you wear should be dainty and small.
Hair should look neat and groomed nicely. Women can wear their hair down or in an updo.
Men should be clean-shaven. Facial hair is acceptable, so long as it is well groomed. Women should aim for light makeup.
Knowing how to dress and present yourself in court can be nerve-racking and challenging. When you have a qualified lawyer handling your case, they can provide guidance and help ensure that you make a good impression.
If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:
Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7