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Call to the Bar

Middle Temple currently Calls about 600-650 members to the Bar each year. Ceremonies are held in the Middle Temple Hall, which has been in use for over 450 years.

There is no set capacity number for how many can be Called – we anticipate accommodating everyone who has made an application and fulfils all the requirements.


To be Called you must submit an application for Call - you will not be automatically assigned.
You cannot book onto ceremonies via the events pages on our website – these are only for Benchers to book their attendance.

Each Call application window closes several months before the Call date.
You must meet the eligibility criteria for Call at least 3 weeks before the Call date.


Read the guidance before applying for Call and refer to it throughout the process. 

CALL TO THE BAR - GUIDANCE

This document includes information on:

  • requirements to be eligible for Call
  • key dates and timings to be aware of
  • details about ceremony choices and guests
  • how to change your chosen Call date after applying
  • criminal record checks for Call
  • exam results and qualifying sessions
  • what to wear for Call

Call to the Bar
TIMELINE

A summary of the whole process, from initial application through to being Called.

Call to the Bar
BUDGET

A summary of all potential costs.

Criminal Record
Checks Timeline

A summary of the criminal record checks process.

These documents provide information about every stage of the process and answer the majority of potential questions you may have. One reason for this is that we deal with over 1,000 applications for Call each year which means we are always very busy! If you make enquiries during the Call application process which are already answered by the guidance then we may not be able to respond to you individually. 

Upcoming Call Dates

2024
The Call ceremonies currently scheduled for 2024 are:

  • Hilary Call: 21 & 22 March 2024
  • Trinity Call: 24 & 25 July 2024
  • Deferred Trinity Call: 10 October 2024
  • Michaelmas Call: 27 & 28 November 2024

2025

The Call ceremonies currently scheduled for 2025 are:

  • Hilary Call: 27 March 2025
  • Trinity Call: 23 & 24 July 2025
  • Deferred Trinity Call: 9 October 2025
  • Michaelmas Call: 26 & 27 November 2025

Applying to be Called

To be Called you must submit an application for Call - you will not be automatically assigned.

Apply for deferred TRINITY CALL (October)

[Applications for Trinity Call (July) have closed]

CALL APPLICATIONS OPEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE ELIGIBILITY DEADLINE CALL DATE(S)
HILARY
MARCH
mid-Sept 2023 09:00, 6 November 2023 16:00, 28 February 2024 21&22 March 2024
TRINITY
JULY
early/mid Feb 2024 09:00, 18 March 2024 16:00, 2 July 2024 24&25 July 2024
DEFERRED
TRINITY
OCTOBER
early/mid Feb 2024 09:00, 2 April 2024 16:00, 18 Sept 2024 10 Oct 2024
MICHAELMAS
NOVEMBER
mid May 09:00, 15 July 2024 16:00, 5 Nov 2024 27&28 Nov 2024

Call application fee

The Call application fee is an administrative fee. All applications made for Call from January 2024 onwards will require the Call fee to be paid at the time of applying and this fee is non-refundable. See also Call fee amount and payment policy.

Please be aware that:

  • You will be required to submit certified copies of any degree certificates (excluding the Bar Course) not previously submitted to the Inn (i.e. any degrees you have completed since joining the Inn).  Alternatively we can accept an email directly from your university confirming your degree results and date of conferment - please ask them to email CalltotheBar@middletemple.org.uk.
  • You are required to complete all the requirements for Call by the Eligibility Deadline (3 weeks before your Call date).
  • The Inn will receive your Bar Course result directly from your provider, so there is no need for you to provide any proof of this.
  • If you are Called remotely, you cannot take part in another Call ceremony on a later date. 

Your name as it will appear on your Call certificate

You will be Called using your full name, including middle names. This will be printed on your Call certificate and also published in the Times, Telegraph and Independent newspapers.

If due to cultural convention you would like your name to appear in a different order from first name ~ middle names ~ surname please specify this on the application form.

Requesting a Duplicate Call Certificate

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