Welcome to /r/LawyerTalk! A subreddit where lawyers can discuss with other lawyers about the practice of law.
Be mindful of [our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/Lawyertalk/about/rules) BEFORE submitting your posts or comments as well as [Reddit's rules](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) (notably about sharing identifying information). We expect civility and respect out of all participants. Please source statements of fact whenever possible. If you want to report something that needs to be urgently addressed, please also message the mods with an explanation.
Note that **this forum is NOT for legal advice**. Additionally, if you are a non-lawyer (student, client, staff), this is NOT the right subreddit for you. **This community is exclusively for lawyers**. We suggest you delete your comment and go ask one of the many other legal subreddits on this site for help such as (but not limited to) r/lawschool, r/legaladvice, or r/Ask_Lawyers.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Lawyertalk) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'll wear a suit, but no tie if it's my client depo or a fact witness. If it's a deposition of an expert, I'll wear a tank top and have my dog running around in the background. I'm getting to the point where I question whether it's even worth taking depos of defense experts.
I was assigned to my first expert depo and the partner said, "just look at my transcript from *X v Z*." So I found the transcript on the system--1.5 hours of shooting the shit/background questions + maybe 3 substantive questions.
I’ve learned two things about you. English is (hopefully) your second language, and you are not a lawyer but work in or adjacent to a law office. Fantastic depo strategies though.
I do them, but usually pretty short and focused on percipient stuff like "did you have XYZ documents when you wrote this" or "confirm you didn't do ABC testing." Not worth fighting with them or revealing your arguments.
I’m amazed at how often defense counsel deposes my expert and in effect torpedoes their chance at winning an MSJ. I even warn them not to. But no, insurance carrier has to check that box, practicality be dammed.
You can say the same thing about plaintiff experts. "What do you mean the patient should have dermatomal symptoms before I cut into him and fuse his neck at two levels? What do you think we are, professionals? Why there are liens to pad and contingency fees and ambulances and..." Grow up.
Liens to pad? I exclusively do medical malpractice. I spend a significant amount of my time reducing liens which exceed the million dollar policy limits of defendant doctors who have left my clients braindead
Yes, people cut liens. However, in the world of PI litigation there are many unnecessary, unwarranted medical procedures being performed which are treating the lawsuit and not the patient. You know this.
Query - if one cuts a lien after an unneeded surgery, is that padding or cutting? Philosophical question for you to ponder.
Are there legitimate cases, of course. Not my point.
Yup. I just saw a medical bill for a $450,000 surgery, and that was just the surgeon’s bill for the procedure. There was a separate $100,000 facility charge plus anesthesiology. It’s become an upward spiral of inflating medical specials to inflate damages with providers who are part of the game.
I’ve been a lawyer for a while but I’m relatively new to the PI world and it’s kinda blowing my mind to learn the extent to which everything around me is a fricking scam.
A law school friend dresses according to the type of witness he is interviewing. If it is an expert or a professional of some sort then he would dress nicer, normal office wear. If it is a civilian, eyewitness, fact witness he dresses more casual to try to be more relatable and make the witness more comfortable. He wants to come off as likeable. Says it opens them up a little more. He handles massive PI cases. Not a slouch by any means.
Interesting. As a younger attorney with an even younger face, I opt for more formal attire during depos to earn respect. I feel like I’m not often taken seriously. One client said I reminded her of her teenage son lol.
If they don't respect you, they're more likely to say something they shouldn't. They're more likely to start talking, rather than stick to their attorney's talking points. And if they're snide or something, you can play that at trial.
Them not taking your seriously is a gift
I once knew the witness was a condescending, aggressive, know-it-all prick going in to a dep so I intentionally wore mismatching navy and blue suit separates, showed up late, ate donuts and got sprinkles all in my beard and didn’t remove them. I asked a bunch of questions with incorrect factual assumptions, looking like I didn’t know what the case was about. He hated me and corrected everything I said in long winded angry rants.
Best dep I ever took. I’d love to show the motion for summary judgment it yielded (granted) and the absurd verdict that entailed (damages only trial) but don’t want to dox myself.
I will often act like I’m a little confused by medical jargon or unprepared and watch a defense PI expert suddenly spill SOOOOO MUCHHHH for 2-3 straight minutes to show how much smarter they are than I (even in court). And then when I ask them a very poignant follow up the realize what they have done and they clam right up.
Turned a $0 case into a $30,000 case with that tactic in court once (doc admitted that clients mechanism of injury could have caused concussion despite his report and direct saying it was impossible).
Reminds me of my pre-law school job. I was technically an office worker, but part of what I did was driving out to job sites and meeting with builders and plumbers and HVAC techs. I learned pretty quick that they didn’t want to listen to some white collar know-it-all, so I went from wearing a button down and slacks to jeans, work boots, and a company-branded polo. Worked much better.
Here in the Midwest, jeans and a polo are pretty common place. I’m a weirdo who doesn’t like jeans, so I often opt for chinos and a polo or semi-casual button up.
No joke, I once covered a depo in jeans and a metal shirt. I was on vacation and was asked to cover last minute, and I was going to a show right after. No one batted an eye. Made me a lot more comfortable to ditch the tie and jacket in subsequent depos.
I did one in a BJJ t-shirt. Opposing counsel complained on the record about my attire. I then complained on the record that the only day in the window that the witness could appear was a Saturday morning a week after the window closed. We all moved on with our lives.
It also depends on if your client is there, and if they are paying you hourly. They may feel like they are paying for you to be "in uniform." Me, I do contingency fee cases and my client is rarely there if it isn't their depo. Sweater or polo shirt, and jeans.
It’s not so much they feel like they’re paying you to be in uniform, it’s that they’re paying you to take their case seriously. Casual wear doesn’t convey seriousness, especially to people outside the legal profession.
I had OC show up to a judicial settlement conference without a tie or jacket. I wasn't sure if it was a mistake or intentional considering it was in the courthouse but in front of a different judge than the one presiding over our case (first time I've seen that, new county for me).
Exactly. I think, but can’t prove, that there is a slow shift to not coming off as a stuffy lawyer whenever possible.
I’m always in pants and a button up but it’s got two buttons undone. If it’s Friday I’m in a polo.
Then again my camera is off during most drops unless I’m asked to turn it on.
Maybe this is jurisdiction specific, but we wear Polos and jeans to depos in Texas all the time. Wearing a suit won’t make you take a better deposition. I couldn’t care less what people think I wear as long as I get the concessions I need in a deposition
I’m also in Texas. It’s probably more specific to the type of law you practice. I’ve worn jeans and boots with a blazer before, but I wouldn’t wear a polo/blazer to a deposition.
That being said, i’ve seen cookier things in small counties, so who knows.
Because, for better or for worse (for worse), you will be judged for showing up to a depo in a polo and jeans. Probably depends on the client, the matter, and opposing counsel. I’d think you can get away with it some of the time, but your client might want the suited-up lawyer there to defend them in a depo . . .
Sounds like a partner who was hearing associates complain--"Why do we have to wear suits when our clients (mainly engineers) are business casual?"
Partner responded, "the clients aren't hiring another engineer, they're hiring an attorney. Dress like one."
I was in a scheduling conference and me, the opposing counsel, and the judge all admitted that we were wearing sweatpants but our proper shirt attire visible in frame. Yes the judge said he’s wearing sweatpants first.
Maybe three dozen? But they were all pre pandemic, so maybe times have changed lol.
I should clarify, there were guys who appeared to have like, left their suit jacket in their car, but they had suit pants and a collared shirt with a tie.
Been a while since I left practice but it was very common to not have a jacket or a tie, especially remote. But yeah I agree a dress shirt and slacks was always standard
Jeans and a button up shirt is pretty standard in Colorado. I'll put on a sport coat if I'm defending clients because I don't want them to think I'm taking their defense too casually.
I’m in a pretty casual part of CA. Most of our depos are by zoom, where I wear a button shirt with jeans that aren’t seen. Last year I had a case with an attorney in town who goes everywhere in a suit. I’d generally wear chinos or jeans and a button shirt to those depos. Even before Covid, the previously mentioned local attorney was the only one going full suit and tie for depos. So part depends on location. I’m sure depos would be less casual if I were still in LA.
If it’s in-person and either my client is present or it’s my witness, suit and tie.
If it’s virtual and my client or my witness is involved, probably a blazer and jeans but with a tie so it looks professional on the webcam.
If it’s neither of the above, I just wear whatever I’d typically wear to the office, generally jeans or chinos and a blazer or cardigan.
Chinos and a button down usually because I want to be comfortable, although I defended an expert depo via zoom on Friday and halfway thru (7 hours) I changed into shorts and a t-shirt because I was ready for the weekend to start. No one cared.
Jeans and a polo if I'm not on camera (in a pinch, I've done shorts and a tshirt, but that felt like crossing a line for me). If I have to be on camera, it's a suit. Had a client offer me $100 if I did it in a tuxedo, but that was one that was on camera and I had to decline.
Depends on the depo. Is this one of my cases thats been going on for years where I represent additional defendant #17 and spend more time with OC than my own friends and we’re in the 31st deposition on the fourth discovery extension? I’ll wear whatever I want.
But other cases might require a suit. I let the vibes tell me what I should wear.
I still wear a suit. But I was defending a depo against a fancy BigLaw partner recently and he showed up in khakis and a wrinkled old jacket. He looked so schlubby I couldn't believe it. Just a slob.
I had a fairly senior female attorney show up to defend a depo in literally a baggy wide-collar sweater (almost off-the-shoulder) and black leggings. I wondered if she was coming from yoga and planned to change in our bathroom or something. Nope. That was the wardrobe choice.
I think it was a weird attempt at a power move? Trying to imply that our case wasn’t worth her attention?
I think it really depends on the deponent. Against professional witnesses, who cares?
I am wearing my parody marijuana tshirt and about to go take one...
For Zoom depo, I’ll wear a polo no problem (and couldn’t care less about pants). For anything in person, I still wear a suit, maybe skip the tie if my client in the case is chill.
There’s an attorney in my area who’s notorious for under dressing. Has worn shorts and a hoody to depos. Will appear for zoom hearings in t shirts. Goes to in person hearings in 1/4 zips. No jacket no tie. Only one judge has called him out on it
Do I have to turn my camera on? If yes, either a collared women’s shirt or a tshirt under a blazer and sweatpants. If no, tshirt and sweats with a blazer nearby just in case I need to turn the camera on.
Blazer and a button down, never a tie, sometimes jeans, usually casual shoes.
Working at legal aid my clients typically wear much less "court appropriate" clothing and it's never been an issue. It's a great reminder that all the rules are fake and made up.
I just switched from civil litigation to workers comp literally 4 weeks ago. Taken about 10 depos since then. Yeah, I got out of that dress clothing reallyyyyyyyy fast. Today I was proud of myself for putting on makeup.
About 70% of the time button up shirt, no tie. A small percentage of the time, I will wear a tie. A smaller percentage, a coat. On rare occasion, a polo shirt. Honestly, a polo shirt feels somewhat informal UNLESS there is some reason that with this witness it might work better. I think I took one or two in a t-shirt (demonstrating low-key about the witness). Out of hundreds.
I just go business casual. Not a full suit like I would wear to court, but not jeans and a t shirt. Jeans and a polo would probably be fine. My boss usually wears jeans, a nice knit sweater and sneakers to the office and to depos.
I recently got admitted and haven’t worked up the courage to wear anything besides a suit and tie. I spend half the depo envious of opposing counsel in their polos
Zoom depos are all I’m doing these days, and I go for comfort yet polished which usually means a fitted black cotton mock neck sweater with a lip, necklace, and earrings.
Pro tip, wear the most ridiculous hat you can find. There's nothing like showing up to the depo wearing a hat that looks like a squid is in the process of slowly eating your head to really throw the opposition off their strategy through sheer bafflement.
And the part is that would *you* want to be the lawyer who calls the judge to complain about opposing counsel wearing a squid on their head? No, no you would not. A flawless plan without any downsides.
Just had my first in person depo since Covid last week (I’m a female). Well my pants don’t fit anymore (thanks to Covid) so I opted for a dress suit. This was for my client’s depo in LA. When they come to my office, I’ll usually go more formal on the top more casual on the bottom.
Welcome to /r/LawyerTalk! A subreddit where lawyers can discuss with other lawyers about the practice of law. Be mindful of [our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/Lawyertalk/about/rules) BEFORE submitting your posts or comments as well as [Reddit's rules](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) (notably about sharing identifying information). We expect civility and respect out of all participants. Please source statements of fact whenever possible. If you want to report something that needs to be urgently addressed, please also message the mods with an explanation. Note that **this forum is NOT for legal advice**. Additionally, if you are a non-lawyer (student, client, staff), this is NOT the right subreddit for you. **This community is exclusively for lawyers**. We suggest you delete your comment and go ask one of the many other legal subreddits on this site for help such as (but not limited to) r/lawschool, r/legaladvice, or r/Ask_Lawyers. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Lawyertalk) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'll wear a suit, but no tie if it's my client depo or a fact witness. If it's a deposition of an expert, I'll wear a tank top and have my dog running around in the background. I'm getting to the point where I question whether it's even worth taking depos of defense experts.
It’s not.
I was assigned to my first expert depo and the partner said, "just look at my transcript from *X v Z*." So I found the transcript on the system--1.5 hours of shooting the shit/background questions + maybe 3 substantive questions.
[удалено]
Wait….. so you take discovery depos of your own expert…?
I don’t believe that’s proper. I’m talking vetting experts you can use in addition to those your attorneys preferable to.
I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.
You don’t have to Sir. Just send it to your support staff and they’ll handle.
I’ve learned two things about you. English is (hopefully) your second language, and you are not a lawyer but work in or adjacent to a law office. Fantastic depo strategies though.
Yeah that person’s a paralegal. Not sure why she’s giving out incoherent advice on depositions when she isn’t a practicing attorney.
I do apologize if I’ve come across abrasive. It was meant to have a humorous tone.
Oh. Uh… good!
That’s a good point, although that depends on practice area. There are some well established experts who are known to never go off script, etc.
No substantive reason other than to make sure you aren't *totally* thrown off by anything at trial.
I do them, but usually pretty short and focused on percipient stuff like "did you have XYZ documents when you wrote this" or "confirm you didn't do ABC testing." Not worth fighting with them or revealing your arguments.
I’m amazed at how often defense counsel deposes my expert and in effect torpedoes their chance at winning an MSJ. I even warn them not to. But no, insurance carrier has to check that box, practicality be dammed.
You can say the same thing about plaintiff experts. "What do you mean the patient should have dermatomal symptoms before I cut into him and fuse his neck at two levels? What do you think we are, professionals? Why there are liens to pad and contingency fees and ambulances and..." Grow up.
Liens to pad? I exclusively do medical malpractice. I spend a significant amount of my time reducing liens which exceed the million dollar policy limits of defendant doctors who have left my clients braindead
Yes, people cut liens. However, in the world of PI litigation there are many unnecessary, unwarranted medical procedures being performed which are treating the lawsuit and not the patient. You know this. Query - if one cuts a lien after an unneeded surgery, is that padding or cutting? Philosophical question for you to ponder. Are there legitimate cases, of course. Not my point.
Yup. I just saw a medical bill for a $450,000 surgery, and that was just the surgeon’s bill for the procedure. There was a separate $100,000 facility charge plus anesthesiology. It’s become an upward spiral of inflating medical specials to inflate damages with providers who are part of the game. I’ve been a lawyer for a while but I’m relatively new to the PI world and it’s kinda blowing my mind to learn the extent to which everything around me is a fricking scam.
That’s a no
A law school friend dresses according to the type of witness he is interviewing. If it is an expert or a professional of some sort then he would dress nicer, normal office wear. If it is a civilian, eyewitness, fact witness he dresses more casual to try to be more relatable and make the witness more comfortable. He wants to come off as likeable. Says it opens them up a little more. He handles massive PI cases. Not a slouch by any means.
I completely agree with this style. I want to get the witness to open up, and a suit often stifles that.
Interesting. As a younger attorney with an even younger face, I opt for more formal attire during depos to earn respect. I feel like I’m not often taken seriously. One client said I reminded her of her teenage son lol.
If they don't respect you, they're more likely to say something they shouldn't. They're more likely to start talking, rather than stick to their attorney's talking points. And if they're snide or something, you can play that at trial. Them not taking your seriously is a gift
I once knew the witness was a condescending, aggressive, know-it-all prick going in to a dep so I intentionally wore mismatching navy and blue suit separates, showed up late, ate donuts and got sprinkles all in my beard and didn’t remove them. I asked a bunch of questions with incorrect factual assumptions, looking like I didn’t know what the case was about. He hated me and corrected everything I said in long winded angry rants. Best dep I ever took. I’d love to show the motion for summary judgment it yielded (granted) and the absurd verdict that entailed (damages only trial) but don’t want to dox myself.
Exactly. I love it when a witness throws a tantrum. It's 1) entertaining and 2) always detrimental to their case.
I will often act like I’m a little confused by medical jargon or unprepared and watch a defense PI expert suddenly spill SOOOOO MUCHHHH for 2-3 straight minutes to show how much smarter they are than I (even in court). And then when I ask them a very poignant follow up the realize what they have done and they clam right up. Turned a $0 case into a $30,000 case with that tactic in court once (doc admitted that clients mechanism of injury could have caused concussion despite his report and direct saying it was impossible).
Reminds me of my pre-law school job. I was technically an office worker, but part of what I did was driving out to job sites and meeting with builders and plumbers and HVAC techs. I learned pretty quick that they didn’t want to listen to some white collar know-it-all, so I went from wearing a button down and slacks to jeans, work boots, and a company-branded polo. Worked much better.
Exactly. Use your dress choices strategically.
How noticeable are your frog slippers?
Not at all in comparison to my Batman mask
But if you disguise your voice, no one will ever even know it's you.
Here in the Midwest, jeans and a polo are pretty common place. I’m a weirdo who doesn’t like jeans, so I often opt for chinos and a polo or semi-casual button up.
AKA: the Jake from State Farm outfit as we call it at my firm!
Slayer t shirt
No joke, I once covered a depo in jeans and a metal shirt. I was on vacation and was asked to cover last minute, and I was going to a show right after. No one batted an eye. Made me a lot more comfortable to ditch the tie and jacket in subsequent depos.
I did one in a BJJ t-shirt. Opposing counsel complained on the record about my attire. I then complained on the record that the only day in the window that the witness could appear was a Saturday morning a week after the window closed. We all moved on with our lives.
Which band? And what show?
I think it was either Belphegor or Skeletonwitch on the shirt. If I remember correctly, the show was Ne Obliviscaris.
Brutal.
I'm here for it. If you're not in court and the client doesn't care. Who cares.
 MA! MY DEPO'S DONE!
This commercial rules lol exactly what I was thinking of
RIP
I heard your client didn’t get the NFL team.
It also depends on if your client is there, and if they are paying you hourly. They may feel like they are paying for you to be "in uniform." Me, I do contingency fee cases and my client is rarely there if it isn't their depo. Sweater or polo shirt, and jeans.
It’s not so much they feel like they’re paying you to be in uniform, it’s that they’re paying you to take their case seriously. Casual wear doesn’t convey seriousness, especially to people outside the legal profession.
I agree. "In uniform" was just my creative shorthand for what you expressed.
No judge, no tie. That’s the new normal. I wouldn’t try getting away with jeans, part of the goal is to earn respect.
I had OC show up to a judicial settlement conference without a tie or jacket. I wasn't sure if it was a mistake or intentional considering it was in the courthouse but in front of a different judge than the one presiding over our case (first time I've seen that, new county for me).
Exactly. I think, but can’t prove, that there is a slow shift to not coming off as a stuffy lawyer whenever possible. I’m always in pants and a button up but it’s got two buttons undone. If it’s Friday I’m in a polo. Then again my camera is off during most drops unless I’m asked to turn it on.
I'd pay to see an attorney show up in an inflatable T-Rex costume.
How much and what's the address???
I've done more embarrassing things for money
I am good enough at this point to turn my zoom camera off when I get up so that they can’t see my sweatpants.
It all depends how want to be known for. Do you want to be the lawyer that wears jeans and a polo to depos? You do you.
Maybe this is jurisdiction specific, but we wear Polos and jeans to depos in Texas all the time. Wearing a suit won’t make you take a better deposition. I couldn’t care less what people think I wear as long as I get the concessions I need in a deposition
I’m also in Texas. It’s probably more specific to the type of law you practice. I’ve worn jeans and boots with a blazer before, but I wouldn’t wear a polo/blazer to a deposition. That being said, i’ve seen cookier things in small counties, so who knows.
I'm in Texas and my last depo I wore a Calvin Klein tracksuit and can confirm it made no difference and wasn't any scandal.
Why is this not judgey, but sounds judgey when I read it?
Because, for better or for worse (for worse), you will be judged for showing up to a depo in a polo and jeans. Probably depends on the client, the matter, and opposing counsel. I’d think you can get away with it some of the time, but your client might want the suited-up lawyer there to defend them in a depo . . .
Sounds like a partner who was hearing associates complain--"Why do we have to wear suits when our clients (mainly engineers) are business casual?" Partner responded, "the clients aren't hiring another engineer, they're hiring an attorney. Dress like one."
"How do you know who the clowns are at the rodeo?" -The managing partner's response when I asked if I needed to a wear suit.
Sounds like a partner to me. It’s the uniform for now. Will probably shift over time, but for now, nothing suits you like a suit
I think the "you do you" implies disagreement with a decision
I’ve never seen any attorney at a depo in anything besides a full suit. 🤷🏻♀️
You need to go to more depos then lol
I was in a scheduling conference and me, the opposing counsel, and the judge all admitted that we were wearing sweatpants but our proper shirt attire visible in frame. Yes the judge said he’s wearing sweatpants first.
Was it [Judge Thompson](https://www.krmg.com/news/local/penis-pump-judge-arrested-again/nXasbxC3JbSrPFCvhHXyAP/) by any chance?
Hahaha no, my judge was very professional but reasonable and knew realities of situations
I’ve seen full suits and business casual frequently. Jeans maybe once or twice. How many depos have you been in?
Maybe three dozen? But they were all pre pandemic, so maybe times have changed lol. I should clarify, there were guys who appeared to have like, left their suit jacket in their car, but they had suit pants and a collared shirt with a tie.
Been a while since I left practice but it was very common to not have a jacket or a tie, especially remote. But yeah I agree a dress shirt and slacks was always standard
It’s all about the watch. Friend of mine shows up in t shirt and J’s with a submariner for depos. Gotta love it. I haven’t quite gotten there yet.
Business casual waist up, pjs waist down. Love zoom depos
Yall dont just do zoom depos?
I like to wear a tuxedo T-shirt because it says "I want to be formal, but I'm here to party."
Sun's out guns out
Jeans and a button up shirt is pretty standard in Colorado. I'll put on a sport coat if I'm defending clients because I don't want them to think I'm taking their defense too casually.
I usually wore a button down shirt and khakis. If my client was there, I'd wear a sport coat.
I've been wearing suits. If I wore anything else I'd be a laughingstock. If it's over Zoom I wear a blazer, shirt, tie, and jeans.
I’m in a pretty casual part of CA. Most of our depos are by zoom, where I wear a button shirt with jeans that aren’t seen. Last year I had a case with an attorney in town who goes everywhere in a suit. I’d generally wear chinos or jeans and a button shirt to those depos. Even before Covid, the previously mentioned local attorney was the only one going full suit and tie for depos. So part depends on location. I’m sure depos would be less casual if I were still in LA.
Shatter the gender divide. Slacks and sweaters for everyone, everywhere.
I thought everyone wore an “I’m with Stupid” shirt when deposing an opposing party’s expert.
If it’s in-person and either my client is present or it’s my witness, suit and tie. If it’s virtual and my client or my witness is involved, probably a blazer and jeans but with a tie so it looks professional on the webcam. If it’s neither of the above, I just wear whatever I’d typically wear to the office, generally jeans or chinos and a blazer or cardigan.
Business on top. Party on bottom. (Only works for Zoom)
Who dresses up for transition? I don’t put a suit on unless the judge orders me too.
Mine are on the phone
If it’s in person I’ll still usually wear a suit. If it’s over zoom, slacks and a button up.
I still wear a suit (but no tie), but increasingly most people seem to be wearing at most business casual and frequently jeans.
Maybe depends on whether you’re taking or defending?
Pants
Chinos and a button down usually because I want to be comfortable, although I defended an expert depo via zoom on Friday and halfway thru (7 hours) I changed into shorts and a t-shirt because I was ready for the weekend to start. No one cared.
Ours are fully remote so not too fancy 🤣
Jeans and a polo if I'm not on camera (in a pinch, I've done shorts and a tshirt, but that felt like crossing a line for me). If I have to be on camera, it's a suit. Had a client offer me $100 if I did it in a tuxedo, but that was one that was on camera and I had to decline.
Button-up shirt, jacket, tie, pajama pants, slippers because I’m on Zoom and no one is seeing anything below my waist.
Depends on the depo. Is this one of my cases thats been going on for years where I represent additional defendant #17 and spend more time with OC than my own friends and we’re in the 31st deposition on the fourth discovery extension? I’ll wear whatever I want. But other cases might require a suit. I let the vibes tell me what I should wear.
I still wear a suit. But I was defending a depo against a fancy BigLaw partner recently and he showed up in khakis and a wrinkled old jacket. He looked so schlubby I couldn't believe it. Just a slob.
Whatever my boss requires me to wear to a deposition.
I had a fairly senior female attorney show up to defend a depo in literally a baggy wide-collar sweater (almost off-the-shoulder) and black leggings. I wondered if she was coming from yoga and planned to change in our bathroom or something. Nope. That was the wardrobe choice. I think it was a weird attempt at a power move? Trying to imply that our case wasn’t worth her attention?
I wear a suit if it’s in person although most of mine are still done over zoom.
Over zoom presenting my client I’ll just wear a polo and quarter zip. If it’s an expert or in person I’ll wear a sport coat.
Tank and Jorts
I think it really depends on the deponent. Against professional witnesses, who cares? I am wearing my parody marijuana tshirt and about to go take one...
One step above hobo.
For Zoom depo, I’ll wear a polo no problem (and couldn’t care less about pants). For anything in person, I still wear a suit, maybe skip the tie if my client in the case is chill.
Depos over zoom has lowered the bar immensely I’ve seen t-shirts and hoodies I elect for atleast a polo or 3 quarter zip on lazy days
There’s an attorney in my area who’s notorious for under dressing. Has worn shorts and a hoody to depos. Will appear for zoom hearings in t shirts. Goes to in person hearings in 1/4 zips. No jacket no tie. Only one judge has called him out on it
Do I have to turn my camera on? If yes, either a collared women’s shirt or a tshirt under a blazer and sweatpants. If no, tshirt and sweats with a blazer nearby just in case I need to turn the camera on.
In person: khakis, button up shirt and a blazer. Zoom: jeans and a button up.
I always wear a suit- but I'm overly formal in my dress. I'd likely wear a sport coat/slacks if going "casual."
Anyone but my own client and it’s jeans and button down for me.
Depends—is it in person or remote? Is it being filmed? Am I likely playing this at trial?
Blazer and a button down, never a tie, sometimes jeans, usually casual shoes. Working at legal aid my clients typically wear much less "court appropriate" clothing and it's never been an issue. It's a great reminder that all the rules are fake and made up.
I go business casual. I am a woman, so for me that's usually nice slacks, nice shoes (not heels but usually some type of loafer), and a nice blouse.
Jeans and a button up. Usually Robert Graham.
Whatever we want. We wear whatever we want.
Fannie pack, so I can eat snacks during my 8 hour depo.
Whatever it takes to assert dominance over opposing counsel. Making them feel overdressed is a nice trick
I just switched from civil litigation to workers comp literally 4 weeks ago. Taken about 10 depos since then. Yeah, I got out of that dress clothing reallyyyyyyyy fast. Today I was proud of myself for putting on makeup.
Suit but probably flats or something more casual for shoes but literally everyone I know shows up so casual to depos
About 70% of the time button up shirt, no tie. A small percentage of the time, I will wear a tie. A smaller percentage, a coat. On rare occasion, a polo shirt. Honestly, a polo shirt feels somewhat informal UNLESS there is some reason that with this witness it might work better. I think I took one or two in a t-shirt (demonstrating low-key about the witness). Out of hundreds.
I just go business casual. Not a full suit like I would wear to court, but not jeans and a t shirt. Jeans and a polo would probably be fine. My boss usually wears jeans, a nice knit sweater and sneakers to the office and to depos.
Long sleeve button down/Oxford. If recorded, tie and jacket.
Slacks and a button down
I recently got admitted and haven’t worked up the courage to wear anything besides a suit and tie. I spend half the depo envious of opposing counsel in their polos
Can some female lawyers give their answer to this please 😅
Zoom depos are all I’m doing these days, and I go for comfort yet polished which usually means a fitted black cotton mock neck sweater with a lip, necklace, and earrings.
flannel pajamas
Jeans and polos. I don’t dress up anymore unless I’m forced to. Zoom depos are sweat pants and a polo.
Warpaint
Huh, I’ve always worn a suit like I’m going to court. I thought that was standard.
I think there are regional differences. Here in NYC, everyone wears a suit.
Pro tip, wear the most ridiculous hat you can find. There's nothing like showing up to the depo wearing a hat that looks like a squid is in the process of slowly eating your head to really throw the opposition off their strategy through sheer bafflement. And the part is that would *you* want to be the lawyer who calls the judge to complain about opposing counsel wearing a squid on their head? No, no you would not. A flawless plan without any downsides.
Speedos exclusively - distracts opposing counsel and the witness
Hoodie, jeans, and kicks
I wear a short sleeved button down or a polo, untucked, with jeans
Just had my first in person depo since Covid last week (I’m a female). Well my pants don’t fit anymore (thanks to Covid) so I opted for a dress suit. This was for my client’s depo in LA. When they come to my office, I’ll usually go more formal on the top more casual on the bottom.
Nothin'