What Are the Inns of Court?

All four Inns serve the same core function, but each has its own character, history and facilities. Here is how they compare:

Fees and deadlines are approximate and subject to change. Always check each Inn's website for the latest figures.

The Inns of Court have their origins in the 14th century, when groups of lawyers began gathering in hostels (or "inns") near the Royal Courts in London. Over time, these informal associations formalised into the four Inns we know today. For centuries, the Inns were the only route to becoming a barrister - students would learn the law by attending readings, moots and dining with senior practitioners.

Although legal education has changed dramatically since then, the Inns retain their historic role as the gatekeepers of the Bar. No one can be called to the Bar of England and Wales without being a member of an Inn of Court.

Each Inn of Court provides a range of services and support for its members:

• Call to the Bar. Only the Inns have the power to call students to the Bar, which is the formal step that allows you to practise as a barrister.
• Qualifying sessions. Student members must attend a set number of qualifying sessions (educational events, dinners and workshops) before they can be called. These sessions cover ethics, advocacy and professional skills.
• Scholarships and financial support. The Inns collectively award millions of pounds in scholarships each year to students undertaking the Bar course. Awards are based on merit and financial need.
• Education and training. The Inns organise mooting competitions, advocacy training weekends, mentoring programmes and continuing professional development (CPD) for practising barristers.
• Library and facilities. Each Inn maintains a law library, dining hall and common rooms for members.
• Community. The Inns foster a collegiate environment through social events, dinners and networking opportunities with barristers, judges and fellow students.

You should join an Inn of Court before you start the Bar course (officially the Bar Training Course). Here is the typical process:

1. Choose your Inn. Attend open evenings and student events at all four Inns to get a feel for each one. There is no "best" Inn - it comes down to personal preference.
2. Apply for membership. Submit an application through the Inn's website. You will need to provide proof of your academic qualifications and a reference.
3. Pay the student membership fee. This is typically around £100, though exact fees vary by Inn.
4. Apply for scholarships. If you are applying for a scholarship, you will usually need to submit a separate application by early November in the year before your Bar course starts. Scholarship interviews typically take place in spring.
5. Attend qualifying sessions. Once you are a student member, start attending qualifying sessions as soon as possible. You will need to complete a minimum number before you can be called to the Bar.

This is one of the most common questions aspiring barristers ask, and the honest answer is that all four Inns are excellent. None will give you a material advantage in pupillage applications. When choosing, consider:

• Atmosphere and culture. Visit each Inn during an open event. Some feel more formal, others more relaxed.
• Scholarships. While all four Inns offer generous scholarships, the amounts and selection criteria differ slightly. Research each Inn's offerings.
• Location and facilities. If you will be studying in London, consider which Inn is most convenient for you.
• Specialisms. Some Inns have informal associations with particular areas of law, though this is less significant than it once was.
• Recommendations. Speak to barristers and current students about their experiences.

The most important thing is to join an Inn - which one matters far less than making the most of your membership.

Before you can be called to the Bar, you must complete a minimum number of qualifying sessions. These are educational and professional development events organised by your Inn. They typically include:

• Advocacy workshops - practical exercises in oral and written advocacy
• Ethics and professional conduct sessions - covering the BSB Handbook and core duties
• Residential weekends - intensive training events, often at Cumberland Lodge or similar venues
• Dining nights - formal dinners where students sit with barristers and judges (a tradition dating back centuries)
• Lectures and panel discussions - on legal topics, career development and wellbeing

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) requires students to complete at least 10 qualifying sessions before Call. Most Inns offer far more than this across the academic year, so there are plenty of opportunities to fulfil the requirement.