"Good Looks" in Big Law and More - From Central Casting to What Influences Juries

The thread on Fishbowl Big Law discusses the role of an equity partner's "good looks" in building a book of business. Of course, how large the book of business the more power and the greater the odds of employment security. Yes, equity partners get demoted or forced out.

But the question in the postings is this and, of course, it's predictable it would be posted by lawyers: How to define "good looks." Lawyers are verbal fanatics, always defining terms. They have to.

What needs to be defined is not "good looks" per se. It's if the overall presence is essentially from central casting or if it meshes with the traditional branding of what a successful lawyer should look, talk, walk and smell (any fragrance?) like?

Pop culture influences. The central casting lawyers have the persona of an Arnie Becker in "LA Law." He could not only charm juries. He could attract more than the average number of women. But, a key feature the producers embedded in this character was that he was a decent human being. Arnie was no cad.

In real life the looks should be stylized to fit the brand of what most assume a prominent lawyer should come across as. At Jones Day, cherubic former partner Mickey Pohl transmitted the aura of the guy you could trust. At Adler Pollock John Tarantino embodies deep sincerity. And, at Paul Weiss Brad Karp exudes the easy confidence of success which translates into "I will win for you, too - effortlessly."

Beyond the legal profession, of course, looks can influence a career. But with the abrupt shifts in the labor market they no longer differentiate that much. Constituencies want results, fast and affordably. Looking the part does not guarantee keeping the part. 

As for the over-50, the key feature is to maintain high energy and a zest for doing more with less. If you're in there giving it all for clients you'll probably stay in. 

Low on hope about finding, holding, or moving on to better work?  Getting that back is the first step. Then you and I, as your career coach, move on to diagnosing what's in the way, trying out the solutions and creating the communications you need. Free consultation. No pressure. After that, fees custom-made for your budget. Please contact for an appointment Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).