Jury trials can often feel like you're right back in high school trying to win a popularity contest based on proving your nemesis wrong before a group of your peers. And while you might think you benefit by looking cooler, sharper, richer, or simply "better" than your adversary, in the eyes of a jury, your panache, or bling, may be your downfall.
Simply put, yes, jurors care about your attire, but not in the way you might think. Generally, since juries are usually comprised of people from all walks of life, your now-vintage $10K Apple Watch might not impress anyone but tech-folk, while on the other hand, or wrist, a Rolex might send the wrong signals. In short, if your usual attire or accessories reflect your riches, you might consider toning it down for the jury. The jury members aren't your peers, they're your client's peers.
Too Much Flash, You Might Take a Bath
While using all the latest, greatest tech might be helpful when it comes to presenting your case, there's a fine line between helpful and distracting. The same applies to your clothing and accessories. You don't want a jury to even have a second thought about your clothing or jewelry or tech. Your bling should not blang, and jewelry shouldn't sparkle. You're not trying to catch anyone's attention, and let's face it, sparkly things and cool tech gadgets distract.
The last thing you want is to be explaining something pivotal during your closing when the light catches the mobster-style oversized diamond in your pinky-ring just right and sends jurors 2, 6, and 12 into three different daydreams about greed, romance, and their first marriage.
Hardworking Underdog Style
When you plan your attire for a jury trial, you should plan on looking as plain as possible. You don't want jurors to resent you for "throwing" your wealth in their face.
Single, solid color grey, black, and navy suits, with a white shirt and simple matching ties are the norm. Expressing your individuality may feel right, but if there's a jury, you don't want your individuality influencing your case. If you feel the need to make sure your clothing is unique, get your boring, plain, jury trial suits tailored to fit you properly ... and no, don't have the tailor sew in a flashy lining as nod to Seinfeld.
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Related Resources:
- Dressing For the Jury -- It's More Complicated Than You Think (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Guy Court Attire 101: Neckties or Bow Ties? (FindLaw's Strategist)
- What California Courts Say About Lawyer Attire (FindLaw's California Case Law)
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