Becoming the legal scholars and leaders of tomorrow requires many things: Ambition. Drive. Persistence. Resilience. And, although we might not always think of it, a professional wardrobe.
Many students enter law school without having worked in environments requiring formal dress. University of Wisconsin Law School’s Career Closet was created to address this shortcoming, ensuring all Law students have access to professional attire to pursue their goals.
The Closet was launched by the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) in response to student requests for interview attire. Initially stocked through faculty and staff donations, the collection grew steadily, with alumni and legal professionals also supporting the Closet.
“The Career Closet has become a vital and valued part of the UW Law community, symbolizing both practical support and a culture of care,” explained Lindsay Slaker, OCPD associate director. “It’s promoting sustainability while enabling students to access professional attire free of charge, easing the financial and logistical burden of building a professional wardrobe.”
A professional wardrobe boosts confidence as students prepare for interviews and workplace experiences.
“I think this resource is valuable for students because, speaking as a first-generation lawyer, the professional legal field can be very tricky to navigate,” explained Madison Schwartz 2L.
Schwartz became involved with the Closet last year as a 1L representative on the First Generation Lawyers board. This year, she serves as the vice president of professional development.
“I believe that having access to professional attire affects students’ confidence in interviews and during internships immensely,” she said. “I think most people may have heard the phrase ‘dress for success,’ but I think when put into practice, it does work. One outfit can potentially change an individual’s entire future.”
While the Closet is available to students year-round (as are donation opportunities), OCPD hosts a Stockup event in which all clothing is put on display for students to peruse, try on and bring home, free of charge. The two-day event occurs in the fall, when students are assessing their wardrobe needs for the upcoming year.
The event began in 2023 when Jenna Balsiger ’24, representing First Generation Lawyers, partnered with OCPD to expand the initiative. Over 200 students participated in 2024’s event, with participation increasing more than 20% from 2023.
Looking ahead, Slaker hopes to see the Closet grow in scope and visibility.
“We’d like to expand our inventory, deepen alumni and firm engagement, and reach even more students,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure every student feels confident and prepared as they step into professional spaces, and that the Closet continues to reflect the generosity and solidarity of the legal community.”
Support the Career Closet
Ideal donations include items that are gently used, freshly cleaned and in good condition. Professional attire and accessories of all sizes and styles are accepted. Items that can’t be used, such as damaged/stained clothing or athletic wear, are recycled or donated to nonprofits that distribute them at no cost.
Corporate, Law Firm or Organizational Donors:
If your team would like to contribute to an upcoming Stockup event, contact OCPD at career@law.wisc.edu.
Individual Donors:
To arrange a drop-off, email career@law.wisc.edu.
Financial Contributions:
If you don’t have items to donate but would like to contribute to the Closet, donations to help purchase clothing racks, storage bins and other essentials are appreciated. Email career@law.wisc.edu to learn more.