Are Law Firms Dressing Up Again? A Quiet Return to Professionalism
By Meg Garavaglia, Founder of Woven Legal
In May, as news broke about the 2025 Cannes Film Festival updating its red carpet policy—banning nudity and oversized costumes to restore a more polished image—it got me thinking: Is this part of a broader cultural shift? And more specifically, is a return to formality taking root in the legal industry?
So, I started paying closer attention - as did our whole team. At Woven Legal, we work with law firms of all sizes, helping them scale more efficiently with fractional paralegals and productivity support. That gives us a front-row seat to how firms operate—and how expectations are evolving.
The Post-COVID Shift (and Recalibration)
During the height of COVID, most firms relaxed dress codes. Remote work blurred boundaries between personal and professional spaces. Business on top, pajamas on the bottom became a meme-worthy reality. But more than five years later, many attorneys and firm administrators have noticed that some of those casual norms overstayed their welcome.
Across our client base, we are hearing more and more about dress codes being revisited. Handbooks are quietly being reviewed and updated. And quite a large number of staff we spoke with told us they are once again being encouraged—or explicitly instructed—to “dress to impress,” even on Zoom.
One attorney I spoke with put it this way:
“It makes sense—when clients are paying $350, $600, even more per hour, they expect professionalism. That includes how we present ourselves, not just what we say or do.”
It’s not about returning to uncomfortable or outdated standards. It’s about alignment. When a firm is positioning itself as high-caliber, detail-oriented, and client-first, a visual expression of those values reinforces the brand—internally and externally.
Why It Matters (More Than You Might Think)
The return to more conservative dress isn’t just a matter of personal style. It reflects a broader recommitment to standards. In an industry built on trust, credibility, and perceived value, the details matter. And attire is one of the most immediate forms of communication.
That’s where your support staff—especially your paralegals—come in.
These professionals are often the first point of contact for clients. They’re on calls, in meetings, sending follow-ups, managing court documents, and more. When they embody your firm’s standards—through their work product and their professionalism—it sets the tone for everything else.
At Woven Legal, we take this seriously. Every paralegal we place is experienced, polished, and knows how to represent your firm well. Whether they’re working behind the scenes or directly with clients, they understand the importance of professionalism in all forms.
Need someone who reflects the standard you want your firm to set?
We can help. Our team connects law firms with highly skilled, remote paralegals and legal professionals who are not only sharp and organized—but can also help you take your firm to the next level.
👉 Let’s talk. [Message us to get started.]
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