Qualifying Sessions

Student members are required to complete ten compulsory qualifying sessions, during a period of no more than five years, ending on the date on which that person is called to the Bar.  All qualifying sessions must be educational and collegiate and complement the Bar Training Course.

Qualifying sessions also offer opportunities to learn more about the profession, meet peers on the Bar Course and network with a variety of members of the Inn.

A Qualifying session is only valid if completed in the five years leading up to the date on which you are Called to the Bar. If the date of an attended Qualifying Session falls outside of this period, then it is classed as expired and cannot be included in your overall Qualifying Session points total.

The Inn’s qualifying sessions fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Ethics, Standards and Values
• Advocacy Skills
• Legal Knowledge, Justice and the Rule of Law
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Preparation for Pupillage, Career Development and Wellbeing

It is now a requirement that all students must complete at least one session from each of these categories and within these two interactive qualifying sessions must be completed. Booking priority for interactive qualifying sessions is given to those who are currently studying the Bar Course. Interactive qualifying sessions can only be completed in-person, they cannot be attended remotely. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their interactive sessions during their Bar Course as it may be difficult to secure places at these events at a later stage. Students must take part in all elements of each qualifying session to be credited.