Be alert in planning and prompt in taking action as timing is everything…

The Call application will close approximately 3-4 months before each Call date to enable a) the Inn time to carry out the relevant checks and b) you to obtain the required criminal record checks (which will be initiated by the Inn after the Call application has closed).

You can make an application for a Call date if you know that your final exam results and all other requirements which apply to you will be met at least 3 weeks before the Call date you apply for. 

Not only do all the requirements have to be fulfilled for Call but some factors involved have an expiry date, for example the criminal record checks. Therefore, be alert and realistic as to what your particular priorities are, including a time when your family can attend your Call ceremony or when you need to start employment, etc.

If you decide to prioritise passing the exams first before applying for a Call then your earliest possible Call date will be several months after your results are confirmed.  E.g. if you final result is confirmed in early July, you have missed the application window for the Trinity (July and October) Calls, and the next available Call is Michaelmas (November).

Late applications for a particular Call are problematic due to the time constraints outlined here and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Postponing a Call application

Applications for Call can be postponed up to a point, but all pending applications will expire after each Hilary (March) Call. If you apply or defer to the Hilary Call but cannot make it then your application will be cancelled and you have to reapply and make new declarations.

Your application is not automatically postponed. You must request to postpone your Call application in writing by emailing CalltotheBar@middletemple.org.uk. 

Criminal record checks

Criminal record checks obtained for Call are valid for 12 months from the date of issue (please read further details below). If you have, for example, a number of exam deferrals that delay your completion of the Bar Course then your criminal records check may go out of date. But if you put off conducting your criminal records check to see if you pass all the exams you need, then there may not be enough time to complete the checks in time for Call, especially if you need an overseas check as well as the UK check.  A UK check might take 2-8 weeks even if you progress it promptly but an overseas one might take much longer, e.g. 3 months or more.  We cannot say how long it will take in each case.

Waivers from criminal records checks, where applicable, expire after each Hilary (March) Call and after that you will need to re-confirm your eligibility by submitting a new waiver application.

Bar Course results

The Bar Course exam results must be confirmed at least 3 weeks before your chosen Call date.  Each Bar Course provider will confirm final results directly to the Inn. Whilst you may receive results informally from your university earlier than this we can only accept formal confirmation from the university once it has been approved by their examination board. For example, exams taken in August do not provide us with results in time for October Call.  December exams provide results in time for March Call and April exams provide results in time for July Call. If it is not clear to you whether your results will be available to us in time you can check with your Bar Course provider.

Qualifying Sessions

The compulsory QS that are required for Call must be attended during a period of no more than five years before the date on which the person is Called to the Bar. QS attended more than 5 years ago will have expired. You will need to plan ahead to book any particular themes you need in QS sessions and allow time in case you are unexpectedly unable to attend (due to illness, etc).

Starting pupillage in England and Wales?

You have to pass the Bar Course first before you can start pupillage in England & Wales. As a pupil, you will normally have been Called to the Bar before commencing the non-practising period of pupillage. However, you can undertake your 'first six' before you are Called. If you have not been Called, you may use the term “pupil” but will not be permitted to use the title “Pupil Barrister” until you have been Called to the Bar. You must be Called to the Bar before you can undertake the 'second six' (practising period of pupillage). Note, your Chambers may have a preference for you to be Called before you start the first six of pupillage (even though it is not a requirement) so you may need to factor that in. This may be a preference because the Chambers plan initial training for you as a new practitioner as soon as you start.

All requirements for Call must be met by the Inn's Eligibility Deadline of 3 weeks before the Call date (with the exception of QS which may still be completed after this deadline provided they are booked beforehand).

Bar Course Students

Students can be Called to the Bar once they have:

• successfully completed the Bar Course. If you study a Bar Course with an LLM component you can be Called once all Bar Course modules have been passed, even if the LLM component is still to be completed
• been credited with the requisite number of Qualifying Sessions (click here for further details). These QS must be completed during a period of no more than five years before the date on which that person is Called to the Bar
• obtained the required criminal record checks and these have been received by the Inn (full details below)
• (where applicable) been approved as fit and proper by the Inns' Conduct Committee where the Inn, after becoming aware of a conduct matter, considers that the matter does call into question whether the individual is a fit and proper person to become a practising barrister

Applications can be submitted before these requirements have been met, but Call to the Bar may only take place when all pre-conditions are met.

Specially Qualified Applicants

Specially Qualified Applicants (Transferring Solicitors, Qualified Lawyers, Legal Academics, etc.) can be Called to the Bar once they have:

• made a successful application to the Qualifications Committee of the Bar Standards Board for Call to the Bar of England and Wales
• completed the Bar Transfer Test (BTT) if required
• joined the Inn
• been credited with the requisite number of Qualifying Sessions (click here for further details). These QS must be completed during a period of no more than five years before the date on which that person is Called to the Bar
• obtained the required criminal record checks and these have been received by the Inn (full details below)
• (where applicable) been approved as fit and proper by the Inns' Conduct Committee where the Inn, after becoming aware of a conduct matter, considers that the matter does call into question whether the individual is a fit and proper person to become a practising barrister

Applications can be submitted before these requirements have been met, but Call to the Bar may only take place when all pre-conditions are met.

You must make an application to be Called - you are not automatically assigned to be Called. 

If attending a Call ceremony in person:

You must attend the Call ceremony in full court dress including wig*, gown and bands.
* You do not have to wear a wig if it interferes with your national / cultural headwear

In addition to the wig, gown and bands, Callees should wear;

• a plain black (or very dark grey) suit. Your jacket must be buttoned up at the front (a double-breasted or three piece suit is traditionally worn by men). Alternatively a black dress with collarette and suit jacket can be worn. Any dress or skirt length should be below the knee.
• a white wing collar/tunic shirt or collarette – google for pictures if you’re unsure what these are!
• formal, black shoes.  Sandals and open-toe footwear are not appropriate. When choosing your footwear, do bear in mind that you will be standing for the length of the ceremony. 
• hair tied back if it is below shoulder length 
   

Hire of wig, gown and bands

Unless you own a wig, gown and bands you will need to hire them for the Call day from Ede & Ravenscroft (approx. £36). 

It is your responsibility to book these in advance and collect and return them. Whilst booking may be open on the Ede and Ravenscroft hire website earlier, you can wait until any pending results have been confirmed before booking your items. Booking will usually close around a week before the Call.

Collection and return of these items will either be from the Ede and Ravenscroft shop on Chancery Lane or from on-site at the Inn , depending on the arrangements for your specific Call.  You will be notified of these details by the Inn approximately 2 weeks before the Call.

You will need your Middle Temple membership card when you collect your items. If you don’t have one, email a photo of yourself and a copy of photo ID to education@middletemple.org.uk to request one.  Mention that you are being Called and indicate whether you’d like the card posting to you or you will collect it from the office.
 

Wing-collared/tunic shirts and collarettes

Along with the hire of court dress, you will need to purchase either a wing-collared shirt (or a plain dress shirt, as worn for black tie, would suffice) or a collarette in advance (they cannot be rented or bought on the day at the Inn).

A number of possible suppliers are listed below. 

• Ivy & Normanton

The first legal outfitter dedicated to courtwear for women, Ivy & Normanton was founded by a junior member of the bar (and Middle Templar)

• Ede & Ravenscroft

• Thresher & Glenny

If attending a Call ceremony remotely:

You are welcome to wear full court dress detailed above if it is available to you, but it is not compulsory for those Called online.  You must wear a suit and present yourself smartly.

Members who have been Called to the Bar can request a duplicate Call certificate using the online form below. You will need to login to access this form. If you don't have a login, please register first.

The cost of a duplicate certificate is £30. The duplicate certificate can be posted to yourself or a third party. Postage is an additional charge. Payment will be taken online once you submit your request form.

Request a duplicate Call certificate 

If you have any queries, or cannot access the form, please contact Education@middletemple.org.uk