Sara from A to Z - ZamNews!

This is a Facebook post from years ago that seemed fitting for this blog chronicling my Zambian Law journey.
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When I decided to go to school in Zambia to study for the Zambia version of the Bar Exams (the Legal Practitioners Qualifications Exams), I knew there would be a number of adjustments I would have to make. Listening to lectures in unfamiliar accents, applying different principles of law, puzzling over case names, sticking out like a sore thumb... One thing I was totally unprepared for was the dress code! On the eve of my first day of school, I casually asked a former ZIALE (Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education) student what I should wear. When he replied that anything within the dress code would be fine, I knew I was in trouble.

At ZIALE, we are taught to treat our classroom like a courtroom. Considering that the higher courts require advocates to wear a wig and robe, this means quite a degree of formality. We stand when the lecturer comes in the door and remain standing until told to sit. We address the lecturer by any formal title he may have such as "State Counsel" and if you really want to pour on the formality, you can add "Much Obliged" when he answers your question. All that, I can handle. But the dress code is just a different story. My friend explained that at ZIALE, they take decorum very seriously. This means dressing in a black, grey, or dark blue suit every day. With the suit I have to wear a collared shirt that is white, sky blue, or lilac. A subtle white stripe is also allowed in the shirt. At the time, I had a grand total of one black suit and two white shirts! Good thing the weather is dry because that meant a lot of handwashing in the evenings.

Over the past five months, I have managed to build up my academic wardrobe to the point where I no longer feel like I am wearing the same clothes everyday. I've added a couple more black suits, a dark blue, and even a grey! I have a white shirt for every day of the week, as well as a blue and a blue stripe. Lilac has still eluded me. I have even gone so far to sport a lilac scarf during the cold season and a red and black necklace now that it's hot. Apparently, the staff think I am taking things just a bit too far.

Yesterday, I was told by one of my classmates that I was being called to the office. When I arrived I expected to be asked about some sort of paperwork or permit. Instead I was asked "Have you not been here long enough to remember that you must wear a collared shirt?" Naturally, in the 93 degree weather, I had waited until the last moment to put on my suit jacket and had not adjusted the collar well. I quickly pulled it out and apologized as I smoothed it down. Not to be deterred, I was then critically looked over from head to toe. The toe is what got me in trouble. I was then informed that my shoes were completely unacceptable. They were too open. Didn't I know that my toes should not be showing?!?!?

Thus, I was busted for violating the dress code. Sure it was nothing more than a stern look and a ban on just about my entire shoe wardrobe. But still!

And so today, I sit in my seat in my grey suit, blue striped shirt, with collar primly visible and toes covered - but I am wearing a sundress and flip-flops in the inside! :)