Hello, I'm writing an article about tattoos in the legal profession. I've spoken to several lawyers with tattoos about how tattoos are regarded in different legal practice areas, and I'd like to round out my article with a judge's perspective on what it's like being tattooed on the bench.

I've never had a tatoo myself, but its actually pretty common here in Iowa. Both of my former law partners had numerous tatoos. One even went to the extent of having a full sleeve. I have tried a fair number of cases and serve on the judicial nominating committee. Judges here don't seem to have a problem with tatoos. In fact, it's not uncommon to see a judge express genuine interest in them. Gone are the days when a tatoo meant you were a client, not a lawyer. All that said, you never know how a juror might react to your tatoos, so its probably best to keep them someplace they can be covered.

Tattoos don't affect a judge's ability, although they may undermine their authority or professionalism. Some courts are conventional; therefore, appearance matters. Tattoos are a personal expression, not a legal restriction, legally and commercially. In personal injury litigation, appearance may influence jurors, but facts always speak louder. As a business network founder, I see tattoos as part of modern identity, not a dealbreaker. Clients want real individuals, not polished suits. Trust and results matter, not appearance. Judges with tattoos are respected. Their bench influence depends on their judgments, not their sleeves.

I've been practicing law for 40 years and have appeared before dozens of judges across Indiana in everything from criminal defense to estate planning cases. While I don't have tattoos myself, I've observed how the perception has dramatically shifted over the decades. In my early career in the 1980s, any visible tattoos would have been career suicide for attorneys and absolutely unthinkable for judges. I remember one criminal case where a defendant's attorney had to wear long sleeves in summer to cover a small military tattoo - even that was considered unprofessional. Today's reality is completely different. I've appeared before three different judges in Indiana who have tasteful, small tattoos - usually military service related or meaningful family symbols. One family court judge has a small memorial tattoo for her daughter that's visible when she removes her robe, and it's never been an issue with attorneys or litigants. The key is context and placement. Criminal court tends to be more conservative, while family law and civil matters are more accepting. Small, meaningful tattoos that can be covered by robes work fine, but face or hand tattoos would still be problematic for judicial credibility in most Indiana counties.

Although I am not a judge, my experience as a mediator has given me an insight on the changing perception of appearance in courts of law. In mediation, just as in a courtroom, attention is centered on finding ways of solving problems in a just, expeditious and professional manner. Although there may be still a certain portion of people with traditional opinion of what is professionally acceptable, the growing number of tattoos in any fields points the way to the change in the attitude toward tattoos in the society. As a mediator I have been taught that the content of the company is much more crucial than the superficial look. The same will be applied whether it is family law or criminal matters in dispute and the aim always is to have a setting where the parties feel they have been heard and listened to. The purpose of a mediator is to initiate talks and be neutral and the only concern should be with regards to professionalism, irrespective of the kind of style one chooses to adopt. In the end, it is our skill and philosophy of conflict resolution and not our appearance that characterizes us.

I own a chain of professional piercing and tattoo studios and we regularly work on a large list of varying clientele, many of which require discretion. From elected officials, folks in armed services, (who's policies have softened, but it's still not fully acceptable) and a large list of white collar clients. The landscape is certainly changing rapidly, but not all professions are acclimating as fast as others. I think in most cases, the artists don't know the profession of the individual they're working on until trust is established. It might happen quickly, and it might take several sessions before a tattoo artist knows they're working on a lawyer or even a judge. It's sort of this interesting dichotomy where two distinctly different worlds are meeting. They have to feel each other out to ensure they're safe to be themselves. What we're seeing though is that there are a lot of professionals who live two lives. I've known several attorneys who ride their motorcycles on the weekends with full tattoo sleeves exposed, but put on a suit the weekdays and no one knows about their other life. Tattoos and piercings can be the bridge between those worlds, where you can visually see they're committed to this other lifestyle, it's not just uniform.

The legal profession has discarded its traditional formal attire in a manner similar to snakes shedding their skin. A judge with tattoos? The tattoos on this person represent more than body art because they express a powerful statement. The visible tattoos announce that modern merit-based systems have replaced outdated traditional rules. Senior partners who display tattoos on their arms possess more courtroom authority than any traditional pinstriped suit. Why? The tattoos on judges create a connection between justice and those who stand before the court. The tattoos silently convey that the judge understands your life experience even though they remain silent. The legal field transforms through evolution rather than rebellion to maintain its current state of relevance. The visible tattoos beneath a judge's robe represent their authentic human nature rather than unprofessional conduct.

I once had a chat with a judge who shared her experience as a tattooed professional in the courtroom. She told me that while times are changing, visible tattoos in a courtroom still raise eyebrows among some older colleagues and conservative clients. However, she also noticed a growing acceptance among younger lawyers and clients who see tattoos as a form of personal expression that doesn't necessarily undermine professional competence. She suggested that tattooed legal professionals, whether judges or lawyers, should know their audience and consider the context of each case. In more traditional settings or when dealing with conservative parties, it might be prudent to cover up tattoos to avoid any potential bias or distraction. But in more relaxed environments or with open-minded clients, they might not need to be as cautious. Her main takeaway was simple: be true to yourself but remember the power of first impressions in the legal world. Stay flexible and use good judgment about when it might be best to cover up and when you can confidently show your ink.

Tattoos in the legal profession highlight the balance between personal expression and professional standards. Judges often follow stricter appearance codes to maintain court dignity, yet changing societal views have led some to acknowledge their tattoos. In cases involving younger demographics or tattooed subcultures, a judge with visible tattoos may find their personal experiences resonate with those they serve, influencing perceptions of professionalism and relatability.

I can attest to the shifting attitude towards tattoos in professional settings. We recently profiled a recycled surfboard brand founder, heavily tattooed, who's now a respected legal consultant. The key? Authenticity. Tattoos don't impact ability or professionalism; they're personal narratives, often embraced by clients seeking a genuine connection.

My view is that tattoos do not affect the credibility of a lawyer as long as the individual is professional in his or her look. The judges and the customers care more about the competency, preparedness and performance of an advocate than about the tattoos on his or her body. In my personal experience, I saw instances where the other counsel had visible tattoos on their forearms, and this did not in any way impact the respect that they would receive in front of the bench or the weight of their arguments. Likewise, I have hired tattooed solicitors in my company, and they have been more dedicated and have had a better rapport with their clients than any ancient stereotype. I firmly believe in the thought that "first impressions last." I would also put into consideration that some of the older clients or relatives in will contests may be more traditional, and I would put this into consideration when I present myself or my team during mediation or court. With that, junior practitioners must be sensitive to their environment, but they should not think that they have to lose their uniqueness.

"While I'm not a judge, my time clerking for the federal court in the Northern District of New York and the South Carolina judicial courts gave me close-quarters insight into how courtroom decorum—and perceptions of appearance like tattoos—play out behind the bench. As founder of Natural Hair and the Law and a national CLE presenter on appearance in the workplace, I explore how bias around professional appearance intersects with law and identity. I'd be glad to offer a judicial-adjacent perspective on how tattoos may influence courtroom dynamics." Optional Attribution Line (for context): Tracy Sanders, Esq. — Judicial Clerk (Northern District of New York & South Carolina Judicial Branch); CLE Presenter & Founder, Natural Hair and the Law. Recent press: https://smb.americanpress.com/article/Attorney-Tracy-Sanders-Launches-Insightful-New-Book-on-Hair-Texture-Discrimination-in-Workplaces-and-Schools?storyId=683ff0e944ed71000866c89f https://blackhairbiglaw.com/our-inspiration?utm_source=chatgpt.com