Bold looks and custom suits — often in vivid colors and patterns — are not usually what comes to mind when you think of court cases and lawyers.
Enter divorce and criminal defense litigator Jeffrey Lance Abood of Abood Law Firm.
“I always tried to stay up with the latest trends,” Abood says. “When I was in high school, I was with a modeling agency. … That was quite a bit of inspiration, and it kept going from there.”
Originally from southern Missouri, Abood graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, continuing his education at Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
While his extended family lived and practiced law in Lansing, Abood gravitated toward Oakland County, deciding to set up a law office and a home — now with a personal cigar bar — in Birmingham.
The senior partner at Abood Law Firm prefers to go against the fashion grain, usually donning patterned — often plaid — sport coats paired with bright-colored slacks or shoes.
Amid vibrant pants and an impressive collection of retro Jordans — at least 200 pairs — Abood’s wardrobe also includes custom suits created for him by Bill Dobinski of BB Custom Clothing. Most of the jackets feature a custom pocket to store an essential accessory: a cigar.
Taking on cases is just one aspect of the day- to-day of the attorney, who admits, “I like to be nonstop busy.” In addition to representing clients, he also owns title agency Old Woodward Title; represents Oakland County on the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority board, which governs Huntington Place; and co-hosts a bimonthly podcast, DivorceReady.
Despite his busy schedule, Abood tries to set aside weekends for his family, which includes equally fashion-forward children, Bo (6) and Estelle (3), and his Bernedoodle, Bijou.
I started paying attention to fashion …
At a very, very young age. I have always been concerned about how I dressed, how I appeared.
My personal style for work:
I always wore suits during the week, prior to COVID. When COVID hit, I tried the whole relaxation thing, … and I just wasn’t motivated to work the same way. So I started dressing up again. [But] because a lot of stuff had switched to Zoom and phone conferences, I didn’t have to wear a full suit. I was able to wear some of my more fun stuff: my brighter-colored pants, my plaid jackets, mixing and matching, not having to wear a tie every day. [Now] I usually wear full suits or different-colored slacks with blazers or sport coats. The important thing is the fit — that’s what makes you feel good.
My go-to look for leisure:
On weekends, I usually wear Lululemon or Psycho Bunny shirts. There’s a brand called Cuts; I like their clothes. I also wear bright-colored shoes.
My signature piece of clothing:
Either plaid or windowpane suits.
My go-to cigar brand:
Davidoff. Millennium is my favorite cigar. I also smoke Padrón 1926. My go-to spot to get them is Churchill’s [in downtown Birmingham]. I’m also a member of The Detroit Club.
My style influences:
I’ve always been different and unique. I don’t want to do what anyone else is doing. I might get ideas from different things I’ve looked at, but I like to mix and do my own thing. If somebody says, “This is popular right now,” I don’t want that. I steer away from it.
My style philosophy:
It’s better to be dressed up than to be dressed down. I don’t ever think you can be overdressed.
This story is from the June 2023 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. Read more in our digital edition. Plus, check out even more fashion tips from stylish metro Detroiters at HourDetroit.com.
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