I've been a lawyer now for almost 40 years. It's hard for me to believe that but it's true. Over the last five to seven years, I have noticed a significant deterioration in the dress habits of lawyers who appear in court. This is both males and females.

Whether it stems from casual Fridays, the millennial generation or just a loosening of standards I can't say.  But open-toed shoes, sneakers, baseball caps, unbuttoned collars, loose ties and/or wrinkled clothes have no place in court.  It doesn't take a lot of money or effort to look good and prepared.

I think all lawyers have forgotten that when we go to court and appear on a case we represent someone or some entity. We are advocates and should look like real lawyers and not people who just got out of bed.  Maybe I'm old fashioned but I think we all need to take pride in what we wear to court every day and act accordingly.

Bob Vilensky is a name partner at Ronemus & Vilensky.