Dress code for court(ish) - not a lawyer

[HildegardVonBingen]

I've just been appointed to a tribunal panel. So technically court but a bit less formal. My current job is very much at the casual end of business casual. Typical I wear a merino jumper or cotton shirt, wide leg trousers and white leather trainers.

I know trainers will be right out, but other than that are their any unwritten rules? Will I need to start wearing jackets? And what comfy flats that aren't trainers are people wearing?

As a former lawyer I have strong feelings about this - I wouldn’t want people turning up to decide my fate in casual clothes.

So yes, I’d suggest investing in one or two jackets (depending on how often you’ll need one) that work with all your other clothes. They need not be stiff or heavy - light wool might be best as it won’t crumple or need repeated cleaning.

(But so much has changed recently, I could be completely wrong!)

Cotton shirt and wide legged trousers sound like a good starting point. But ditch the trainers and get some sort of jacket would be my advice.

The advice I was given (also not a lawyer) was to dress in such a way as not to draw attention to myself.

In practice, women in court tend to dress mainly in dark (black, navy, charcoal) colours with a jacket. The split between dresses/skirts and trousers is pretty even. Older court buildings can be very cold, so bear that in mind if you are working there.

I chair tribunal panels and I wear a sober coloured suit, with a shirt or shell top. Then leather brogues. You have someone's future in your hands so it's important to dress in a way which reflects that responsibility. I also try not to wear anything too flashy - it is, afterall, not about me.

Happy for you to PM me if it would be helpful to chat tribunals.

To add, I'm currently working from home in the day job - scruffy jeggings, socks with cartoon characters on them, stripey jumper. So it's not that I'm a natural suit wearer. I'm really not. But it is important for the role.

thank you all
Looks like I will need to up my game a little regarding formal wear. I certainly have no wish to draw attention to myself, and although casual I have to be consciously neutral/unflashy in my current role. I'll pick up a couple of jackets in navy or charcoal. I already have a few plain shirts and trousers which should work. I've been eyeing up a pair of lanx brogues and this can be the excuse I need to get some . It's likely I'll only be sitting a few times a year so I hope that will be plenty.

@Motorina thank you for your kind offer of Tribunal Chat. I've only just been recommended for appointment, but once I get more information through regarding training I'll come back to thread and PM you.

No worries at all. (BTW if your training is on April 27th we’ve just been appointed to the same tribunal.).

good luck with it!