Over the past few months, I’ve attended several in-person court sessions, and it’s become clear that attorneys are approaching these appearances somewhat differently than they did before the pandemic. Just last week, I noted how some lawyers now dress less formally for court, possibly reflecting the shift back to in-person proceedings post-COVID. Another notable trend I’ve observed is attorneys bringing their children to court, perhaps due to challenges with childcare or because school is out for the summer. At one recent hearing, I even saw a lawyer accompanied by three kids. I was impressed by how well he managed both his legal responsibilities and parenting duties. In some cases, having children in court is completely appropriate—and it may even benefit the attorney.
The first time I witnessed a lawyer bring a child to court was about ten years ago while I was arguing a case before a state appellate court. The courtroom was filled with well-dressed attorneys and possibly clients. Toward the back, a man in a suit sat next to a young child, around 7 or 8 years old, who seemed to be his son.
When it was the attorney’s turn to speak, he gently told his child to stay put and proceeded to the lectern. The judges appeared moved by the sight. One even made a lighthearted comment, joking that the lawyer had brought along a “legal assistant.” From their smiles, it seemed the presence of the child didn’t hurt the lawyer’s case—if anything, it made him appear more relatable.
As I mentioned earlier, I recently saw another attorney with three children in court. The kids followed him around while he handled legal matters, and they quickly became a topic of conversation. Interestingly, no one seemed to disapprove—in fact, most remarked on how cute and well-behaved they were, and appreciated that the lawyer was giving them a glimpse of his work. While it’s unclear whether their presence helped his case, it certainly lightened the often somber courtroom atmosphere.
Personally, I enjoy when people bring their children to events. In law school, I had a classmate who brought her baby to our family law class. While the child occasionally disrupted things, it was generally a heartwarming addition to the environment. Of course, not everyone is as comfortable around children, and some fail to grasp the complexities of childcare. I recall hearing about a judge who reprimanded a lawyer for bringing an infant to court—despite having denied a postponement when the lawyer had just given birth. Moreover, societal double standards often lead to male and female lawyers being judged differently when they mix work and family life. Additionally, some courts prohibit children from attending due to potential disruptions, which is understandable in certain contexts.
That said, there should be more compassion for attorneys who bring their children to court out of necessity. If courts are generally accommodating when members of the public bring kids, that same understanding should extend to legal professionals. In a post-COVID world, where in-person appearances are less common and stable childcare harder to maintain due to hybrid work models, judges ought to show more leniency. Kids rarely disrupt court proceedings, and they often bring a refreshing, human element to a field that can otherwise feel impersonal.
