Law students have always had to make strong first impressions when interviewing for summer positions. Now, with many law firms moving up the timeline for hiring 2L summer associates, those first impressions become even more crucial earlier in students’ law school careers.
We asked three Illinois law school professionals for advice for law students on navigating professional attire for interviews and about affordable ways that students can build their closet.
What to wear to an interview
“For interviews, a suit should be the standard uniform,” said Katie Liss, Assistant Dean & Director of the DePaul University College of Law Office of Professional & Career Development, emphasizing that the legal profession leans more formal and conservative.
The business casual attire (e.g., nice pants, a dress, or collared shirt) that you may wear to some law school events will most likely not be the preferred attire for an interview.
Barbri describes business formal as a full suit for men, including a jacket, dress pants, a dress shirt, dress shoes, and a matching belt and tie. The suit should be fitted, but not too tight.
For women, the expectations are largely the same, Barbri says, with the option of a pant or skirt suit and closed-toe shoes, which can be heels or flats.
Margaret O’Mara Frossard, Associate Dean for Professionalism & Career Strategy at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, noted that the way you show up can signify your respect for an organization and the legal system, while reinforcing how you view yourself as a lawyer.
“First impressions are important, reflect your professional identity, and demonstrate your respect for the judicial process and the legal system,” she said.
What to wear to a professional event
Dress codes for professional events that are not related to an interview will vary based on organization, topic, location, and who will be in attendance.
Examples of professional events are a networking session at your law school or at a law firm, an awards gala, or a legal mentoring event.
“Law students invited to a fundraiser with dinner and a reception should dress in more formal attire, and this is usually noted in the invitation,” said Ka’sha Bernard, Assistant Dean & Director of Career Opportunities and Professional Development and Director of Externships at Northern Illinois University College of Law.
Like fundraisers, other professional events often state the dress code on the invitation. If it is not noted, err on the side of more formal, especially if judges, practicing lawyers, or law school leaders will be in attendance.
For more casual networking receptions or a panel at your law school, Liss said business casual is often appropriate, i.e., a blazer with nice pants and a button-down shirt or blouse.
What to wear on the first day of a new job
Liss recommends business formal as a safe option for a first day of work, unless you are told otherwise.
Once you understand the culture of your workplace, you can alter your dress accordingly, Bernard said.
“Depending on where you are and where you work, getting a sense of the work environment can lend itself to more self-expression down the line,” she said. “As long as you are comfortable and dressed appropriately for the environment you are in, you should be in a good place.”
Some organizations and judicial circuits may have dress expectations for professional dress outlined on their websites or in handbooks.
“We advise students to check the expectations for professional conduct, including dress attire, within the judicial circuit where they may be working as either an extern or licensed lawyer or visiting as an observer,” Frossard said.
How do I build a professional attire wardrobe for my legal career?
While professional attire is expected in many areas of the legal profession, it can be pricey. Luckily, many Illinois law schools have professional attire lending closets on campus.
These closets are often free for students and can help them build or supplement their professional attire. Below is a list of these resources.
- Chicago-Kent College of Law – Illinois Tech Career Clothing Closet
- Where: Hermann Hall, Room 111
- Hours: Wednesdays 12:50 to 1:50 p.m. or by appointment on Fridays 12 to 3 p.m.
- DePaul University College of Law – Law Career Closet
- Where: Office of Professional & Career Development, Lewis 3rd Floor
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when class is in session. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when class is not in session, excluding holidays
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law – Quinlan Closet
- Where: Quinlan Closet, Quinlan School of Business
- Hours: By appointment
- Northern Illinois University College of Law – Law Closet by the First-Generation Law Student Society
- Where: Law Library
- Contact: NIU First Generation Law Student Society
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Law – Professional Clothes Closet
- Where: UIC Law, 300 S. State Street, Room S-1108
- Hours: when the Law School is open
Are there any resources that we have missed? Please reach out mail@2civility.org and let us know.
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