When a trial lawyer walks into a courtroom, the case has already begun.
In this powerful podcast conversation, veteran New York trial attorney Michael Jaffee, Esq., partner at Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, joins designer Janine Giorgenti to discuss a critical but often overlooked subject: how attorneys should dress for court — and why courtroom attire for trial lawyers directly impacts perception, authority, and persuasion.
With more than 30 years representing victims of personal injury and discrimination across Long Island and the New York metropolitan area, Michael Jaffee has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements and is a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum. His success in the courtroom is built on preparation, strategy, and disciplined presentation.
A courtroom is a controlled environment of evaluation.
Jurors assess credibility instantly. Judges observe professionalism and respect. Opposing counsel gauges confidence and command.
Before opening statements begin, appearance has already influenced perception.
Understanding what lawyers should wear to trial is not about vanity. It is about strategic communication. Professional courtroom attire signals:
For plaintiff attorneys especially, credibility is everything. When representing clients whose lives have been altered by injury or injustice, presentation must align with the gravity of the case.
A precisely tailored suit is not fashion.
It is persuasive strategy.
Janine Giorgenti has personally consulted hundreds of attorneys on how to dress for court and how professional image affects jury perception.
As founder of GIORGENTI Custom Clothing and a recognized authority on courtroom attire for trial lawyers, she is a consultant to the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and has advised the Nassau County Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association. She has delivered educational presentations on how strategic wardrobe decisions influence credibility, authority, and courtroom dynamics.
Her work focuses on helping litigators align visual presentation with legal strength.
Her expertise is not about fashion — it is about persuasion.
During this conversation, Janine and Michael discuss how professional attire for litigators should reflect:
In high-stakes litigation, courtroom presence is part of case strategy.
Trial lawyers spend months preparing arguments, evidence, and testimony.
Yet courtroom attire for trial lawyers is often overlooked — despite being the first signal jurors receive.
When an attorney enters fully composed, precisely dressed, and aligned in every detail, it reflects the same rigor brought to the case itself. It communicates seriousness of purpose and respect for the judicial process.
Presence shapes perception.
Perception influences persuasion.
And persuasion wins cases.
