Mr. Gambini and Me

"Mr. Gambini, are you mocking me with that outfit?"

Well, it wasn't quite "My Cousin Vinny" but today it felt like I was at least somehow distantly related to that distinguished, distinctive, bothered and beleaguered counsel.

You see, Covid set all of us on a very different stage. For a while, no one came or went through the halls of justice. Or any other place for that matter. And even as the worst of Covid has receded, many of our newly acquired habits have remained largely intact. Like zoom court appearances.

Over the past few years virtually my entire practice has taken place from the comfort of my home. I can count on one hand the times I have even met with a client since March of 2020, pandemic starting with p which rhymes with d which stands for dress code optional.

My suits have gone on permanent vacation. My ties have retired. And on the few occasions that I have been called upon to orally argue some matter before the court, while on my computer screen, my attire has been, shall we say, casual chic.

Yesterday, at 10 AM, I was scheduled to show off my legal acumen, if not my fancy wardrobe, over zoom. So, at about 9:55 I replaced my black t-shirt with a long sleeve button down. I refused to heed my wife's tongue firmly planted in cheek suggestion that I wear literally nothing on the bottom half, since it was highly unlikely that part would make an appearance before the Judge. A respectable pair of black hiking pants completed the ensemble. I was ready and looking, if not slick, at least as if I was not on my way to the gym.

There were tales, at least early in this strange new world, where animals would wander across the screen, or a Janet Jackson-like malfunction would occur while trying to make the right impression before a Judge. This was definitely not one of them. 

So, I was more than a little surprised when my Mr. Gambini moment arrived.

"Before we get started", the Judge stated, "I would advise you to wear a tie the next time you appear in front of the court. You should treat this moment as if you were standing before me."

So I had received a dressing down for not dressing up. This was not my first legal zoom rodeo, but it was definitely the first where I was informed to clean up before I show up.

Lesson absolutely learned. I had been clearly, if politely chastised. And I was chastened.  Next time I intend to give the court my full respect.

At least from the waist up.