ERIN C. COWLING
  • Home
  • BOOK (COMING SOON)
  • CPD Courses
  • Blog
  • Speaking
  • Publications

Barristers' Robes: The Courtroom Equalizer

6/27/2017

4 Comments

 
Picture
As a civil litigator in Ontario, when I appear before a judge (in most circumstances) I must wear my court attire consisting of black or grey "court striped" pants or skirt, a white wingtip collared shirt, waistcoat, my robe and my tabs (white flappy things that flow from my collar – see picture). If you are interested, there have been several articles written about the history of our stuffy courtroom attire and how to properly wear it, gussy-it-up, and about the makers who make them.

Some litigators loath the robes, wishing to do away with the old-fashioned garb and the blue velvet carrying bags with our initials on them (see photo below); others feel at home in the serious and traditional uniform. What I appreciate the most about my robe is that, as a woman, I feel like it helps level the playing field for me in the courtroom.  Women are often judged on how we look and are dressed, and women lawyers in the courtroom are no exception. Judges judge us by appearance whether consciously or unconsciously - they are human. The robes act as a great equalizer. We all look equally ridiculous in them, whether we are hiding breasts or a pot belly underneath. When I am wearing the same Hogwarts outfit as counsel next to me, I know the judge is not judging me on my choice of dress.  If I had my way I would bring back the wigs and then I wouldn’t have to worry about my hair either (Up? Down? Bun? Pony tail? Curly? Straight? Pig tails (probably not)).

Unfortunately, we don’t robe before Masters (yes, we have individuals called “Masters” in our court system). When I appear before a Master I waste so much time thinking about my attire: should I stick to a boring black suit? Skirt or pants? Skirt too short? What colour of top? Too bright? Too dowdy? Too low cut? Not serious enough? Too serious? And don't get me started about my shoe choice! And I admit, I tend to be an over-thinker, but if how I dress can potentially affect the outcome for my client, then of course I am going to put thought into it.  Men have it so easy: suit, shirt and tie.  I totally prefer wearing my robe.
​
I know change is coming to the legal profession (including potentially renaming the Law Society of Upper Canada) and I welcome change, but I hope some traditions remain, including our wacky courtroom attire.



Picture
4 Comments
    Picture

      Sign-up to receive my posts directly to your inbox:

    SUBSCRIBE
    2019 Canadian Law Blog Awards Winner
    2018 Canadian Law Blog Finalist
    2017 Canadian Law Blog Awards Winner
    2016 Canadian Law Blog Awards Winner
    Erin C. Cowling is a former freelance lawyer, entrepreneur, business and career consultant, speaker, writer and CEO and Founder of Flex Legal Network Inc., a network of freelance lawyers.
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Book Reviews
    Career Advice
    Case Comments
    EDI Series
    Legal Events
    Legal Ghostwriting
    Legal Profession
    LSUC
    Rules Of Professional Conduct
    Series: Women Leading In Law
    Top 10 Posts
    Women And The Law

    Archives

    October 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    June 2023
    April 2022
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014

    RSS Feed

CONTACT ERIN
(C) 2014-2025 Erin C. Cowling. All rights reserved.
About 
Publications
Blog 
Terms of Use/Privacy Policy

Please note I am not currently practicing law. 
​

​Information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Accessing or using this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship.
 See website Terms of Use/Privacy Policy.
3080 Yonge Street, Suite 6060
Toronto,ON
M4N 3N1 (appointment only)
  • Home
  • BOOK (COMING SOON)
  • CPD Courses
  • Blog
  • Speaking
  • Publications