Which Lawyer Will Win Your Case?

by Garry Hertzberg and Natasha Sonblo of hersalaw.co.za

Two fierce women lawyers stride into the Magistrates Court, ready to battle for justice. One rocks a fiery red jacket that screams, "I mean business!" The other is draped in a sleek black suit that quietly shouts, "I know the rules."

Now, here’s the game: Which one will get you the win? The answer is in the outfit. The lawyer in black? She's dressed to impress—and comply. Her look is perfectly in line with the new dress code laid down by the Chief Justice of SA effective 1 October 2024 which demands a black jacket, white blouse, white bib or jabot (pronounced"zhah-boh”), black skirt, and dark closed shoes.

The lawyer in red? She might be all fire, but she’s about to get extinguished by the Magistrate, who likely won't even hear her out. Because in court, sometimes it’s not just about what you say, but what you wear.

The Chief Justice has called for comments/amendments/objections to the dress code. ?Your views?