Best Deal Barrister Robes Essay Competition
Are you a 3rd-year law student or currently articling and feeling the weight of student debt or upcoming bar fees? We’ve got your back! Best Deal Barrister Robes is excited to announce our Essay competition, designed to support future lawyers like you.
Prizes
- 1st Place: Best Deal Barrister Robes call to the bar set
- 2nd Place: Best Deal Barrister Robes waistcoat.
- 3rd Place: Best Deal Barrister Robes court shirt
Topic: “To Robe or Not to Robe? That Is the Legal Question”
The use of barrister robes in court has a long and established history, symbolizing tradition, professionalism, and impartiality. However, as the legal profession evolves, some question whether barrister robes remain relevant in modern courtrooms.
Should we continue using barrister robes in court? Why or why not?
Write a 800-1200 word essay arguing for or against the continued use of barrister robes in court. You may take a historical, practical, ethical, or symbolic approach in making your argument. Your essay should be well-researched, logically structured, and compellingly written.
Eligibility
- Open to 3rd-year law students, articling students, and NCA students across Canada, as well as students in equivalent stages of legal qualification in other common law jurisdictions, including the UK (Bar Training Course or Solicitor Qualifying Exam candidates) and Australia (Practical Legal Training or supervised traineeships).
Submission Guidelines
- Your essay must be original work (no previously published essays, no AI).
- Submissions should be between 800-1200 words.
- Entries must be submitted by May 15, 2025.
- Submit your essay to contact@bestdealbarristerrobes.com with the subject line “Essay Competition Submission.”
- Include your full name, school, and current year (3rd-year law student or articling/trainee student) and mailing address in the materials.
Selection Criteria
Our panel of legal professionals will evaluate essays based on:
- Persuasion Power (30%) – Does the essay actually convince the reader? If a skeptical judge—or your most argumentative law school friend—read this, would they start rethinking their stance? Strong, well-reasoned arguments win here.
- Mic Drop & Smirk Factor (30%) – Does the essay deliver a standout argument or a clever line that makes the reader pause, nod, or even smirk? A well-placed zinger or sharp insight earns extra marks.
- Clear as a Court Transcript (on a Good Day) (20%) – Is the essay easy to follow, engaging, and logically structured? If it reads like a wall of legalese, that’s a problem. Clarity is key.
- Not a Snoozefest (20%) – Let’s be real—no one enjoys a dry, robotic essay. Does this have energy, personality, or a fresh angle that makes it actually enjoyable to read? Keep it compelling.
Winners Announced
Winners will be announced on June 1, 2025. If a winner has already purchased, they will have the option to receive a cash award equal to the value of the prize instead.