Student Conduct
The Inn expects its student members to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of the barrister profession and the reputation of the Inn.
The Inns of Court play a central role in educating and supporting future barristers. In addition to providing qualifying sessions and professional development opportunities, the Inn is responsible for assessing whether student members are fit and proper individuals to be Called to the Bar.
Oversight of the conduct of the Inn’s student members is not limited to activities within the Inn. Behaviour in academic, professional, personal, and online environments may be relevant where it raises questions about honesty, integrity, or suitability for practice at the Bar.
Fit and Proper Person Requirements
The Bar Standards Board (BSB), the four Inns of Court, and the Inns’ Conduct Committee (ICC) have agreed guidelines for determining whether an individual is a fit and proper person to become a practising barrister.
Checks take place when an individual applies to join an Inn and again before Call to the Bar.
However, the obligation to disclose does not apply only at admission and Call. Student members have an ongoing responsibility to disclose matters that may affect their fitness to become a practising barrister throughout their student membership of the Inn.
Expected Standards
To be a fit and proper person to practise at the Bar, that person is expected to be capable of upholding the Core Duties (as set out in the BSB Handbook) which underpin the behaviour expected of barristers.
In addition to the regulatory expectations on behaviour, student members are also expected to comply with the Inn’s Code of Conduct for Members.
Matters That Must Be Disclosed
Student members must promptly notify the Inn of any matter that may call into question their fitness to practise. This includes:
- Criminal investigations, cautions, or convictions
- Current investigations or past findings of academic misconduct, plagiarism, or cheating
- Current investigations or past regulatory or disciplinary findings by professional or regulatory bodies
- Financial matters
- Current or past conditions that means the person may pose a risk to any member of the public or which may impair their judgment as a practising barrister
- Other matters which might reasonably be thought to call into question fitness to become a practising barrister.
Failure to disclose a relevant matter will itself be treated seriously and could call into question fitness to become a practising barrister.
Assessment of Conduct Concerns
Where matters are disclosed or concerns are raised about a student’s conduct, the Inn will determine if it is a matter that calls into question the student’s fitness to practise and, if so, will refer the matter to the Inns’ Conduct Committee (ICC). The ICC will consider the circumstances in accordance with the Guidelines for Fit and Proper Person Checks and the Committee’s Rules.
Queries
Students who are uncertain whether a matter should be disclosed are encouraged to contact the Registry Team at the earliest opportunity. Early disclosure and transparency are generally viewed more favourably than delayed reporting.
Further Information
For detailed guidance, students should consult: