How do you deal with constantly being told that you don’t look like a lawyer because of your appearence?

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I say innocently, “oh really? What does a lawyer look like?” And I watch them stammer as they realize how inappropriate of a statement that was to make. Then they try to make up something and say I’m laid back or I look young (not true. People consistently think I’m 5 years older than I am, and I’m closer to 30 than to 20).

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I love this!! Also when they DO answer, another suggestion is to ask them another question: “So what are you implying?” And let them stammer through the answer to that too.

likesmart

I am mistaken for being the secretary all the time. I decided to be okay with it, and I am very direct in stating that I am an attorney. I love it when people underestimate or discount me because it’s on them and not me that they are having that thought. My advice is, there’s not much you can do about what others say or think, but YOU can decide how you show up as the competent, professional attorney that you are. And act from that place of power, rather than expending energy on what others think.

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It’s sad how people judge others so much based on appearence. I would rather be appreciated for who I am as a person or have others approach me because they are interested in who I am and not just once people have seen my LinkedIn but oh well… These people still exist.

I say thank you. I love being underestimated and lean into it.

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Yep, seems like the comment about how we look for our age also goes hand in hand… It is frankly annoying.

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Tell them you are what a lawyer looks like. Smile. Walk away. Forget it.

likeuplifting

Lately I’ve been getting the “you look like a kid” and “you look really young to be an attorney” line. I would say flattering but I am young so, I do look young. Either way, it’s a weird comment to make.

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