Magistrate Judge Orders Michigan Attorney to Remove Dragon Logo from Legal Filings
May 1, 2025, 10:32 am CDT
A federal court has ordered the removal of a visibly distracting watermark featuring a dragon from legal pleadings. (Image from Jacob A. Perrone’s April 2 complaint)
Incident Overview
In a recent decision, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent from the Western District of Michigan mandated that attorney Jacob A. Perrone, managing member of Dragon Lawyers, remove a dragon logo from his legal filings. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit he submitted on April 2.
Judge’s Rationale
Judge Kent characterized the large purple dragon watermark as “not only distracting, but juvenile and impertinent,” emphasizing that “the court is not a cartoon” in his order dated April 28. This directive reflects the court’s expectation for professionalism in documentation.
Lawyer’s Response
Perrone, who recently established his law firm in East Lansing, Michigan, explained that he has utilized watermarks for his pleadings before but recognized that the dragon design was more prominent than previous versions. He acquired the logo online for approximately $20 to help distinguish his new legal practice.
Compliance with Court Order
In an interview with various publications, Perrone expressed willingness to comply with the court’s order. “I regret putting it on the pleadings so prominently displayed,” he remarked, acknowledging the guidelines that govern courtroom decorum.
Conclusion
This case highlights the ongoing discussion about professionalism in legal practices and the visual presentation of legal documents. The incident serves as a reminder to legal professionals about maintaining the decorum expected within judicial settings.
