A lawyer who says she's often underestimated for the hot pink suits she wears to work has liked herself to the 'real life Elle Woods' from the 2001 comedy movie Legally Blonde. Immigration attorney Kathleen Martinez began practising law back in 2017, but decided to shun the conservative outfits more often associated with her profession.
Just like bubbly Harvard law student Elle, Kathleen, who shares the beloved character's famed blonde locks, lets her personality shine through her cheerful sense of style. She loves bright pink suits, green dresses and has perfectly manicured fingernails. Kathleen even has a pink office.
Hardworking Kathleen, 31, says she likes to 'stand out', and believes 'professionals shouldn’t be put in a box in order to be taken seriously'.
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Kathleen, who lives in Dallas, Texas, US, said: "I am usually opposing some old, conservative attorney who underestimates me due to my appearance. I find that winning in bright suits makes it that much more enjoyable. My clients love it too – they find me relatable.
“Elle Woods and I both embrace our personal style and we don’t let it get in the way of our intellect and professional goals. It sends an important message: you don’t have to be feminine or smart. – you can be both!"
Unfortunately, much like Elle, Kathleen has come across those who have picked fault with her based on her sense of style, including one former boss who 'constantly commented' on her appearance.
The mum-of-two, who now runs her own firm, Martinez Immigration Law, recalled: “Once I wore a green dress and was told by the same person that they wouldn’t be accompanying me to court until I changed into a more ‘modest’-coloured dress. I wore the green dress anyway and the judge loved it! Law can be stressful, so having fun with my personal style helps me enjoy my job a little more."
Kathleen often shares content about her life, work, and fashion sense on TikTok, with her recent video captioned 'Day in the life Of an attorney – Elle Woods in real life' proving to be a particular hit. In the clip, Kathleen can be seen getting ready in a walk-in wardrobe filled with pink suits and high heels, before heading out to work in her pink office, complete with Legally Blonde artwork.
The clip has been viewed more than 4.4 million times and counting, and many followers have praised her for staying 'authentic' to her personality.
One person applauded: “You’re everything I want to be! For so long I thought you had to be smart or feminine. I’m glad that I now know I can be both!"
Another commented: “I’m a female attorney and love that you wear that bright pink suit to annoy opposing counsel.”
Kathleen, who says it takes her just 30 minutes to get ready, continued: “I like to illustrate just how fun practicing law can be. I like picking out my bright outfits and shopping after court.
“Practicing law doesn’t have to be as bad as people think it is, and you can win a trial in whatever outfit you feel like wearing."
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