Patron Saint of Lawyers

Two of the most well-known saints for lawyers are St. Ivo of Kermartin and St. Thomas More. However, there are two other saints who are occasionally entreated by lawyers and others in the law profession. Their names are St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Genesius.

St. Ivo of Kermartin (also known St. Yves) was born in Kermartin, Brittany (now France) in 1253. He was a lawyer, judge, and priest who devoted his life to helping the poor and defending the rights of the oppressed.

He studied theology, philosophy and law in Paris and became a judge in the court of Rennes, where he gained a reputation for his honesty and impartiality. He was known for his commitment to ensuring that the poor and disadvantaged had access to justice and fair treatment under the law. He would often provide legal aid and counsel to those who could not afford it. His legacy as a champion of justice and defender of the rights of the oppressed continues to inspire lawyers and jurists to this day. His example serves as a reminder of the importance of using the law to promote justice and serve the common good, especially for those who are most vulnerable and in need of legal assistance.

His commitment to justice and service to the poor made him a beloved figure in Brittany, and he was eventually canonized by the Catholic Church in 1347. St. Ivo is venerated as a patron saint of lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals.

St. Thomas More was a lawyer, scholar, and statemen who lived and studied law at Oxford in England during the 16th century. He is considered a martyr for his strong defense of the Catholic Church in the face of the English Reformation, which was a time of great religious and political upheaval in England.

After being appointed as Lord Chancellor by King Henry VIII, he refused to support the king's decision to divorce the queen as well as to separate from the Catholic Church and establish the Church of England. He also refused to swear an oath acknowledging the king's authority over the Church. As a result, he was imprisoned, tried for treason, and eventually lost his head in 1535.

St. Thomas More is recognized as a patron saint of lawyers because of his commitment to justice and his unwavering dedication to the law. He is admired for his intellectual abilities, his courage in defending his beliefs, and his steadfast adherence to ethical principles.

St. Catherine of Alexandria lived in early 4th century Egypt and was known for her great beauty and intelligence, as well as her deep Christian faith. Highly educated and with a keen intellect, she debated and persuaded people to convert to Christianity. She refused to renounce her faith even when faced with persecution and torture and was eventually martyred for her beliefs.

Her association with lawyers comes from a time when she successfully defended herself in a debate with 50 pagan philosophers who were trying to convince her to abandon her Christian faith. She used her intelligence and eloquence to refute the arguments of the philosophers and persuade them to convert to Christianity instead. This story has made St. Catherine a symbol of intelligence, eloquence, and the power of persuasion, all talents that are highly treasured in the legal profession. Her example of courage, intellect, and unwavering faith has made her a beloved figure among lawyers, who often pray to her.

She is also the Patron Saint of Students so she makes a good saint to pray to for law students.

St. Genesius was a Roman actor in the 3rd century who converted to Christianity while performing in a play that mocked the Christian faith. It is not clear as to why he is associated with the law profession. Two hypotheses are that he was brought before the Roman persecutors for professing his faith and the other is that lawyers often have to speak and act somewhat in a court of law. Regardless, his martyrdom is a powerful example of courage in the face of persecution and opposition so would be a good patron saint for any lawyer.

Click here for our list of Patron Saints.

St. Thomas More Lawyer’s Prayer

I pray, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, that I, with You, Saint Thomas More, may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to conscience.

Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients’ tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.

Pray for me, and with me, that my family may find in me what Your family found in You: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain—their good servant, but God’s first. Amen.

St. Ivo Prayer for a Lawyer

O God, from whom cometh all that is right and just, Thou didst establish Saint Ivo as a judge in the midst of his brethren, making him the friend and advocate of the poor. Do Thou make us, by his intercession, steadfast in the pursuit of justice and confident in Thy merciful goodness. Saint Ivo, bright light among men of law, pray for us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Before a Legal Case

Holy Father, I come before you faced with this court case. I know that Your justice is perfect and that You are sovereign over every situation.

Please give me wisdom and discernment as this case progresses, and may Your will be done in the outcome. Watch over this case, Lord God. Give me the strength to persevere through this process, knowing that whatever the result, You are in control.

I ask that you grant us the strength to stand for what is truly right. Allow the truth of the matter to be seen and give the judge and jury the insight to see into the matter. May Your will be done. In Your love and grace. Amen. 

Buy some beautiful St. Ivo, St. Rita, St. Thomas More, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Genesius jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of lawyers and be a symbol of your faith.