Legal Commentary

As frequent readers of Law Technology News know, a key mission of our publication is to champion the members of our legal technology community ? IT leaders, paralegals, lit support and e-discovery professionals, firm executives, vendors, et al. I am constantly on my soap box hounding law firm managing partners and corporate GC to fix gender pay inequity, and preaching the power of diversity.

For years, LTN's art director Shane DeLeers and I have insisted that when we run photos of members of our community, that they be in "go-to-court" professional attire; e.g., jacket and tie for the gents; equivalent for the gals. We believe that presents them in the most authoritative, positive light; and helps earn respect from the legal organizations that (at least historically) have not always recognized their contributions.

But lately I've been getting some push back from folks I admire ? who tell me that I need to loosen up, because our community does not wear ties (except for funerals and court appearances) and that by requiring ties, LTN is not reflecting our community. Sure, I know you would never get hired if you showed up for a job interview at Google in a suit. But does it help get you a seat at the decision-making table in your organization?

What do you think? Is it time to stop requiring ties in photos for Law Technology News?