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Related Discussions
Lawyers, law schools, and tattoos
Alright, so a fun topic here but do any of you guys have tattoos? A self promise I made was that I would get my first the moment I made it to law school, and my last when I graduated. Anyway, I assume that the law profession could care less about tattoos so long as you have them in places where they are hidden (back, shoulder, chest, etc). Is that standard practice? Do any of you guys have any that are not in places where they are perfectly hidden?
Also, you guys can get the mocking out of the way, I want to get the "justice is blind" tattoo either on my shoulder or back.
Also, you guys can get the mocking out of the way, I want to get the "justice is blind" tattoo either on my shoulder or back.
Comments
Lady justice is actually a really cool idea for a tattoo. Especially considering how meaningful the pursuit of law is to so many of us!
Metallica had an awesome album cover with lady justice. I would check that out for ideas!
I've always been a firm believer that going into the professional world, you should dress and "look" the part. That's not to say that great, successful professionals with visible tattoos are non-existent. BUT, in today's society, I just wouldn't go out and get them (visibly) all over my arms, legs, and face. I say "all over" but I would probably go as far as saying "not at all."
Tattoos are a matter of personal choice, and I don't see any problem with having hidden tattoos going into the professional world. But, not a fan of visible ones. Especially when you look at it from the perspective that, lawyers are to act as role models in the community.
Full disclosure: My statements above are clearly my own opinion on a very controversial topic.
Some people in our generation (millennials) might not care; however, I can assure you in corporate America, visible tattoos are still very taboo. Law is still, by and large, a conservative-leaning profession when it comes to social norms, and tattoos are still looked upon quite unpropitiously.
Basically, if you want to work in law/corporate America, don't get a visible tattoo. Write whatever saying/lyric you want on your body on a post-it note and stick it where you can see it daily, lol.
I'll have to agree with @"Alex Divine" . Some of the corporate work environments I've been in don't care about tattoos, but ask that they are covered up when dealing with clients. Others care very much, and don't want them to be visible at all times, and I've kept mine hidden from them (my managers/CEO have no clue I have tattoos).
I've been dying to get a half sleeve, but I don't think that will ever happen. Unfortunately in the practice of law, which is still pretty conservative, any visible, noticeable tattoos are most likely not appropriate. So non-visible tattoos it is!
You own and run your own business though, too, right?
If so, I'm jealous haha!
The younger generation tends to hold a less conservative view regarding tattoos. They're so prevalent in today's society, that we (younger generation) don't see a problem with them. But, keep in mind, the person interviewing you for your first post-law school job probably won't be a guy/gal in his/her late 20's, early 30's.
Be mindful of where you get your tattoos.
That said, during my internship I met about 15 or so attorneys. I'm pretty sure I saw visible tattoos on at least 6 of them. Again...I'd still either avoid getting a tattoo, or get it somewhere where it can be covered up.
One anecdote that sticks out in my mind took place when I was interviewing.
I have a large scar on my hand, and one of the interviewers asked me point blank, less than 5 minutes into my 1st interview, if that was a tattoo on my hand. I told him it was a scar and he apologized, but I remember the tone came across as accusatory and somewhat acrimonious. And clearly it was important enough to interrupt the flow of the interview to ask. So glean from that what you will.
Also looked down upon in corporate America are: men with earrings (My boss has made it clear that's not permitted), men's hair that's on the long(er) side, and being overweight. It's all unfair and it sucks, but that's really how it is. And of course, there are always exceptions to everything, but when your competition interviewing before you has a degree from Wharton, is clean cut, standard issue, and does not have tats; you quickly begin to see why you don't want to be the edgy guy who looks like he works at Hot Topic. You represent the firm/company you work for, and it's tacitly understood that most visible tats are going to be a disqualifier. At least most of the time.
I'd also like to add that there are many exceptions with regard to tats. A girl I work with has a small word written on her wrist (I think it says something benign like "Hope") and that doesn't seem to be a problem. Another buddy I work with has a few forearm tats that remain covered. As long as no one can see them or they are small, there aren't going to be any problems. I can, however, assure you you're not getting hired where I work or any white shoe law firm with a neck tattoo, knuckle tats, gauged ears, or what have you.
I have 9 tattoos and most of them are visible, plus I've also promised myself Lady Justice (with many modifications) when I am admitted into law school. Desired placement: on my entire left upper arm to balance my right upper arm half-sleeve.
When I become a practicing attorney, I also plan on wearing any length sleeves that are comfortable pursuant to the weather, including going sleeveless in the office if necessary. Am I so bold to go sleeveless in court? We'll find out!
I have heard every argument and counterargument listed above, plus many more, and they're all excellent points worthy of consideration (I LOVE that this community encourages respectful opinion-sharing, and exchanging helpful advice)---especially given the conservative nature of any corporate setting, particularly law.
My two cents: I can do what many other people do, I just don't want to look like like most when I'm doing it. I have come to the belief and practice of that if anyone judges me based on my looks rather than my resume, brains, blah, blah, blah, then I don't want to work for/with them.
I don't even like to wear pantyhose with my open-toed sandals in the Summer at work (that's how conservative some law offices are---I try not to look at it as sexist, but maybe it is). Besides, it's so much more fun to surprise people when they least expect it.
As mentioned by another, this is a HIGHLY personal decision and topic, and one has to live with one's conscience and decisions. Whichever your decision (visible tattoo or not), go for it with a side of gusto!
Congrats on kicking that HL in the butt!!