Your Call Ceremony

As outlined on the Call Requirements page, you will be invited to book your Call ceremony once the following have been received: a completed Call application, a signed Call declaration (both dated within 12 months of the Call ceremony date), and your final course results from your provider.

Booking links are issued by the Registrar ([email protected]) via email either the day before bookings open or as soon as eligibility is confirmed. Please note that links are only sent once we have received both your course results and a valid Call declaration.

Places for each Call ceremony are allocated on a first come, first served basis. As demand is often high, we regret that it may not be possible to accommodate all students on their preferred date

The dress code for Callees is strictly formal and should reflect the standards expected in a courtroom setting.

Please note that if you arrive on Call Day in unsuitable attire, you will be asked to change. If you choose not to, it is possible you will not be Called to the Bar. 

Callees are required to wear a dark suit with dark, smart shoes. A white shirt with collar and bands, or a collarette with a white top, is traditionally worn and encouraged. Alternatively, a white shirt or blouse may be paired with a dark tie, blouse, or formal top, as appropriate. For a detailed video breakdown of appropriate call attire you can visit Ivy & Normanton’s website.

A dark dress or skirt is acceptable, provided it is no shorter than knee length and worn with a matching jacket. Sleeves must cover the arms, and hair should be neat and tidy.

Long hair must be tied back and kept off the face and shoulders.

The recommended dress code for guests is smart casual.

All Callees are required to wear a gown for the Call ceremony. You are welcome to wear your own gown if you have one, or you can hire a student gown from the Inn for the day which you can pick up when you register on arrival.

Wigs are not permitted during the Call ceremony. However, they may be worn for professional photographs. We have a limited number of wigs will be available in the photography studios for those who wish to use them.

Each Callee is entitled to two guest tickets. The Inn will contact Callees directly if any additional tickets are made available. Guests with tickets are welcome to attend both the ceremony and the post-ceremony drinks and canapé reception.

Friends and family without tickets are welcome to enjoy the surroundings of the Inn and join you for lunch or refreshments at our on-site establishments (see the ‘Dining at the Inn’ section below). However, please note that they must vacate the premises by 17:00 and your party should not exceed eight people.

We ask that all guests are respectful of others who may be working during the day. The Library is in use by members between 09:00 and 19:00, and group visits are not permitted (no more than two people at a time). Please also note that photography is strictly prohibited at all times in the Library.

The recommended dress code for guests is smart casual.

Children are welcome to attend both the Call ceremony and the reception. However, please be mindful that the event is formal and of considerable duration, which may not be suitable for very young children.

Each child must hold a valid ticket and be accompanied by an adult guest. As Callees are separated from their guests during the ceremony they are unable to supervise children.

Subject to availability, up to three child tickets may be booked but a ratio of one adult per two children is required. Children under the age of two may attend free of charge; tickets for those aged 2–17 years are priced at £12. Please ensure that you bring adequate ID for any guests in your party with a child ticket.

You and your guests are welcome to enjoy the dining spaces at Lincoln’s Inn as part of your celebration.

An à la carte lunch is served in the Great Hall from 12:30 to 14:30, Monday to Friday (last orders at 14:15). Members of Lincoln’s Inn and other Inns of Court may bring up to three guests. If you wish to bring more than three guests to lunch please contact our Member Events team: [email protected]. No advance booking is required, and seating is allocated on a first come, first served basis. Children are welcome in the Hall but must remain under adult supervision at all times.

The MCR Restaurant and Bar is open throughout the day, offering a relaxed setting for drinks, lunch, and evening meals. We encourage advance booking to avoid disappointment. Reservations can be made here: MCR – Restaurant and Bar.

Please note that our dining spaces are intended for meals and refreshments and should not be used as waiting areas. Using these spaces for waiting can limit access for other members who wish to dine, and we ask for your consideration in helping maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for all.