British Barristers No Longer Wearing Wigs
Things are a’changin’ in the “Mother Land.” No longer will Brithish attorneys wear the classic wigs and wing collars during civil trials in England. The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Nicholas Phillips, has decided that judges and lawyers in civil cases will not wear the wigs any more. This ends a tradition in England that has lasted since the 17th Century.
Since I’m a young attorney, I was interested in the costs of beginning a practice in South Carolina. It can get very expensive when you consider some of the necessary “overhead” that is required. However, I’m thankful that I didn’t have to splurge for the “overhead” formal wig that runs about $1,000.00.
The argument for the wig is that it gives the barristers an heir of professionalism and dignity, as well as takes away from individuality. I think personality and individuality make should not be squelched, but rather should be emphasized by attorneys. You cannot be someone you aren’t and your reprsentation of your client will suffer when you try to put on a show that isn’t in line with your personality.