Recently, Việt Nam’s legal community has been resonant with a debate over whether lawyers should wear formal robes in court. [1] While some argue that the proposal would enhance the solemnity and standing of the profession [2], others dismiss the attire as merely symbolic or inappropriate. [3] [4] At the same time, the proposal has become a source of humor across social media platforms. [5]

What is truly notable, however, is that while public discourse fixates on courtroom fashion, a separate and far more consequential change has emerged: a proposed requirement that lawyers possess “firm political steadfastness.”