Beth McCormack is a partner at Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove. She practices exclusively in family law matters and is a collaborative law fellow, mediator and child representative.
What’s your favorite store to shop for work clothes? I love to shop at Nordstrom online because I rarely have time to go to the store and look around as much as I would like to. I tend to wait until I find what I want on sale and also have good luck at Nordstrom Rack for shoes.
If you are meeting with a new client or have your first day in court, what's your favorite power suit?
I have a St. John Couture that I love; however, I had Abigail Glaum-Lathbury (abigail-glaum-lathbury.com) create custom dresses for me which I often turn to when I want to look and feel extra special.
What brand is your watch?
My husband treated me to a Rolex one Christmas. As much as I love other trendy watches, I always wear that and have not succumbed to the trends. Some say it would be a great watch if it only kept good time.
What was the first expensive piece of clothing that you purchased when you became a lawyer?
I was so excited when I was able to buy a St. John suit from the St. John outlet store. I have evolved in brands; but, rarely can you find a suit with similar quality to St. John.
In one or two words, how would you describe your style?
Classic. Timeless.
What do you wear on weekends?
Whatever is comfortable during the day. I refuse to spend a lot of money for my “running around” clothes. I recently discovered the luxury of Lauren Lein (laurenlein.com) for a custom ball gown. I am unable to find dresses to fit off the rack and have come to love the decadence of a dress that fits well and does not have to be altered.
What’s your favorite brand of jeans?
I have come to love Jag Jeans, as they are forgiving in all the right places for me.
Whose style do you admire?
Kate Middleton wears many different styles I love. She tends to wear the classic styles I love. Unlike Princess Diana, I see Kate having the ability to look back at her style with pride. I see her style very similar to Jackie Onassis in that way.
What advice do you have for a lawyer trying to improve his or her professional style?
I believe it is important to spend money on a small number of quality pieces rather than a lot of trendy pieces that do not wear well. I also hope to look back at photos of my style with pride and to know I felt confident I looked nice without needing to follow the current trend.
What is your main style pet peeve?
I am appalled by attorneys wearing casual clothes to court. Even though people tend to be more casual everywhere with style, I think you should be aware that you are making impressions everywhere you go, so you should dress like you care. Always.
Who is your favorite designer?
I still love St. John for suits and Tory Burch for dresses and shoes. My husband started bringing me Hermes scarves when he returns from business trips to Europe, which mean the world to me and also happen to be gorgeous.
What is your favorite accessory?
My favorite accessory will always be a beautiful strand of pearls with diamond spacers, which was given to me by my husband. They were designed by Kailee Swift at Hamilton Jewelry.
What's your favorite brand of shoes?
I have always loved Stuart Weitzman and still have my first pair. I also love Ferragamo, again, because they tend to be timeless, and I will have them forever.
What accessory are you most sentimental about?
My three-diamond pendant designed by Kailee Swift at Hamilton Jewelry. I like to think of the diamonds representing my husband, Marc; daughter, Lucy; and me.
Why should lawyers care about their style?
Every person we encounter forms an impression of us within seven seconds. Whether it is a prospective client, opposing attorney or judge, we must be aware of how we look and act to ensure we always put our best face forward.