Legal Commentary

A few posts down, I invited you to give me guidance on Law Technology News' photo policies ? and I was thrilled that the question generated such a robust discussion here and in your private messages to me.

I asked the question of whether or not it was time to change our long-standing policy governing photos submitted for our President's Corner feature and People column. We have required gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie (aka "go-to-court attire"), and women equally appropriate outfits.

LTN has been a passionate champion of the unsung heroes of the legal industry ? the legal technology professionals who too often are invisible to firm leaders. We have pushed legal organizations to address gender pay gaps and other discriminations that have presented obstacles to success. Toward that goal, we felt very strongly that by presenting the recipients of President's Corner, and those attaining People milestones, in business dress helped convey the import of their achievements.

However, an overwhelming number of you believe that times have changed, and ties do not a professional make. So I (reluctantly) bow to your wisdom. We have relaxed our policies and no longer require jackets and ties.

But I still highly recommend "go-to-court" attire. I don't want to sound like Mother Superior ? and my Catholic-school-girl and Baby Boomer roots are definitely showing ? but over the 12 years I have edited LTN, I have frankly been stunned at how many people submit wildly inappropriate photographs. So I'm still going to urge everyone to listen carefully to their marketing advisors, and present themselves in the best possible light to advance not just their own careers, but the legal technology community.

Here are copies of the new policies:

General Guidelines: Download 2010_Guidelines_Revised

President's Corner & Photo Guidelines: Download 2010LTNPC-People

Hat tip to Dan Bressler for spotting a  problem with prior version of PC/PG. If you already downloaded it, run a virus scan. (W97M/Thus.gen).