Valley law firm ditches the "suit and tie"

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - People entering the working world are often told to "dress to impress" and "dress for success".

That, however, may be changing.

One of the largest, oldest law firm in Arizona, Fennemore Craig, has done away with the dress code, a tradition that stretches back over a century.

"Back in the day, almost everybody wore a tie or coat. Women wore suits and these little floppy rosette ties," recounted Tim Berg, who works at the law firm.

"We always wore the navy blue suit, or black suit with hosiery," recounted Amy Abdo. That came to an end two years ago, when the firm tossed out the dress code. Now, attorneys have the power to make their own dress codes. Some opt to wear sneakers, jeans and button shirts. Some, however, opted to wear suits.

"I've done it for 40 years, and I'm comfortable," said Berg, who said the change was part of a generational change in management.

The suit and tie may be gone, for the most part, in the office, but they are still needed for court appearances and other events. The key is common sense.