The lawyer robe symbolizes tradition and professionalism in the legal world. Wearing a lawyer gown signifies commitment to justice and integrity. In courtrooms, lawyer gowns command respect and dignity. They represent the honor of the legal profession.

Lawyers in Ontario should know the general rules for going to court. They must wear robes if they’re appearing before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for motions, appeals, and trials. This includes personal injury and other civil proceedings. However, they don’t need to wear a robe for case settlements, trial management conferences, pre-trials, trial scheduling, or if they’re appearing before Assignment Court.

Generally, lawyers wear court robes when appearing before a judge, but not before a Master. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a lawyer is appearing at Small Claims Court, even though it’s before a judge, they don’t need to wear a robe.

To be Called To the Bar of Ontario, candidates must successfully complete and meet all the requirements established by the Law Society of Ontario as necessary to becoming a lawyer in this province.

Our Lawyer robes

Women Legal Robe

Men Legal Robe

Legal robing

Barrister robe guide

Consult the guide to gowning just here 

For barristers, the gown is a literal weight on our shoulders when taking a client’s cause before a judge. It is the only companion that will be with us in each and every major challenge in our careers. It is a symbolic link in the unbroken chain of legal tradition and precedent spanning back to the very origins of the common law and the development of the rights we cherish as a people and a society.

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