MURFREESBORO (AP) - A Tennessee judge has drafted a letter, telling female attorneys to dress professionally at court.
The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1a7iQtZ) reported Rutherford County Circuit Court Judge Royce Taylor said he has received a number of complaints from lawyers concerning other attorneys' apparel choices.
Taylor said he found judges weren't holding female attorneys to the same standard as male lawyers.
In his notice, Taylor wrote he has advised women attorneys that jackets should have sleeves that extend below the elbow and noted attorneys' personal appearance in court is a reflection upon the legal profession.
Attorney Lisa Eischeid said she has worn a business suit throughout the 23 years she has been a lawyer.
"Someone needs to tell women that sundresses are not proper in the courtroom," Eischeid said.
Eischeid said Taylor is equally demanding of male attorneys a nd said she once saw him hold a man in contempt for appearing without a jacket. Taylor confirmed the story and added that he made the attorney donate to charity as well.
Image and brand consultant Mila Grigg works with more than 100 attorneys in Middle Tennessee. She said the millennial generation often has "a different standard for what professional looks like."
"I've never met an attorney who has broke the rules on purpose," Grigg said. "They'll say, 'Oh, I can't wear that? What should I be wearing?' "