Law Society of Ontario

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Toronto, Ontario
Confirmation of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 181

Arms of the Law Society of Ontario
Arms of the Law Society of Ontario
 
Arms of the Law Society of Ontario

Arms of the Law Society of Ontario

Blazon

Sable on a chevron between two stags trippant in chief and a rose in base Argent barbed and seeded, an open book proper bound Azure edged and clasped Or between two maple leaves Gules;

Symbolism

The use of black and white alludes to the courtroom vesture of lawyers. The stags are taken from the arms of Sir John Beverley Robinson, Bt., an early Treasurer of the Society and the Chief Justice of Upper Canada from 1829 to 1862. The white rose is a symbol of York, the former name of Toronto, where the Society has been located since 1799. The open book refers to the Law, and the two red maple leaves pay tribute to the members of the Society who gave their lives in the two world wars in the 20th century.

Crest

Blazon

Upon a rocky mount proper a mantle Ermine lined Murrey thereon a beaver couchant proper holding in its mouth a sprig of two maple leaves Or;

Symbolism

The beaver, a symbol of Canada, is taken from the seal of the Society, created in 1823. The rock alludes to the firm foundation of justice, and the scarlet and ermine cloth refers to judicial robes. The gold maple leaves are taken from the arms of the province of Ontario.

Motto

Blazon

LET RIGHT PREVAIL;

Symbolism

This Latin is a phrase is based on the traditional maxim Fiat justitia ruat caelum, meaning “Let right prevail [i.e., let justice be done] though the heavens fall.”

Supporters

Blazon

Dexter the figure of Hercules holding in the dexter hand a club, sinister the figure of Justice holding in the sinister hand a sword erect proper pommel and hilt and with a balance Or suspended from the blade, both standing on a grassy mount Vert;

Symbolism

Hercules, shown here girded with the pelt of the Nemean lion, and the allegorical figure for Justice both appear on the Law Society’s seal. Together, they represent fortitude and justice.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on December 7, 2019 in Volume 153, page 4268 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent confirming the heraldic emblems of the Law Society of Ontario

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Gordon Macpherson

Painter

Not applicable

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Learned Society & Professional Organization

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the name of The Law Society of Upper Canada in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume V, page 450, 15 June 2009.