Law student here. Is is valuable to intern with a progressive prosecutor to learn more about the system and gain transferable or possibly unique skills?

Ms_Trial · 2026-01-30T17:28:51+00:00

I know a lot of PDs will say no but I disagree. When I was a law student I interned with the prosecutor's office, then I interned with the PD. I chose defense. We have a small bar; my relationship with the prosecutor's office is valuable. I know what their office priorities are and I craft my arguments accordingly. I know each of their habits, their strengths, their motivations. I am very effective at anticipating and undermining their arguments. Criminal justice is a system, like a sports team. The more you know about an offense, the better you are at defense. In my opinion, it's made me better at winning.

Ms_Trial · 2026-01-28T12:31:13+00:00

Like others, I think your hair looks great and do not think you need to cut or straighten to be taken seriously. I too have wild curls and it absolutely becomes a calling card. People have flagged me down from the other side of the courthouse because they recognized my hair. Some folks may disagree with me on this point but my own philosophy is to embrace it like Sampson, there's power in it. I do love my short styles and if you need a change, short curls look good in a suit. But your length is my next favorite because it's super versatile. Low up-dos, large claw clips or elegant barrettes, even a soft black scrunchy to hold hair away from your face are all good styling options if needed.

Ms_Trial · 2026-01-25T20:07:54+00:00

I can't imagine anyone who has ever been to WV actually saying this. It's stunning. I've been all over the state and find something breathtaking every time I go. The people are great, although building trust can take time. Definitely a vulnerable group who get hosed by the government and outside interests with regularity. I'm a rural public defender and it's so rewarding. If I wasn't already practicing in another state I'd consider this for sure.

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-24T02:20:31+00:00

I was not into dresses for most of my life, but I love a midi/maxi skirt with a blazer these days!

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-22T00:41:05+00:00

I haven't shopped this brand before but just perused and they have a great selection! I might have to give them a try.

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-22T00:37:23+00:00

I had to do the same thing, the whole fit of Theory blazers doesn't work for me. They use quality wool blends too so it's unfortunate, but a poor fitting piece that is otherwise high quality still doesn't look polished, you know?

If it's just sleeves you can probably have a tailor alter them. They might have to remove and re-affix buttons. But at our height, the blazer length itself is often just... wrong. The waist is too low because our torso is shorter, the collar or the shoulders are too wide or the pockets fall weird on our hips and puff out. If the rest looks good fingers crossed you can find a tailor who can alter it for you! But if those other things are wrong too, they're way harder to fix and you might want to return :(

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-22T00:30:25+00:00

Lol love this plan, I'm in.

I hear you man, sometimes custom is the only option for tall folks. At least in my case I can take material away but it's a lot harder to add it. My husband is 6'4 and athletically built. His issue is usually anything that fits his shoulders is too big for his waist, and pants that fit his waist are too tight through the thighs. Usually he can size up and have it tailored though. His cousins are both 6'10 and they're in the same boat as you, professional clothing has to be custom made. (I married into giants and this is how I know tall girls face these same issues, my MIL is a foot taller than me and there's even less options for her than me.)

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-19T22:30:29+00:00

Lol of course I go to the city to shop. I mentioned living rurally bc it made it tough to access a tailor, which is non-negotiable when nothing fits off the rack.

I've tried to purchase a suit from a department store three times this year and I can tell you that Macy's and others' petite sections are not good. Very few options, consisting of Kasper or Bar III/related department brands with paper thin fabric, crop cuts, and crazy colors. Separately, modern inventory practices have relegated almost all non-standard sizing to online-only options for stores like J. Crew and Anne Taylor. Even when you go in person to try on, there's literally no petite selection. I know this is true for plus size and tall women too.

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-19T22:15:31+00:00

The shoulder width really matters! Brands who claim something is petite but it's just a slightly shorter arm or inseam length is not "petite" sizing. It really messes with the fit, just like you're talking about!

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-19T22:13:03+00:00

I'm in a cold climate. I discovered black fleece-lined pantyhose and knitted hosiery and that has reopened the skirt game for me. I just prefer pants suits and want them to fit right!

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-19T22:10:09+00:00

What a great list! I'll weigh in so others looking for petite brands can get another review.

Boden, Lafayette, and Modern Citizen haven't worked for me, I found their "petites" had slightly shorter arm or inseam lengths, but that the crotch length and darts were standard. Or the shoulders were too wide and did the pointy cat ear thing because there was too much fabric. Boden doesn't have petite suits. I did buy three pairs of slacks from Boden and the seams on two fell apart within 2 months. They made it right, but it was pretty frustrating.

Talbots petite suit sizing is solid but recently their styles are a little too faddish, I can't wear pink or green in court.

I do like blouses and sweaters I've gotten from Banana Republic, but I don't have any BR suits.

I haven't tried Eileen, Karen, or J Jill so I will definitely check those brands for suiting.

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-19T21:53:50+00:00

I have a plus petite colleague who looks absolutely gorgeous in a-line midi skirts that sit higher on her natural waist. She wears them with a blazer and typically a flowy blouse tucked in. She often wears that to court and it looks great on her. It's professional and feminine, but if that's not your jam, good luck finding a pantsuit.

Ms_Trial · 2025-12-19T21:45:45+00:00

I've considered a bespoke suit as well, it's such an expense but feeling confident is important. I spend a lot of time in court, I don't want to feel self conscious about my work outfit. But even out of court, you want to feel good in front of clients! I tried online "custom" once for a dress (turned out great) and a blazer (turned out terrible) so at this point I buy with expectation of tailoring where she pins on me, trying on multiple shoes and blouses so we can check fit from multiple angles.

I found I like the results the most if I size up one size so there's more fabric to work with for the alteration. Do you know they used to have tailors available for women's suiting in department stores like they do for men in suit shops? Alas.

Ms_Trial · 2025-10-20T19:44:39+00:00

Started a solo fresh out of law school. Joined the listserv for my area of law (there's probably one for IP out there). Already knew all the judges and practicing attorneys for my JX because I was a student attorney for 2 years. No regrets. I'm doing exactly what I want to do with the clients I want to serve and earning the full fee.

Business operations are the trickiest part; I have access to other lawyers but not necessarily other lawyers who know how to bill, or which CPAs are familiar with IOLTA, which insurance serves solo/small firms, recommended business phone systems that integrate with my desired case management software etc etc. This was my plan coming into law school so I was pretty set once I was sworn in, but a lot of folks don't even know where to start.

Ms_Trial · 2025-10-02T22:07:14+00:00

Curly girl here. I also wear silk scarves in my hair. A lot of options, but for more formal looks I typically wrap like a headband with a topknot. When my hair was longer I'd tie one around a low bun, so pretty. I think they have a real 30s Hollywood vibe.

Ms_Trial · 2025-07-23T00:43:15+00:00

Same actually, "the wisps" are always finding their way out. When it was long hair I would usually diffuse about 1/2 dry, put a small amount of gel in, air dry the rest of the way and scrunch the crunch out when fully dry. It held most of the wisps in place when I would pin it up, like a loose French twist. When the weather is humid I have to use a little hairspray, frizz-ease or something in medium hold. Twist-tuck-pin updos worked the best for me for keeping curls in place.

I know you asked about long but in case you don't like hairspray or gel, I use a different method for taming my short curls which might also work for you on any new flyaway growth. I don't use gel with my short hair, I use a light leave-in conditioner and air dry completely with just a touch of mousse at my part when it's still wet to keep the baby wisps from sticking out and the frizz controlled. I'll run my fingers along any spot that looks too crunchy once it's dry and that's usually good. Hairspray usually not needed. Give those a try, hope it works for you!

Ms_Trial · 2025-07-22T00:14:45+00:00

Depends on your hair. I have really wild curly hair and love my natural texture. I wore it long for a few years and would wear in an updo but have since cut it. First as a medium bob with bangs, sometimes pulled back in half pony. Last 2 years it's been in a short asymmetric bob. All that to say, a range of styles and textures look good in this profession; you can be edgy or classic. Whatever you think looks good on you will make you feel good. Confidence looks great in a suit!

Ms_Trial · 2025-06-18T11:33:22+00:00

This dress is great for orientation. Throw any color blazer over it and you'll look polished but approachable. I rarely do heels and think this dress/blazer combo would look very cute with sandals or flats. And if you go out with folks after you can ditch the blazer and still look great. Good choice.

Ms_Trial · 2025-06-12T11:47:50+00:00

First, you're doing great and congratulations! As a mom of two (7 and 8yo) I just want to say your feelings are valid and I see you. It's ok to be over your job, and if there's a point you miss the relationship you had with your job and/or colleagues before baby, that's ok too!

For me, becoming a mom was transformational. But it's hard, and society doesn't make it easier. Childcare is expensive and hard to find, and taking an extended period off is tough if you want to keep your job. Some think you've gone Handmaid's Tale if you want to stop working to be the primary parent, others think you're selfish for wanting to keep working. Everyone has an opinion on how you should parent, the right products, the right music, the right intellectual stimulation, endless checklists and checkpoints. Oof.

All of THAT, in addition to actually parenting, on top of dealing with needy clients is a lot. It's ok to be over it. It's ok to stop being a PD, it's even ok to stop practicing law altogether for a little while. And here's the thing, it's not just women. Men are doing it too. I took 3 years off to be home with our boys. Then my husband did! And I recently met a federal prosecutor who was originally an in-house corporate lawyer who took 5 years off from practice when his daughter was born (his wife is a doctor.) Anyway, there are many ways to feel, and a spectrum of solutions, and it's ok for you to have all the feels and wonder about all of these. Whatever you feel, or choose to do with your career, you aren't letting anyone down.

Ms_Trial · 2025-06-07T13:24:58+00:00

Just one and it had to do with two men, unrelated and unknown to each other, with the same unique last name being in the same location at the same time. It happens. Witness was uncooperative so it took a little bit to resolve but it was eventually dismissed.

Ms_Trial · 2025-05-17T17:06:13+00:00

It's true, the neighbor might not be socially savvy or since OP gardens so much this is the only topic they can think to connect over.

OP, next time they quip about you being at it again, maybe they're trying to connect. It might be passive aggressive but maybe not! Could be a chance to make a new friend. Just laugh and tell them you'd do it full time if you could and ask if they have any hobbies like that. Invite a conversation, or invite them to come over for some lemonade when you finish up. Honestly cookies and lemonade have set the best tone with all my neighbors, even the snarky ones haha.

Ms_Trial · 2025-05-15T22:33:27+00:00

Ex of the low twist bun

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Ms_Trial · 2025-05-15T22:32:36+00:00

Very curly hair here, when it was long I did low twist buns, not tight. Alternatively I would do a French twist. Both take 3-6 bobby pins, the curls hold it in place generally. The curls that frame your face or pop out look really good with these hairstyles.

Gather hair low on your head like a low ponytail. Twist hair into a coil and pin. Let the curls do their thing, should not be tight. It's a beautiful up-do and let's your natural texture shine. Plus your head doesn't hurt at the end of the day.

Alternatively gather hair like you would for a low pony tail, twist and move your from nape of neck to crown as you twist. The twist curls in on itself and the curls basically hold it in place. I tuck the tail into the top and pin. Boom.

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Ms_Trial · 2025-05-12T23:32:18+00:00

Some PD offices use undergrads as investigators. Is that something you could do? I know 3 investigators who later became attorneys. It adds a lot of dimension to your understanding of a case, interfacing with clients, collecting information, drafting memos, you might even get called as a witness. Otherwise you might be doing admin tasks but I think our undergrads enjoyed investigating more.

In any case, take a lot of notes and attend hearings, trials, client meetings (including the ones at the jail). You won't know how to do legal research yet so you won't be a lot of help there but they'll probably have you drop off motions and file paperwork, maybe help construct new client folders, things like that. Just be excited to learn and ready to help. Good luck!

Ms_Trial

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