What do you wear to a law firm open day?

Oct 22, 2021

Written By Natasha Jones

Open days, sometimes called insight days or insight programmes, are opportunities to gain a first look into life at a law firm. You will meet trainee solicitors, associates, partners, and members of graduate recruitment, and pick up tips on how to make successful applications. If you’ve secured an open day at a law firm or are in the process of applying for one, here ‘s how to dress to impress.

If in doubt, ask

Some firms may have a more casual dress policy than others, allowing candidates to adopt smart-casual attire, whilst other firms will prefer business dress.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t be afraid to send a quick email to graduate recruitment asking for the dress code. They will be more than happy to give you some guidance, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Be professional

How you present yourself can significantly influence a person’s first impression of you. Because you will spend the day meeting legal professionals, unless specifically told otherwise, aim to look as professional as possible.

It’s hard to go wrong with neutrals, a blazer, a shirt and, where applicable, a tie. You should also ensure that your shoes are appropriate and low-heeled.

As a general rule, it’s better to err on the side of caution – you can always remove a jacket or blazer if you feel overdressed.

If you don’t yet have a wardrobe full of office attire, don’t panic. As a student or recent graduate, no one is expecting you to go out and spend hundreds of pounds on workwear. You can still create a good impression on a tighter budget: supermarkets and second-hand shops are often good places to look for more affordable formalwear.

Virtual open days

More and more law firms are opting to swap in-person open days for virtual open days.

You should treat virtual open days the same as you would treat a physical event. This means dressing professionally and appropriately, despite having only your head and shoulders on show.

Be prepared to have your video on for the duration of the open day and ensure you look presentable – and not just on your top half! Whilst it can be tempting to throw on a blazer and shirt over a pair of pyjama bottoms, there may be times when you have to stand up throughout the day, so it is best to avoid any embarrassment.

You can find more information about law firm open days in our open day guide.

Law Firm Open Days