PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Delaware County lawyer is working to make sure that people who appear in court have a fighting chance to win their case — by focusing not on what they say but on how they look. She has set up a clothing donation program to help give everyone equal footing.
For attorney Janell Foster, going to court is part of her daily routine. She is accustomed to looking the part. However, clients and others who are not used to a courtroom setting, may have an uphill battle — before they even speak — simply based on their appearance.
"When I look in court, sometimes I even see people dressed in pajamas. I’ve seen people wear things that are just not court-appropriate," Foster said. "How does the jury look at you? How does the judge look at you?"
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She says having the right clothes can go a long way. So she created Janell’s Closet for people who would not otherwise have such options.
"I’m providing free business-attire clothing to any underprivileged Delaware County resident who needs professional clothes for court hearings," Foster said.
"When you’re dressed inappropriate, right then and there, they get in their mindset a certain thing about you, certain thoughts about who you are and what you represent — just based on first impressions."
And there's more to it than what other people think of a sharp-dressed client, Foster said. Clothing and personal appearance also play an important part in a client's confidence.
"If you look in the mirror and think, 'Okay, I look good. I feel good. I’m ready to go to court today and represent whatever my position is in court,' I think you’ll have a fighting chance if you have the proper attire," she said. "I think it really starts right there."
Janell's Closet is currently accepting clothing donations for all sizes and genders. Contact janell@janellfosteroffice.com to get involved.
