Legal
Become a Barrister - 10 Myths About What it Takes
So, you’re thinking about a career as a Barrister? If you’re basing your expectations on the plot of an episode of Suits, think again, we’re here to reveal some truths. Read on for myths and misconceptions of becoming a Barrister.
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Barrister Gift Guide - 5 great gifts for your barristers
Welcome to our Barrister gift guide. Whether a recent celebration, birthday or another occasion, buying a gift for your budding lawyer or barrister can be a challenging decision to make. After all the hard work that goes into such an incredible achievement, your barrister deserves a gift that tells them you understand the significance of such accomplishments. We have compiled the perfect list of gifts that will show your loved ones how proud you are of them. Our products are lasting gifts that have meaning and usefulness that will last an entire career. Legal Gowns One of the most important aspects of a barrister’s attire is their gown. The all-black garment has stood the test of time having first been worn in the 1300s as a testament to one’s commitment to justice. The black gown, much like a priest’s, is worn to showcase the barrister’s life commitment to making the world a better place through law. Our gowns are of the highest quality and made with a lightweight, twill weave polyester; this product will last a lifetime and is legal attire for any courtroom worldwide. Legal Wigs Our beautifully crafted horsehair wigs come in a variety of colours to suit the barrister or judge’s requirements. Each wig has been masterfully crafted with horsehair by hand and is a perfect traditional item for every courtroom appearance. The courtroom wig has been around since the fifteenth century and is one of the most important aspects of a courtroom barrister’s attire. We also now have a vegan alternative on offer. The vegan barrister’s wig is available in both synthetic and plant-based fibres and looks identical to the original horsehair version. If you or your new barrister take a strong stance toward the sustainability of attire, then this could be the perfect way to showcase that they care about moral code and ethics as a barrister should. Legal formal wear Our 100% woven wool trousers are a must-have in the professional courtroom environment. The traditional black and grey stripe, single pleated trousers will ensure that the jury and judge understand that you mean business, making you the court’s focal point and enabling you to focus on your well put together arguments and fight for justice. Barrister Bands The famous barrister bands have been a part of the traditional garb for hundreds of years. These were initially crafted to represent the tablets of the law and are considered a symbol of advocacy and judiciary profession. Although a much simpler gift, these bands (or collarette for ladies) are as much a part of the traditional courtroom attire as the gown and wigs, they are a beautiful and minimalistic gift that all barristers require. Inns of Court Preparation Package The ultimate Called to the Bar gift. The Inns of Court Preparation package is a combination of garments and accessories that your newly graduated barrister will need. Combining the traditional wig, gown, wooden certificate frame and Monogrammed Barristers Bag, this package contains everything that will enable their professionalism to shine through. F.A.Q’s What are the best gifts to give a lawyer? In our opinion, all of the above-suggested gifts can be an excellent addition for your newly graduated lawyer. We have made sure all of them are more than just a fancy gift, but also incredibly useful, turning a simple gift-giving experience into something that will last them forever. Can I give my solicitor a gift? If the solicitor in question is a recent graduate or family member, then yes you can gift them. If you have hired a solicitor and they have stood for you professionally, then the solicitor is not allowed to accept gifts. Letters of compliment and great reviews are always helpful though and will be accepted graciously. What can I get a law student for their birthday? Any of the above gifts can be a significant addition before them being Called to the Bar. Alternatives would be items such as briefcases, certificate frames and classic items such as a decanter. How do I help someone who is studying for the bar? Studying law can be a stressful and arduous journey. The time students have to put in to achieve their goals is substantial, so never play down the issues and stresses that they may experience along the way. Being there for them as positive reinforcement can be vital, and positive distractions will be required to get them through the lofty exam process. Basically, we recommend you are there for them as much as they need. Not all support is financial. Are you looking to find out more about legal attire maintenance and related topics? Check out the other posts on our helpful, informative blog. Also, if you’re in the market for a new legal wig or legal gown, you’re in the right place!
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Law Students and COVID-19: 4 ways to prepare for a post-pandemic legal career
Whether your goal is to become a barrister or a solicitor, for all law students at any stage of your studies, it’s likely that your legal education will have been disrupted by COVID-19. From postponed graduations to taking the Bar exam online, vacation schemes going digital to delayed pupillages, there’s a lot of change to the way law students receive their education in the wake of COVID-19. But, this change doesn’t have to be a negative thing for law students. In fact, with the proper awareness and preparation, you can make these changes in your stride and get properly prepared for a post-pandemic legal career. So, read on for some of the ways you can prepare yourself as a law student in the wake of COVID-19 and the changing legal sector. Prepare to continue your legal learning online While in-person education has been suspended in many cases, a number of universities and legal educators have made adjustments to take their courses online to help law students complete their education during COVID-19. For the safety of both staff and students, the majority of universities throughout the UK have moved their degree delivery to remote working while the COVID-19 threat is still present. So, if you are studying for your law degree you need to prepare for your course content to be delivered online for the foreseeable future. And it’s not just university education that’s gone online, many institutions are providing their continued law education online in the wake of COVID-19. So, whatever stage of your studies you’re at, you need to prepare yourself for learning online. Virtual Vacation Schemes It may seem on the surface that vacation schemes would be impossible during COVID-19, where social distancing is limiting the number of people allowed in the workplace. However, some innovative law firms are finding ways around the COVID-19 restrictions to still be able to offer their vacation schemes. Over 20 UK law firms have created virtual vacation schemes as a result of COVID-19 disruptions so law students at any stage of their education can still benefit from experiencing a taste of life within a law firm. While a virtual scheme might not be what you initially had in mind for your vacation scheme, remember that the end goal is the same; to learn more about the firm and to make a good impression on its members. The same advice applies to a virtual vacation scheme as it would to a physical one; be yourself, be positive and proactive, be professional, and work to network with the most valuable people. You’re furthering your education through this vacation scheme so work to soak up as much information and experience as possible and always deliver any work assigned to you quickly and to a high standard. Changes to the Professional Skill Course For students wishing to become solicitors, it’s worth noting that, due to COVID-19, there have been some changes to the Professional Skills Course (PSC); the final training prospective solicitors need to complete before qualifying. Many providers of the course have made adjustments to the way the course is delivered and moved the course online to ensure trainees can complete their qualification despite COVID-19 disruptions. However, institutions providing the PSC need to apply for approval before making any changes to the way their courses are delivered, so check with your individual PSC provider to find out how they will be delivering the course. Brace yourself for a tricky job market An unfortunate consequence of the COVID-19 crisis is that law students and trainee solicitors and barristers are going to be graduating into a tricky job market. Many law firms will have taken a financial hit during the pandemic and as such, there may be more demand than supply in relation to jobs for lawyers following COVID-19. However, it’s still very much possible to secure a job in the post-pandemic legal landscape. For successful job hunting in the COVID-19 job market, law students need to be realistic, resilient, and flexible in their approach to finding employment. There are still opportunities to impress potential employers and stand out among the crowds of law students looking for jobs, placements, and pupillages. Upskilling and filling out your CV with extracurricular activities such as volunteering with pro bono legal services can help you to stand out among applicants. Try not to let your confidence be knocked by rejections or missing out on a position you really wanted. It’s important to not lose sight of why you wanted to get into a career in the law in the first place and to keep those ambitions at the forefront of your mind when applying for positions. And, if you’re struggling to find work in the post-COVID-19 job landscape, try to be flexible and adaptable in your approach to job hunting. Maybe you can take an alternative route to get to your end career goals such as a solicitors apprenticeship or conversion course. Or take a year to volunteer with a legal charity to build up your real-world experience and return to the job search next year when the pressures of the pandemic will have hopefully passed and the jobs market is calmer. Upskill and improve your CV to stand out As we’ve said, standing out is essential to securing work in the post-pandemic legal landscape and the best way you can do this is to improve your CV by upskilling and gaining as much additional experience as possible. While physical classes and courses might not be running at the moment, and virtual vacation schemes will potentially be oversubscribed, there are plenty of online course options available for law students to develop additional skills. Extracurricular courses outside of the scope of your legal studies are an attractive feature to have on your CV for employers. These additional studies, which often offer certificates upon completion, show your dedicated interest in and commitment to your ongoing legal education. Whether you want to develop your understanding of human rights law, increase your knowledge of business law or gain an insight into criminal law, there are plenty of free legal courses available online from trusted educational institutions. You might use these online courses to get ahead in your studies or brush up on an area of law you covered in your previous university modules. Either way, taking the time to develop your knowledge of the law, and having a certificate to show for it at the end can help to make your CV stand out when it comes to applying for jobs. And, if online courses aren’t your thing, why not try and find online volunteering opportunities for pro bono legal aid? Not only will this look good on your CV when it comes to applying for jobs, but it will also give you a great real-world experience of offering legal advice and dealing with clients. Get used to new ways of working The COVID-19 crisis and resultant social distancing measures have meant that many of us have had to embrace remote working for the first time. And, while some offices are beginning to reopen, many workplaces are still utilising remote working and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Not only does working from home reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, but it can also provide more flexibility to law firms in terms of the clients they work with, the legal staff they attract, and has been proven to help boost productivity. Getting yourself used to working from home, managing your time without the supervision of a superior, and not getting distracted is a good way to prepare for remote working. If you do end up working remotely when you start working post-COVID-19, prepare for much of your client interaction to be held digitally. When you start working in the law after COVID-19, if restrictions are still in place, it’s likely that you’ll be communicating with clients via video conferencing platforms, over the phone, and via email. You’ll also likely need to present case strategies and other complex information via video, which can be a difficult and unnatural process if you’re not used to it. Getting used to these virtual communication methods ahead of time will help you to be more natural when it comes to interacting with clients. As with anything, practice makes perfect, so familiarising yourself with working alone and presenting via video link can help to set you up for success when working in the post-pandemic landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic is, undoubtedly, an unprecedented time, and its effects on the legal sector and legal education are far-reaching, but there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Staying attuned to the latest developments and advice and being proactive in your approach to working can help you to weather this storm and come out the other side a stronger lawyer. Tailor De Jure are experts in legal wear and know the importance of looking your professional best when in court. We’re here to support you throughout your legal career, helping you look your best, so you can concentrate on fighting the good fight. From legal gowns and barrister’s wigs to formal wear, frames for your hard-earned legal certificates, and our new Call to the Bar Preparation Kit, Tailor De Jure has got you covered.
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Legal career. How to build career after Covid-19?
Whether your goal is to become a barrister or a solicitor, for all law students at any stage of your studies, it’s likely that your legal education will have been disrupted by COVID-19. From postponed graduations to taking the Bar exam online, vacation schemes going digital to delayed pupillages, there’s a lot of change to the way law students receive their education in the wake of COVID-19. But, this change doesn’t have to be a negative thing for law students. In fact, with the proper awareness and preparation, you can take these changes in your stride and get properly prepared for a post-pandemic legal career. So, read on for some of the ways you can prepare yourself as a law student in the wake of COVID-19 and the changing legal sector. Prepare to continue your legal learning online While in-person education has been suspended in many cases, a number of universities and legal educators have made adjustments to take their courses online to help law students complete their education during COVID-19. For the safety of both staff and students, the majority of universities throughout the UK have moved their degree delivery to remote working while the COVID-19 threat is still present. So, if you are studying for your law degree you need to prepare for your course content to be delivered online for the foreseeable future. And it’s not just university education that’s gone online, many institutions are providing their continued law education online in the wake of COVID-19. So, whatever stage of your studies you’re at, you need to prepare yourself for learning online. Virtual Vacation Schemes for students during COVID-19 It may seem on the surface that vacations schemes would be impossible during COVID-19, where social distancing is limiting the number of people allowed in the workplace. However, some innovative law firms are finding ways around the COVID-19 restrictions to still be able to offer their vacation schemes. Over 20 UK law firms have created virtual vacation schemes as a result of COVID-19 disruptions so law students at any stage of their education can still benefit from experiencing a taste of life within a law firm. While a virtual scheme might not be what you initially had in mind for your vacation scheme, remember that the end goal is the same; to learn more about the firm and to make a good impression on its members. The same advice applies to a virtual vacation scheme as it would to a physical one; be yourself, be positive and proactive, be professional and work to network with the most valuable people. You’re furthering your education through this vacation scheme so work to soak up as much information and experience as possible and always deliver any work assigned to you quickly and to a high standard. Changes to the Professional Skills Course For students wishing to become solicitors, it’s worth noting that, due to COVID-19, there have been some changes to the Professional Skills Course (PSC); the final training prospective solicitors need to complete before qualifying. Many providers of the course have made adjustments to the way the course is delivered and moved the course online to ensure trainees can complete their qualification despite COVID-19 disruptions. However, institutions providing the PSC need to apply for approval before making any changes to the way their courses are delivered, so check with your individual PSC provider to find out how they will be delivering the course. Brace yourself for a tricky job market after COVID-19 An unfortunate consequence of the COVID-19 crisis is that law students and trainee solicitors and barristers are going to be graduating into a tricky job market. Many law firms will have taken a financial hit during the pandemic and as such, there may be more demand than supply in relation to jobs for lawyers following COVID-19. However, it’s still very much possible to secure a job in the post-pandemic legal landscape. For successful job hunting in the COVID-19 job market, law students need to be realistic, resilient and flexible in their approach to finding employment. There are still opportunities to impress potential employers and stand out among the crowds of law students looking for jobs, placements and pupillages. Upskilling and filling out your CV with extracurricular activities such as volunteering with pro bono legal services can help you to stand out among applicants. Try not to let your confidence be knocked by rejections or missing out on a position you really wanted. It’s important to not lose sight of why you wanted to get into a career in the law in the first place and to keep those ambitions at the forefront of your mind when applying for positions. And, if you’re struggling to find work in the post-COVID-19 job landscape, try to be flexible and adaptable in your approach to job hunting. Maybe you can take an alternative route to get to your end career goals such as a solicitors apprenticeship or conversion course. Or take a year to volunteer with a legal charity to build up your real-world experience and return to the job search next year when the pressures of the pandemic will have hopefully passed and the jobs market is calmer. Upskill and improve your CV to stand out As we’ve said, standing out is essential to securing work in the post-pandemic legal landscape and the best way you can do this is to improve your CV by upskilling and gaining as much additional experience as possible. While physical classes and courses might not be running at the moment, and virtual vacation schemes will potentially be oversubscribed, there are plenty of online course options available for law students to develop additional skills. Extracurricular courses outside of the scope of your legal studies are an attractive feature to have on your CV for employers. These additional studies, which often offer certificates upon completion, show your dedicated interest in and commitment to your ongoing legal education. Whether you want to develop your understanding of human rights law, increase your knowledge of business law or gain an insight into criminal law, there are plenty of free legal courses available online from trusted educational institutions. You might use these online courses to get ahead in your studies or brush up on an area of law you covered in your previous university modules. Either way, taking the time to develop your knowledge of the law, and having a certificate to show for it at the end can help to make your CV stand out when it comes to applying for jobs. And, if online courses aren’t your thing, why not try and find online volunteering opportunities for pro bono legal aid? Not only will this look good on your CV when it comes to applying for jobs, but it will also give you great real-world experience of offering legal advice and dealing with clients. Get used to new ways of working The COVID-19 crisis and resultant social distancing measures have meant that many of us have had to embrace remote working for the first time. And, while some offices are beginning to reopen, many workplaces are still utilising remote working and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Not only does working from home reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, but it can also provide more flexibility to law firms in terms of the clients they work with, the legal staff they attract and has been proven to help boost productivity. Getting yourself used to working from home, managing your time without the supervision of a superior and not getting distracted is a good way to prepare for remote working. If you do end up working remotely when you start working post-COVID-19, prepare for much of your client interaction to be held digitally. When you start working in the law after COVID-19, if restrictions are still in place, it’s likely that you’ll be communicating with clients via video conferencing platforms, over the phone and via email. You’ll also likely need to present case strategies and other complex information via video, which can be a difficult and unnatural process if you’re not used to it. Getting used to these virtual communication methods ahead of time will help you to be more natural when it comes to interacting with clients. As with anything, practice makes perfect, so familiarising yourself with working alone and presenting via video link can help to set you up for success when working in the post-pandemic landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic is, undoubtedly, an unprecedented time and its effects on the legal sector and legal education are far-reaching, but there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Staying attuned to the latest developments and advice and being proactive in your approach to working can help you to weather this storm and come out the other side a stronger lawyer. Tailor De Jure are experts in legal wear and know the importance of looking your professional best when in court. We’re here to support you throughout your legal career, helping you look your best, so you can concentrate on fighting the good fight. From legal gowns and barrister’s wigs to formal wear, frames for your hard-earned legal certificates, and our new Call to the Bar Preparation Kit, Tailor De Jure has got you covered.
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What makes a good lawyer? The 8 top skills you need to make it in law
What’s the difference between a good lawyer and an average lawyer? Will where you studied have a large impact? Or will the Inn of court you join or the firm you land a job at have any influence? What makes a good lawyer runs deeper than that, it’s about the type of person you are, the skills you possess and the attributes you develop throughout your career in the law. To help prospective lawyers, we’ve put together a round-up of personality traits and skills that make a good legal professional. So, whether you’re considering a career in law, currently studying for your legal qualifications or are a qualified lawyer looking for reassurance you’re on the right track, our guide to what makes a good lawyer can help. Personality traits that make a good lawyer Academic acumen is obviously important when studying to become a lawyer. But, ultimately, a career in the law requires you to empathise with, relate to and connect with a wide range of people; from clients and clerks to judges and jurors. So, having these personality traits and attributes will help you to become a great lawyer no matter what area of the law you end up working in. 1. Great people skills An ability to relate to and engage with a wide range of people is maybe one of the most important skills that, if mastered, makes a good lawyer. Sure, thriving in your studies is important. But, no matter how well you prepare for your exams and how strong your essay writing is, when it comes to working as a lawyer, if your people skills are lacking you’re going to struggle. From legal aids to clients, witnesses to administrators and jurors to judges, you need to be comfortable talking to a wide variety of people. Your role is to advocate for your client, argue their interests and reach resolutions with the other party where relevant. To do this well you need to have strong people skills, if you’re shy and retiring or, conversely, overbearing and standoffish, it’s going to be much harder to engage with the people you work with to achieve the best outcome for your client. And your people skills can’t just be one way, you need people to engage with you and see your way of thinking, but you also need to be able to read other people and relate to their points of view. Stong people skills help lawyers to be persuasive, personable and read others, this is essential when in court and dealing with clients and other people involved in the case. Strengthening this personality trait will help you to be a better lawyer and will benefit you when working in the law and trying to achieve the optimum result for your clients. 2. Determination and perseverance Studying for a career in the law is a long, challenging journey, from exams and essays to pupillages and work experience. You need to be determined and committed to your end goal of becoming a lawyer to succeed throughout your studies. And, the hard work doesn’t end there; working as a lawyer takes perseverance. It’s not all dramatic arguments and triumphant struts out of courtrooms as the flashy legal dramas would have you believe. Life as a lawyer is a lot of long nights, early mornings and heaps upon heaps of paperwork. But, the great thing about a career as a lawyer is that, when you persevere through the mountains of research and paperwork that feels neverending, you can be rewarded with a successful outcome for your client. So, one of the most important things that makes a good lawyer is having the determination and perseverance to put the work in at all stages of your career, from your first-year exams and sitting the Bar to late nights putting together a strategy for your latest case. 3. A creative mind The most successful lawyers are creative. Now, we’re not talking about creativity in the artistic sense, although picking up a pad and pencil can be a good way to unwind after a long day in court. We mean creative thinking. To succeed as a lawyer you need to be fantastic at problem-solving, and being a creative thinker makes you a whole lot better at finding alternative solutions. Whether it’s finding a new approach to an ongoing case or a creative line of questioning for a witness on the stand, thinking outside of the box and finding an unusual solution can be just what you need to outmanoeuvre your opposition. 4. Confident in your abilities As a lawyer, one of the key aspects of your job is to persuade people to agree with your way of thinking. If you’re not confident in yourself, no one else is going to be. You can’t be stood in front of a courtroom quietly squeaking out your opening statement. A good lawyer is confident in their abilities, their argument and themself. Whether you’re meeting a client, talking to the partners of your firm or addressing a judge in the courtroom, you need to act with confidence. As Rebecca Bowley, a paralegal in Lincolnshire says; “You can’t really be shy when you’re a solicitor, especially when meeting clients, the university legal clinic was great practice for that, because it helped me develop interviewing skills, and I have built on that in my LPC.” Skills you need to be a lawyer 5. Analytical skills Throughout your legal studies through to your career practising law, you need to learn and retain huge quantities of information and be able to utilise that information and translate it into arguments and strategies to win your cases. Developing strong analytical skills will help you to successfully absorb and recall everything you need to remember as a lawyer. Prioritising information, structuring arguments and documents and applying your relevant legal knowledge to the problem at hand requires you to be incredibly analytical and logical. 6. Research skills Just as having strong analytical skills is important, it’s also essential to have great research skills to be a good lawyer. From your legal studies and beyond into your career practising law, you’ll be required to quickly and efficiently conduct research. When you prepare a legal strategy you’ll have to research your clients, their case, historic cases and legal precedent, the opposition and much more. Being able to handle all this research in a systematic and efficient way is vital to being a good lawyer. 7. Well organised This one should be pretty obvious but we thought we’d remind you; good lawyers need to be organised. From remembering the time and date of a hearing to gathering together all the required documentation for a discovery, impeccable organisation skills are a must for any lawyer. Turning up late, missing appointments or forgetting key pieces of information is a surefire route to failure as a lawyer. 8. Sound judgement All of the research you spend time conducting is of no use if you can’t draw any useful conclusions from it. Therefore, good judgement is needed to succeed in a career in the law. You need to be able to absorb information and then draw reasonable and logical conclusions and assumptions from it. Being able to critically analyse your findings and legal strategies with a level judgement is important when putting together an argument. Searching your work for weaknesses and being able to look at it from the perspective of your opposition allows you to create a stronger argument that’s watertight. And, when you hone your judgement in this way, you’re also able to quickly spot weaknesses in your opposition’s argument and efficiently exploit them to your advantage. Strengthening your judgement skills will allow you to make swifter and stronger decisions and will ultimately lead to you becoming a better lawyer; in this job sitting on the fence is not an option. As Rennard Strickland and Franks T. Read wrote in The Lawyer Myth; “At the most pragmatic level, lawyers are society’s professional problem solvers. Lawyers are called upon to make distinctions, to explain how and why cases or experiences are alike or different. Lawyers are expected to restore equilibrium, to be balancers. Every discipline, every profession, every job, and every calling has a cutting edge. At that cutting edge, lines are drawn. Lawyers and judges are society’s ultimate line drawers. On one side of the line, the conduct, action, or inaction is proper; on the other side of the line, it is not.” Helping you become a good lawyer The skills and personality traits listed need to be consistently developed throughout both your training and when in the role as well. By doing this, and putting the proper time into preparation for every case, you will be more likely to provide quality representation to your clients in court and build your reputation as a good lawyer. Wherever you are in your legal career, improving and developing these skills will be incredibly useful and will help you to become a better lawyer. A good lawyer needs to look the part, which is where we come in, Tailor De Jure takes care of your legal attire so you can concentrate on fighting the good fight. From legal gowns and barrister’s wigs to formal wear and frames for your hard-earned legal certificates, Tailor De Jure has got you covered.
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What is Mooting? A guide for law students
Mooting is the oral presentation of a legal issue or problem against an opposing counsel and before a judge.
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Do we still need Legal Wigs and Barrister Gowns?
Although the wearing of Barrister Wigs is classed as old school, 21st-century British judges and barristers still wear the same wigs and Barrister Robes when they go to court, however is the wearing of Barristers wigs and Legal Robes still acceptable in modern society?
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Everything you need to know about a law conversion course (UK)
From presenting cases and fighting the good fight to upholding the principles of justice; a career in law is incredibly rewarding. For some, studying law will be all they’ve ever planned on; making an undergraduate law degree the natural option. But, for some people, their call to the legal profession comes later, after they’ve already enrolled on, or completed, a degree in a different subject. However, not studying law at undergraduate level doesn’t mean you can’t carve a successful career as a lawyer. Conversion courses across the country have made law accessible to people from all degree disciplines. So, if you’re considering a law conversion course, read on for our guide to all you need to know. Who can convert to become a lawyer? Anyone with an undergraduate, or Bachelor’s, degree can apply to join the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in England or Wales. You’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 degree to successfully join a GDL course. However, the subject of your degree doesn’t matter. So, if you’re dreaming about life as a lawyer but are currently studying in a completely different field, don’t worry! Because the court systems are different in Scotland, the process of conversion is slightly different. If you want to know more about the process in Scotland, this article has lots of great information about becoming a solicitor in Scotland. In this post, we’ll be talking specifically about the process of converting to become a lawyer in England and Wales. What is covered in a law conversion course? The Graduate Diploma in Law provides non-law graduates with a solid understanding of all the fundamental aspects of legal theory. It’s the foundation of your legal knowledge and the first step in your legal career. As such, you will be taught the core principles of law and legal practices in the English and Welsh courts. You will cover 8 modules during your GDL studies, 7 of which are compulsory and one which is elective; either chosen by you or by the institution you study with. The compulsory modules covered are: Contract law Criminal law Equity and trusts European Union (EU) law Land law Public law Tort law Elective modules, chosen by either you or your institution are: Directors’ duties Immigration law Legal ethics Patent law How long does it take to convert to be a lawyer? The GDL condenses all the content covered by an undergraduate degree in law, which takes three years to complete, into either one year full-time or two years part-time of study. You can choose whichever mode of study suits you best. But be aware that with either route, you will face an incredibly heavy workload. You are, after all, fitting three years of legal education into 12 months of study. You will have roughly 45 hours of study per week. This includes lectures, tutorials and self-study. How do you apply to a law conversion course? The GDL is provided by a number of universities across England, all of which offer a top-quality legal education covering the above core modules of the GDL. This comparison table is a great resource for anyone needing help to select an institution for their GDL study. Non-law graduates looking to complete their GDL in one year of full-time study must apply for a place on the Diploma through the Central Applications Board (CAB). Each university will have its own deadlines for applications to their GDL courses. However, generally, the applications open in October for study in the following year. Applications through the CAB cost £20.00 and are completed via an online form on the CAB portal. If you wish to complete your GDL through part-time study across two years, you will have to apply directly to your chosen institution. Non-law graduates wishing to study part-time should be aware that not all institutions offering the GDL allow for part-time study and should investigate thoroughly to find a part-time course. Will I be a qualified lawyer after a law conversion course? The Graduate Diploma in Law is a fast-tracked law degree; your first step into a legal career. However, just as undergraduates in law aren’t able to immediately go into practising law, completion of the GDL does not grant you the ability to practise law immediately. Your next steps following completion of the GDL depend on which sort of law you want to go into. For those wishing to become solicitors, your next step after finishing the GDL is to undertake the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Or, if you want to become a barrister and argue cases in a courtroom, then you’ll need to take the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Read on for a breakdown of what each course entails. Legal Practice Course (LPC) The legal practice course is another year-long, full-time course taken after the GDL, although it can be split over two-years part-time if allowed by the institution. Legal issues, topics and skills covered in the LPC include: business law and practice litigation, including civil and criminal property law and practice. advising and advocacy practical legal research solicitors’ accounts taxation wills and administration of estates. The cost of study for the LPC varies between institutions but is usually between £9500 to £12,500 per year. For more information on the LPC, read here. Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) The Bar Professional Training Course is required for anyone wishing to become a barrister. It’s a year-long, full-time vocational course taken after the completion of your GDL, although six BPTC providers allow for part-time study across two years. There is an emphasis on learning through practical work during your BPTC. You’ll generally spend 10-16 hours per week in class and have at least one day a week free to complete pro bono work, visit courts and attend networking events. Topics covered in the course include: Advocacy Civil and criminal litigation evidence and remedies Resolution of disputes outside of court Professional ethics BPTCs costs vary from institution to institution, but applicants can expect to pay anywhere between £15,200 to £18,735 for a full-time course. More information about the BPTC can be found here. How much does a law conversion course cost? The £20.00 you pay to the Central Applications Board is just the first cost in your journey to converting to becoming a lawyer. The specific fees vary between institutions. But, generally, you can expect to pay between £5,400 and £11,730 for a full-time course and £3155 to £5795 per year for part-time courses. To encourage people from all backgrounds to qualify as lawyers, some law firms offer scholarships to GDL applicants. These scholarships vary between different firms, with some offering to cover the costs of tuition fees, others providing a maintenance grant or both. To find out more about which firms offer scholarships and to who, check out this guide. If you’re planning on a career at the Bar and want to study further after your GDL for the BPTC to become a barrister you may be able to get a scholarship from the Inns of Court. Will I be at a disadvantage over law graduates? There’s no reason that someone from a non-law degree should be subject to any sort of discrimination or disadvantage just because they studied a non-law undergraduate course. In fact, roughly 50% of solicitors come from non-law backgrounds. And, some law firms give preference to applicants from non-law backgrounds when hiring. When you study the GDL you are receiving the same education as a law undergraduate, just in a shorter time frame. Some may argue that, actually, because you’re condensing your studies, the GDL route is harder than a traditional undergraduate law path. How does the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) change the GDL? In 2021, a new ‘super-exam’, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) will be introduced to the legal qualification process. While currently, would-be solicitors must undertake an undergraduate law degree or GDL followed by the LPC, the new SQE would replace the LPC. These new measures have been designed to make the route to becoming a solicitor cheaper and more accessible to people from a range of backgrounds. The SQE is assessed in two stages, with stage one assessing a candidate’s ability to apply legal knowledge, and stage two testing their legal skills; e.g. advocacy and legal drafting. This means that, if you want to become a solicitor, you’d no longer be required to undertake the GDL or LPC. However, candidates will need to get their legal knowledge from somewhere to successfully pass the two examination stages of the SQE. So, some people may decide to still undertake the GDL to gain their foundational knowledge of the law. While you won’t necessarily have to take the GDL or study an undergraduate degree in law anymore, applicants are required to complete two years of qualifying work experience in up to four organisations. Read here for more information about the changes to the Solicitors Qualifying exam. Tailor De Jure is a supplier of legal wear for professionals worldwide helping you to look good while you fight for your clients.
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A Call to the Bar: what to wear and how to prepare
Your Call to the Bar is the culmination of your entire legal education. It’s the beginning of your new life as a legal professional. You’ve successfully completed your BPTC and your qualifying sessions, and your Call has been approved by your chosen Inn of Court. The Call to the Bar is not just a legal formality; it’s a right of passage. A chance for you to celebrate all you’ve achieved and mark your transition from student to professional in the company of your peers, friends and family. So, to get you ready ahead of this momentous day, we’ve compiled this guide to the Call to the Bar, from how to prepare to what to wear. Shop Legal Wear How to prepare for your Call to the Bar You’ve passed the requirements of the BPTC and have, or will have, completed all your qualifying sessions ahead of your Call, but the preparation doesn’t end there. There are a few things you need to have in order before you can receive your Call. To receive your Call, you will have to submit a petition for Call to the Bar to your respective Inn; you are not automatically added to the Call list. Alongside your petition, you will have to submit a Call Declaration Submission. This consists of two letters of recommendation, payment of your Call fee, £100 at the time of writing, and a copy of your final degree certificate. Your letters of recommendation should be addressed to The Masters of the Bench and should come from professionals who have known you for at least a year. You should submit your call petition and declaration directly to your respective Inn of Court: Grey’s, Lincoln’s, Middle Temple or Inner Temple. Top tip: Guests are permitted to attend your Call ceremony and reception; however, there are usually only two guests allowed per Callee due to the capacity of the halls. Sometimes spare tickets are released in the two weeks before a Call, so if you have further guests you need to bring, ensure you set yourself a reminder to have the best chance to gain additional tickets! What to wear for your Call to the Bar For all Calls to the Bar at all Inns of Court, Callees are required to wear their court dress, including dark suits, shirt and bands, or court shirt and ladies collar, or ladies collarette and a barrister’s gown. During the ceremony, Callees are expected to keep their suit jackets buttoned. Wigs are not required during the ceremony; however, if you wish to wear one for your official photograph, you could bring your wig with you. You’ll need a legal wig as a practising barrister, so why not get prepared ahead of time and purchase a Tailor De Jure traditional Barrister’s wig ahead of your Call to the Bar? The standard of dress is as you’d expect for a formal ceremony; smart, tidy and presentable. Below we have detailed help showing the standards of dress for both Male and Female Callees. Male Callees The Call ceremony requires all male Callees to wear a barrister’s gown over a dark suit with a white, wing-collared shirt and starched bands. Suits: Traditionally, court dress consisted of a double-breasted or three-piece suit; however, this isn’t such a hard and fast rule any more. As long as your suit is a dark colour, clean and pressed, you should be fine. Shirts: Permitted shirts include a tunic court shirt with an attachable wing collar or a regular plain white wing-collared shirt; no pleats or black buttons. Be aware that standard collared and coloured shirts will not be permitted to be worn in your Call ceremony. Shoes: Male Callees should wear dark coloured formal shoes, black is the preferred option. Tailor De Jure’s gown, wig and band set is a great option for Callees looking for a time and money-saving way to purchase their court dress for their Call to the Bar. Female Callees Female Callees should wear a barrister’s gown over a dark trouser or skirt suit with a white, collared shirt. Suits: Just like their male peers, female Callees should keep the colour of their suits dark; think black, dark grey and navy. Suits should consist of a fitted jacket with either formal trousers or a tailored skirt cut below the knee. Shirts: Permitted shirts include a full court bib or laced collarette over a white top, a white tunic or mandarin court shirt with ladies’ collar. Female Callees are also permitted to wear a white winged-collar shirt with starched bands; this could be a tunic court shirt with attachable wing collar or a regular plain white wing-collared shirt; no pleats or black buttons. Shoes: Once again, dark coloured shoes are the standard for female Callees. As you’ll be standing for the duration of the ceremony, we recommend opting for a comfortable, low-heeled heel for footwear. Our women’s court dress set, including gown, wig and bands, is a great option when planning your court dress for your Call ceremony. For both male and female Callees, hair should be neat and tidy, with long hair tied up and off your face and shoulders. Top tip: The dress code for guests varies between Inns. However, the general standard is ‘lounge suits’. Guests should dress reasonably formally, think how you’d dress for a university graduation; i.e. suit, shirt and tie for men and a dress or a smart top with trousers or a skirt. Guests aren’t required to wear dark colours as the Callees are; all colours are fine. Your Call ceremony is a great achievement and should be an enjoyable day for all involved. By making sure you’re prepared ahead of the ceremony and following the dress code on the day, you’ll be free to enjoy your day and revel in the celebrations. Get prepared ahead of time by purchasing your Tailor De Jure full Barrister’s set today. Shop Legal Wear
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Should You be Washing Your Legal Wig?
There’s a perception surrounding wigs in the legal profession that the more discoloured and worn looking a wig is, the more established in their career the wearer looks. Barristers and judges have been known to throw their wigs in dirt, pull at the stitching to loosen some hairs and shake their wigs in a vacuum bag to try and speed up the ageing process. However, when you’re spending out hundreds of pounds on an expertly crafted, handmade British wig, really you want to ensure it stays looking, and smelling, at its absolute best. While the discolouration of a wig can signify authority and an established legal career, there is no reason that your wig should be unclean or unhygienic. That’s why we’ve written this post exploring if and how you should be cleaning your legal wig. Shop Barrister Wigs Now The Background The practice of wearing a legal wig in court proceedings began in the 1600s when low personal hygiene standards and unsanitary courtrooms meant head lice were common. As well as this historic headlice problem, the lead-based ‘makeup’ that was worn at the time would cause people’s hair to fall out. Wearing a legal wig made of horsehair meant judges and lawyers were able to have clean-shaven heads underneath so they would not catch lice. And for those who had gone bald before their time it meant they could hide their lack of hair with their legal wig. Wigs grew in popularity during the reign of Charles II, who deemed wigs essential wear for polite society and inspired a trend for wearing wigs in day to day life. Wigs continued to be worn in the legal profession long after they had fallen out of fashion with the rest of society, as they had come to represent the authority and historical position of the judicial system. For more about legal wigs, read our blog on the history of the Barrister’s wig. A Modern Standard of Legal Wear As a barrister, you want to be presenting your best possible self when you enter the courtroom. Legal attire is not just simply a traditional standard of dress. When a legal professional puts on their wig,gown and bands, it is as though they are getting into character. Smart legal wear will help you to feel more authoritative and confident in your argument when you head into court. A clean and fragrant wig is just one way that you can present yourself in a smart and authoritative manner in the courtroom. While legal wigs are required less in courtrooms these days than historically, there are still several occasions, particularly in criminal proceedings, where barrister’s wigs are worn. Why Keep Legal Wigs Clean? It’s claimed that a well crafted, handmade legal wig should be guaranteed to last the owner for a hundred years. So, to ensure your legal wig survives its hundred-year lifespan, there are some measures you can take to maintain its appearance. Your skin produces natural oils that will transfer to a wig through continued wear. These can be beneficial as they help the wig to mould to the shape of the wearer’s head. However, continued exposure to these oils can cause damage to the wig and create odours. When you spend hours in a courtroom wearing your legal wig as you argue for your client, you may begin to perspire. This perspiration can transfer to your legal wig and leave it smelling fusty and stale. Your legal wig might also become unclean as you transport it to and from court. Carrying wigs in briefcases or handbags can lead to damage to the wig in a variety of ways; from ink spills to catching the hairs in zips and fastenings. While a certain level of discolouration may be preferred by barristers, dishevelled and damaged legal wigs can imply a lack of care for one’s appearance. Keeping a clean wig shows respect for the practice. Professional Legal Wig Cleaning There are many establishments offering professional legal wig cleaning services across the world. These services are carried out by experts who handle each wig with care. A professional wig cleaning service will usually consist of a thorough but gentle cleaning of the horsehair fibres to remove all traces of dirt and grime. As many barristers are conscious of not losing the aged colour they have developed, professional wig cleaning services use a process which does not affect the colour of the wig. Professional cleaners will also trim any loose hairs and reshape the wig back to a pristine state. How often a barrister’s wig should be professionally cleaned has been much debated. Some sources claim once every 25-30 years is frequent enough, while other establishments recommend a wig be cleaned professionally at least once a year. The exact frequency of professional cleaning will depend on the individual and whether any major accidental damage is caused to the wig. However, to extend the life and maintain the appearance of your legal wig, we recommend you get your Tailor De Jure legal wig professionally cleaned once every one to three years. Cleaning Your Legal Wig Yourself While a professional clean of your legal wig can be great to rectify any substantial damage to your legal wig, there are a number of ways you can keep your wig fresh day-to-day. As we have previously noted, perspiration and the absorption of natural oils from the scalp can lead to your legal wig developing an unwanted stale smell. One simple way to combat this is to allow your wig to breathe. Rather than shutting your wig in an airtight box immediately after removing it, give your wig a chance to air out before storing away. This will allow any moisture or perspiration left on the wig to dry out, preventing a musty smell from developing. When you’re rushing in and out of court, accidents are bound to happen; you may spill a coffee or have a pen leak over your wig. It may be possible to wash these small marks and spillages out yourself. Try simply using warm water and a cloth to gently sponge out any stains from your wig. But, be careful not to scrub at your wig as this may disturb the hairs and pull them out of shape. To ensure your legal wig stays in shape when you’re not wearing it, try storing your wig on a stand. The rounded top will help to maintain the curved shape of your wig, meaning it will sit more comfortably on your head when you next come to wear it. The Tailor De Jure barrister wig stand is the perfect shape and size for proudly displaying your barrister’s wig and allows your wig to circulate in fresh air, helping to maintain a pleasant smelling legal wig. Your legal wig is a fragile piece of your legal attire. The handcrafted nature of the wigs mean that a thorough clean is a delicate process best left to the experts. Professional legal wig cleaning services have the experience and know how to restore your wig to its former glory without causing any damage. However, you can help to elongate the lifespan of your legal wig by adopting some simple day-to-day habits. Storing and transporting your wig safely will help to keep your legal wig free from odours, in a presentable condition and without any damage. Taking the appropriate care of your legal wig will ensure you always appear smart and authoritative in the courtroom, so you can focus on your fight for fairness. Shop Barrister Wigs Now
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Pupillage
Pupillage is the last stage in your training to become a practicing barrister. Once you pass the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), you finally get the chance to work in the field as part of the pupillage system. During your time in pupillage, after being ‘called to the Bar’, you’ll get to build up relevant work experience by acting as an unregistered barrister. Pupillage Fact: If your pupillage takes place within chambers you will be under the supervision of one or more qualified partners. Normally, the required length of time for pupillage will be 12 months, but that can be extended or reduced, according to circumstances. During that time you will follow other qualified barristers and assist them in chambers and in court. The Schedule of a Pupillage A pupillage is normally split into two 6-month halves. For the first six months, you will mainly be dealing with paperwork, research, learning how to correctly draw up legal documents and observing how the other barristers work in conferences and cases in court. During this time, you must also complete an Advocacy Training Course. In the second six months, you will typically start to be given your own cases to present in court. One requirement within this second half is a Practical Management Course. Once this course is complete and you have your Practicing Certificate, you will then hopefully be offered tenancy within the firm. Tip: Once you have joined the Inns of Court you’ll have access to a wide range of financial help, which includes bursaries, scholarships and other funding types. Make sure to apply. What do you have to lose! Alternative Routes Traditionally, pupillage has always taken place within chambers, but there are now alternative routes which also count as completing your pupillage. Working for a solicitor is one way to achieve your pupillage, another is marshalling for a judge or working for international counsel within the European Union. There are also various Bar approved organisations that offer pupillages. Unfortunately, there are more ‘would be’ barristers applying for these positions than there are places available. This means competition for placements is fierce, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t obtain a place on your first try. Tip: don’t let more than five years go by without obtaining a pupillage after completing your BPTC or your application will be dismissed. Only under extenuating circumstances can an extension be obtained by applying to the Bar Society Board. The Pupillage Gateway The Bar Council runs the Pupillage Fair every year as a central clearinghouse and recruitment event. Their aim is to ensure equality and fairness for all potential barristers in terms of background, race and gender. It is also an effort to take the pressure off the other barristers in the initial stages of assortment. The Fair has become a highly popular event, with over 400 barristers attending, who represent a wide range of chambers and the Bar and other law organisations. There are also talks and presentations to attend. Tip: well before you enter BPTC, pick up a copy of the Pupillage Handbook. It has a wealth of information for aspiring barristers. If it doesn’t answer a query that you have directly, it will tell you where to find the answer. Applications First and foremost, you have to decide which branch of the law you wish to practice and whether or not there is a specialism within that area that you’d like to dedicate yourself and your practice to. Once you are sure of that, you can then investigate sets or organisations which deal with those areas. Make sure you understand each organisation’s application schedule and know what you’ll need to do at each stage of the process. Many chambers recruit online and there are directories to find which chambers conduct online recruitment. However, others don’t, so you may have to scour the legal trade journals to find the types of organisations you want. The process through the pupillage gateway is online. The application templates are designed to let you target those that practise in your particular field of interest. An option called ‘Search & Apply’ allows you to apply to up to 12 different chambers or training organisations at once. Mini-pupillages Embarking on a mini-pupillages can be a good idea before you apply for a full-time pupillage. You will get to work with a barrister for three to five days at a time. This will give you an idea of whether or not you are suited to the profession or the particular area of law in which you want to practice. Whether mini-pupillages are available depends on the chamber, some offer them and some don’t. Pupillage Interview Once the all-important interview comes around you have to be prepared. Career changers may have an advantage over those that went straight from school to study law because of their previous interview experience, but the interview isn’t just about completing courses and passing tests. The interviews are more about if you have the right stuff to be successful in your chosen pupillage. All experiences and interests count, not just those directly related to practicing law; both legal and non-legal work experience is valid. It’s important to state your strengths but also to admit your weaknesses. When it comes down to it, honesty is the best policy; they want to know about you as a person, not a fictional ‘perfect’ version of you. You will have to convey self-confidence and, above all else, motivation. Any incidents of advocacy or public speaking will be taken into consideration. During your pupillage interviews, a panel will ask you questions as part of an oral examination. The interviewers will be grilling you to see if you are fit to be taken on as part of their pupillage. Be prepared to think on your feet, some interviewers may throw an issue at you to debate to test your ability to respond quickly to unexpected situations; to impress the interviewers be sure to be clear and concise in your reasoning. Points to Consider There may be a second or even a third round of interviews. The prime objective is to hold their attention. You won’t be the only applicant and you want to stand out for the right reasons. Be prepared to complete a short piece of written work, which you then may be tested on on the spot. Some interview panels indulge in role-playing or off the cuff advocacy. So be prepared to brush off your acting skills. Be sure to know something about the chamber that you are interviewing for, such as specific cases they have fought or important events in the chamber’s history. You need to be prepared with some general knowledge about the latest news or issue facing the legal profession ready to answer any topical questions they may ask. Language skills are increasingly sought, so second languages are a plus for potential applicants to have. Anything in your application can be used for and against you. Be ready to defend or explain any point; this is why it’s not worth over-exaggerating or lying on your application. Remember that pupillage positions are highly sought after, so you need to start thinking about and investigating them well in advance. They are more a test of your character than your legal knowledge. Above all, you need to be both persuasive and flexible to prove to your interviewers that you’re equipped to fight for fairness. For all your legal wear needs visit our store.
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Dressing for Court?
The dress code for court isn’t something the general public know that much about. They base their expectations off of what they see on TV and in films. Any member of the public observing a courtroom will just see what looks like a small murder of crows, because of all the black gowns! But, as anyone working in the legal system will know, it is a serious issue within the legal profession. For those in the legal profession, it is a kind of public, non-verbal statement. Sober attire denotes the seriousness and professionalism involved in the role. The dress code states that the law is a conservative institution that is dedicated to upholding the best interests of the public and whoever has recourse to use the courts. That’s why the upper echelons take it so seriously. Young or aspiring barristers and others may squawk at the restrictions, but the Law Lords enforce this with good reason. They are concerned with the image of the whole profession. Shop Legal Wear Why the Strict Dress Code? The idea behind the simple, dark gowns is to focus the courtroom’s attention on the arguments being presented by the barristers fighting their cases. The prosecuting or defending counsel should be able to command the full attention of the court with the mastery or prowess of their oral advocacy, without recourse to other means. Dress Code Revision: the courtroom working dress code was changed back in 2008 when the new gown was introduced and included the wearing of wigs, collarettes, bands and wing collars. In 2011, the Supreme Court relaxed more court dress codes, after being petitioned by practitioners. Those working the higher courts won’t have to use the traditional court dress unless they would like to, but advocates in the criminal courts will still have to use the old accepted regalia. If you practise in different types of court, make sure that you understand the court dress code for both occasions. Dress code details: Court Dress: wigs and gowns with wing collars or collarettes and bands. Business Suits: dark two or three-piece suit worn by fellow corporate executives. Have any adaptations been made? As practicing or trainee barristers, we hope you now have a good understanding of the requirements, but as you know, it is always good to reiterate the evidence. As mentioned earlier, changes have only been made in specific court cases so the acceptable dress will depend on which court you attend and your role in the courtroom. The Lord Chief Justice laid out the new rules in his Practice Division. Here is a quick summary: Court dress is worn in all the Higher Courts, such as Chancery Division, Administrative Court, Criminal Division, the Queen’s Bench and the Family Division. For the following courtrooms, business suits are the preferred attire: Commercial Courts, Admiralty and Technology Courts. Also in Magistrates Court or during Crown Court when applications for bail are heard in chambers. Tailor De Jure’s advice: many Judges can exercise their discretion of when and where court dress is required. Check before you make your appearance. A good rule of thumb is, when the judge is bewigged and robed, you should be too! Under or Without the Gown Advice for Male Advocates Advice for Female Advocates Conservatively cut suits in dark, muted colours. (Dark blues or dark grey are the best bet, black is frowned upon as it reminds people of funerals.) Pant-suits or skirts below the knee. White shirts and muted coloured ties to match the suit. Legs encased in tights. Any patterns shouldn’t be eye-catching. Solid colours are best. Muted colours with no concession to their femininity. High-necked, buttoned-up blouses. Black dress shoes, highly polished. Discreet jewellery. Jewellery must be small and discreet, nothing that attracts attention. Short and neat haircuts. Hair must be well-groomed and if long, neatly pinned up. Facial hair is acceptable but neatly groomed. Minimal and carefully applied makeup. Solicitors can get away with more. Low-heeled shoes. To find detailed information of what is expected and the exceptions, check with the Bar Council or Law Society. Warning: you don’t want to be bawled out and shown up in court by a peevish judge, so get it right! Definite No-No’s Although now in many courtroom sessions you can wear ‘normal’ clothes, you shouldn’t get carried away. Unfortunately, women advocates may feel that they bear the brunt of official disapproval more than the men and need to be especially careful in their sartorial elegance. No short sleeves. This applies to both genders. No chunky jewellery. Men can be just as guilty as the women, with heavy bracelets, rings or cufflinks. Women shouldn’t wear big rings earrings or pendants. Huge loops are not acceptable either. Men should forget about slipping in the subtle ear stud. No clothes made of shiny materials. Silk or sharkskin suits are out. Women advocates should also avoid silk or satin. Sharp and neat, but dull and mousey are the order of the day. Nothing tight applies more to women for obvious reasons. You will get in trouble for being eye-candy. No straying from grey or dark blue, however much you yearn for a splash of colour. No commando boots or Cuban heels for the men. No trainers or cowboy boots either. Nothing pointy. Ladies, no heels or boots that are too high, or any footwear with straps. No long hair for men and no colourful dyed hair for either males or females. No nose rings, piercings or tattoos. At least, nowhere visible. You may (allegedly) have a Chinese dragon tattooed on your chest or back, but long as it isn’t seen, it’s ok. No short skirts, low-cut or see-through blouses. No brilliant nail varnish. Clear or pallid colours only. No scruffy facial hair. Neat grooming is a must. No wrinkled clothing. No overpowering cologne or perfume. These few pointers will ensure you have the foundations to give the perfect case for all of your clients, providing the best case in their fights. Shop Legal Wear
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