SPECIAL EDITION FOR NEW BAR MEMBERS

For the Woman Advocate: How To Create Confidence

by Hon. Norma L. Shapiro

Now when I enter the courtroom no one mistakes me for the court clerk, or a client. I like to think it's my commanding, confident manner, but, more likely than not, it's appearing in the front of the courtroom wearing a black judicial robe that leads to the conclusion the lady is indeed a judge.

The lady lawyer has no such luck. In the courtroom, she must establish her role as woman advocate by the confidence created by her argument, demeanor, and appearance. Unfortunately, in the courtroom cosmos, these factors impact in reverse order of real importance; but they do matter and must be considered by any aspiring advocate.

Signs of a lawyer
I have never learned how you "look like a lawyer," but until recently no sex stereotype suggested any young woman fit the mold. Sign carrying is not in vogue, but briefcases are; they help. So do glasses; they suggest seriousness. Simplicity, not imitation of "masculine" severity, sets the proper tone.

The able advocate will want to call attention to her message, not make a fashion statement. Clothes should fit and complement the person. Be conservative, not avant-garde; jewelry will be pleasing if neither obviously expensive nor clearly distracting.

Studies have shown, rightly or wrongly, that appearance aids in acceptance. There is nothing wrong with aiming to have a pleasant appearance, rather than one that offends. Unkempt hair or a disheveled appearance suggest similar sloppiness of thought and hurt the client's case.

Building confidence
Creating confidence is a challenge for any advocate but is perhaps the chief concern of the woman advocate. Experience, especially successful experience, builds confidence that is readily conveyed to others.

In the absence of experience, try pretense. That is, even if you don't feel confident (in fact, especially when you are nervous beyond reason), act as if you are confident in yourself and your position. By acting confident, you may actually feel confident, especially when opposing counsel concedes the strength of your argument or the court rules in your favor!

Be sure to stand straight when you are erect and sit straight when you are sedentary. A slump is not a sign of security. Most important of all, speak up, loudly and clearly. If you swallow your words, there are two distinct disadvantages: no one will understand you and no one will think you wish to be understood. If what you say is important, it's important enough to be heard. Don't worry about your voice being high pitched and feminine; worry about being heard at all.

Judge Norma L. Shapiro has served on the U.S. District Court since President Carter appointed her to the bench in 1978. She was the first woman judge in the Third Circuit. The above article is excerpted from her chapter in The {Woman} Advocate, edited by Jean Maclean Snyder and Andra Barmash Greene. 1996. ABA Section of Litigation. PC #531-0206. To order, call 1-800-285-2221.