Are tattoos and/or piercings acceptable in biglaw?

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I’ve hid my 6 tattoos for my full time with the firm and I’m done when we are back in person. If you haven’t figured out yet what I’m capable of isn’t impacted by ink I’ve put in my body, and that I know how to present myself appropriately for different scenarios, then I don’t want your work. I don’t care what the talk is behind my back, I’ll take a reputation hit with some boomers to try and move boundaries for what is workplace acceptable. I’ve been told I’m a shoe in for partner this year, for what it’s worth.

likeuplifting

Love this attitude and agree completely

Responding with respect to real biglaw, as long as tattoos aren’t visible then you’re wearing professional attire, yes. If you have tattoos on your hands, neck or face, no. Same concept on piercing with the proviso that more “advanced” modifications like gauges, tongues, cheeks, eyebrows, are off limits, men probably shouldn’t have more than one ear piercing and women should avoid more than one small nose stud and a few piercings in your lobes.

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Unless you’re doing jury trials all the time, it seems silly to set expectations based on juror prejudices. Not acceptable to say men can’t wear earrings. It’s 2021 for goodness sake

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Biglaw v50 sr associate. Covered from neck to ankle in a near bodysuit. Sometimes I show some. Sometimes in front of clients. Sometimes while engaging new clients. I am a good lawyer. If someone has a problem with it, I am fine not being their good lawyer.

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Ass yes. Dong no.

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I work at a v10 in an office that’s fairly young and we just hired a guy with a full arm sleeve. No one cares anymore if you’re good at your job tbh

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TL1 really concerned about whether these tats can be covered hahaha

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Just come to my group — we, including a partner, are much more tatted and pierced than I would have expected. At this point, I don’t think I would even notice if someone had more work done.

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I’m skeptical of the people who *have* tattoos and say it’s fine. I don’t have any, and honestly I judge those who do—but I would never say so, so I’m sure they think it’s fine. Former V10.

likesmart

I am also skeptical of it, because I know a few people in my office who have some and swear it’s fine because no one has said anything to them. But it’s noticed, and people talk. I would caveat that it probably depends on practice group. I’m a litigator. We are probably going to be the last people who get to do things like have facial piercings and visible tattoos, because we have to appear in front of judges and juries. I assume if you’re an entertainment lawyer who signs record deals and wears jeans every day it’s a very different equation. 🤷‍♀️

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I think small tattoos showing are fine. A lot of female attorneys u work with have ankle/foot tattoos and they show them.

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I think that’s fine. But anything bigger than a golf ball is pushing it.

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Are you kidding me? People are posting that people will talk about someone’s tattoos or judge them? Guarantee they are talking about you or judging you anyway. Also, I’m probably talking about Karen’s botched fillers or boob job… or how Karen and Ken are overweight and have a nasty personality. IM JUDGING THEM SO HARD. So, fair is fair. 🤣 Life is too short to be worried about Karen and Ken gossiping over you wrist tattoos or half of sleeve that’s covered the majority of the time. If they have a sit down talk with you about your tattoos then ask them to pay for the removal. Better yet, just leave. That’s a toxic work environment and I’m sure someone else can use your skills.

Also, I have gauges. You know what I wear to work. Solid gauges. No one knows. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I also have tattoos and no one knows. And honestly I don’t care.

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I’m in biglaw and have tattoos on my arms. They go from shoulder to elbow, so you can’t see them if I’m wearing a dress shirt. Our office is pretty casual in terms of work attire so I usually wear a golf shirt and slacks to work. With the golf shirt, the tattoos just peak out but aren’t super visible. Nobody has ever said anything and I doubt anyone has even noticed

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Yes good point! And btw whenever we meet with a client via Zoom I ALWAYS make sure to throw a jacket on top of my golf shirt. Like you said, they are easy to cover up :)

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Biglaw - first year: I have a 4 inch tall one on my tricep which is exposed nearly everyday because I wear polos to work. It’s covered up when I meet clients. Never been an issue.

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I imagine the design one has factors in as well

smart

I have tattoos on my wrist (no larger than a watch band), shoulder, and thighs (the thigh ones stop above the skirt line). They can all be covered up easily and have not been a problem. Sometimes the shoulder one peeks out of the arm of a sheath dress. And, I don't wear short skirts, but in a pencil skirt, you can see the bottom portions of the thigh tattoos (if you're looking) if the skirt rides up, or when I am getting in and out of a tall car. If anyone mentions them, I know they were looking up my skirt, which says more about their character than mine. 😒

likeuplifting

I have upper arm tattoos that are visible when I wear a short sleeve shirt, which I do frequently when I am in the office with no client facing events. I always cover my tattoos for client meetings, court, etc. and no one at my office cares.

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I have a bunch of ear piercings including cartilage piercings and no one cares ✌️

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Yes

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