The Importance of Professional Attire in Elevating the Perception of Court Reporters

Posted bystenoimperiumPosted inCourt ReportingTags:, , , , , , , , ,

Court reporters play a critical role in the legal system. As the guardians of the official record, we ensure that every word spoken in a deposition, trial, or hearing is accurately transcribed. Despite our indispensable contributions, the perception of our profession often does not match the level of skill, expertise, and responsibility we uphold. One way to elevate our standing in the legal community is through our professional attire. By choosing to wear business suits and maintaining a polished appearance, rather than dressing in a way that resembles a kindergarten schoolteacher or casual office worker, we can reinforce the perception of court reporting as a highly skilled and prestigious career.

Why Professional Attire Matters

Perception is reality, and in the legal profession, appearances carry significant weight. Attorneys, judges, and clients expect a certain level of decorum in the courtroom and deposition settings. The way we present ourselves directly impacts how we are perceived, not only as individuals but as representatives of our profession. Dressing in suits and professional business attire communicates authority, confidence, and credibility—qualities that are essential for court reporters to command respect in the legal environment.

Legal professionals, including attorneys and judges, adhere to a formal dress code that signals their role and stature within the judicial system. As court reporters, we interact closely with these professionals and should aim to meet or exceed their standard of dress. A well-tailored suit, polished shoes, and a sophisticated overall look demonstrate that we take our profession seriously and expect to be treated as valued contributors to the legal process.

The Significance of Appearance in Leadership

The importance of professional attire goes beyond our own field—it extends to how we are perceived by other professions. A notable example of this occurred when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wore a sweatshirt and pants to meet President Donald Trump at the White House. His decision to wear casual attire in such an important setting offended many, as it was seen as disrespecting the formality of the Oval Office and undermining the gravitas of the occasion. Despite the context of Zelenskyy’s visit—marked by his leadership in wartime—his attire was criticized as not befitting the dignity of the office he was meeting. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how attire can influence perception, especially in settings where authority, respect, and professionalism are paramount.

Embracing a More Professional Appearance

While teachers serve a vital role in shaping young minds, their dress code is often dictated by practicality and comfort. Many schoolteachers opt for cardigans, floral blouses, khakis, or casual dresses—styles that, while professional in an educational setting, may not project the level of authority and sophistication required in the legal field. Court reporters who adopt a similar style risk being perceived as less authoritative or integral to the legal process.

To distinguish ourselves from the “schoolteacher look” and align with the formality of the legal profession, we should prioritize structured clothing with clean lines, neutral or dark colors, and high-quality fabrics. Blazers, tailored trousers, pencil skirts, and classic button-down shirts all contribute to a polished and professional image. Accessories should be minimal and refined, avoiding anything too flashy or distracting.

Building a Professional Court Reporter Wardrobe

Creating a wardrobe that reflects the prestige of court reporting requires thoughtful selection and investment in high-quality pieces. Below are key elements to consider:

1. Suits and Blazers

A well-fitted suit is the cornerstone of a professional court reporter’s wardrobe. Opt for classic colors such as black, navy, charcoal gray, or deep burgundy. Women can choose between pant suits and skirt suits, while men should ensure their suit jackets and pants match perfectly. Blazers should be structured, tailored, and paired with coordinating dress pants or skirts.

2. Dress Shirts and Blouses

Crisp, button-down shirts and blouses in neutral tones or subtle patterns provide a sophisticated base for any professional outfit. Avoid overly bright colors, ruffles, or casual styles that may detract from the seriousness of the legal setting.

3. Trousers and Skirts

High-quality, tailored trousers in classic colors create a polished look. Women should opt for knee-length or midi-length pencil skirts that complement blazers and dress shirts. Avoid anything too tight, short, or trendy, as these styles can undermine the professionalism we aim to project.

4. Dresses

A structured, knee-length dress in a neutral color can be a sophisticated alternative to a suit. Look for dresses with clean lines, modest necklines, and sleeves that maintain a professional aesthetic. Layering with a blazer further enhances the formal look.

5. Footwear

Shoes should be closed-toe and polished, such as classic pumps, loafers, or dress shoes. Avoid overly high heels, sandals, or casual footwear like sneakers, as these can diminish the formality of an outfit.

6. Accessories and Grooming

Minimalistic and elegant accessories—such as simple stud earrings, a sleek watch, or a structured handbag—complement a professional look. Hair should be neatly styled, and makeup (if worn) should be understated and refined. Well-manicured nails and a clean, polished appearance further reinforce professionalism.

The Psychological and Professional Benefits of Dressing Well

Beyond influencing external perceptions, dressing professionally also has a profound impact on self-perception and confidence. Studies have shown that individuals who dress in formal business attire tend to feel more competent and authoritative. When we look the part, we naturally adopt the demeanor and attitude that align with our appearance.

Additionally, dressing well can lead to better career opportunities. When attorneys and law firms see that a court reporter presents themselves with the same level of professionalism as the legal team, they are more likely to view that individual as a trusted and indispensable part of the legal process. This can result in repeat business, referrals, and opportunities to work on high-profile cases.

Setting the Standard for Future Court Reporters

By committing to a more professional dress code, we also set an example for future court reporters entering the field. Newcomers will look to experienced professionals for guidance on how to navigate the legal environment, and our attire should reflect the standards we wish to uphold.

Associations and court reporting schools can also play a role in emphasizing the importance of professional dress. Encouraging students to adopt business attire early on will prepare them for success in the workforce and reinforce the idea that court reporting is a prestigious and highly regarded profession.

Elevating the Court Reporting Profession Through Attire

Court reporters are an essential part of the legal community, and our attire should reflect the professionalism and importance of our role. Moving away from a casual or “schoolteacher” look and embracing suits and formal business attire will help elevate the perception of our profession. By dressing with intention and sophistication, we command the respect we deserve and solidify our status as indispensable members of the legal field. Investing in a high-quality, professional wardrobe is not just about fashion—it is a strategic step toward gaining recognition, credibility, and career advancement in the legal community.

Published by stenoimperium

We exist to facilitate the fortifying of the Stenography profession and ensure its survival for the next hundred years! As court reporters, we've handed the relationship role with our customers, or attorneys, over to the agencies and their sales reps.  This has done a lot of damage to our industry.  It has taken away our ability to have those relationships, the ability to be humanized and valued.  We've become a replaceable commodity. Merely saying we are the “Gold Standard” tells them that we’re the best, but there are alternatives.  Who we are though, is much, much more powerful than that!  We are the Responsible Charge.  “Responsible Charge” means responsibility for the direction, control, supervision, and possession of stenographic & transcription work, as the case may be, to assure that the work product has been critically examined and evaluated for compliance with appropriate professional standards by a licensee in the profession, and by sealing and signing the documents, the professional stenographer accepts responsibility for the stenographic or transcription work, respectively, represented by the documents and that applicable stenographic and professional standards have been met.  This designation exists in other professions, such as engineering, land surveying, public water works, landscape architects, land surveyors, fire preventionists, geologists, architects, and more.  In the case of professional engineers, the engineering association adopted a Responsible Charge position statement that says, “A professional engineer is only considered to be in responsible charge of an engineering work if the professional engineer makes independent professional decisions regarding the engineering work without requiring instruction or approval from another authority and maintains control over those decisions by the professional engineer’s physical presence at the location where the engineering work is performed or by electronic communication with the individual executing the engineering work.” If we were to adopt a Responsible Charge position statement for our industry, we could start with a draft that looks something like this: "A professional court reporter, or stenographer, is only considered to be in responsible charge of court reporting work if the professional court reporter makes independent professional decisions regarding the court reporting work without requiring instruction or approval from another authority and maintains control over those decisions by the professional court reporter’s physical presence at the location where the court reporting work is performed or by electronic communication with the individual executing the court reporting work.” Shared purpose The cornerstone of a strategic narrative is a shared purpose. This shared purpose is the outcome that you and your customer are working toward together. It’s more than a value proposition of what you deliver to them. Or a mission of what you do for the world. It’s the journey that you are on with them. By having a shared purpose, the relationship shifts from consumer to co-creator. In court reporting, our mission is “to bring justice to every litigant in the U.S.”  That purpose is shared by all involved in the litigation process – judges, attorneys, everyone.  Who we are is the Responsible Charge.  How we do that is by Protecting the Record.

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