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What are Qualifying Sessions?

Qualifying Sessions form a vital part of a student’s journey in training to become a barrister. All students who undertake vocational training for the Bar are required to be members of an Inn. Qualifying Sessions, which take place alongside a student’s vocational training, provide opportunities for professional and ethical development. This also complements and builds on a student’s academic and vocational education, forming a bridge to the final component of Bar training: pupillage. Qualifying Sessions also provide opportunities for a student to enhance their understanding of the role of barristers in the wider justice system and the rule of law.

Through the provision of both practical and knowledge-based sessions, delivered by specially selected and trained members of the profession and experts, the Inns help equip students to undertake the next stage of training and to be fit and proper to serve the public as barristers. The links made with the profession through the Inns provide students with a foundation for pupillage and work-based learning but also for a career at the Bar thereafter.

Qualifying Session Requirements

Students commencing the Bar Course must complete ten Qualifying Sessions in order to be Called to the Bar (please note that the Call to the Bar ceremony itself does not count as a Qualifying Session). Students must attend a minimum of one session under each of the themes outlined below and at least two sessions must be interactive and require preparation in advance (NB: all interactive sessions also require preparation in advance so you only need to attend two of these sessions altogether, not four). Students can contact the Education and Training Department if they have questions about these requirements.

The Inn's Qualifying Sessions are spread across five themes. The themes are:

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

The Inn recognises that its student members study the vocational qualification component with providers across England and Wales and therefore provides a wide range of Qualifying Sessions at weekends as well as during the week. The Inn provides the opportunity for Bar Course students at providers outside of London to complete up to five in person Qualifying Sessions locally.

Students who began the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) before 1 June 2020 are subject to transitional provisions set out in the joint Inns Qualification and Educational rules.

Please note, it is a student’s responsibility to ensure that they attend the required number and type of Qualifying Sessions. It will be made as clear as possible to you at the point of booking which Qualifying Sessions count for which themes.

Events will be held in person unless noted otherwise – some in person events may also offer hybrid online streaming, and this will be made clear at point of booking. It is vital to take note of the format of events before you book them, as cancellations can cause logistical issues and prevent other students from attending.

Qualifying Session Financial Assistance

The Inn heavily subsidises the cost of its educational provision to ensure sessions are accessible and affordable. However, we understand that now more than ever, many students will find themselves under financial pressure and unexpected financial hardship may make it difficult to acquire the correct number of Qualifying Sessions.

To this end, the Inn provides two forms of financial assistance to Student Members accruing Qualifying Sessions.

These schemes are Qualifying Sessions Grant and the Qualifying Sessions Travel Subsidy.

The Qualifying Sessions Grant is available to assist with the cost of Qualifying Session tickets. 

The Qualifying Sessions Travel Subsidy is available to assist students studying with Bar Course Providers outside of London with the cost of travelling to London for Qualifying Sessions. 

There are separate schemes available for Student Advocacy Weekends. Students booked on to the Student Advocacy Weekends will receive further once places at these weekends are allocated.

Qualifying Sessions Programme September-December 2024 (Michaelmas term)

Students will be able to book either a MORNING or AFTERNOON advocacy session.

Morning students will arrive and be divided into small groups to go through an advocacy exercise (prepared ahead of time) with an experienced practitioner. After this session, there will be a short coffee break, and then morning students AND afternoon students will attend an introductory lecture to legal research delivered by Inner Temple Librarians. The lecture will include information on how to research UK cases and legislation, decipher legal abbreviations, understand the need to use commentary sources and keep up to date with developments in the legal world. After the lecture, afternoon students will be divided into small groups to go through an advocacy exercise (prepared ahead of time) with an experienced practitioner

Students may not attend both this session and the Legal Research training session on Wednesday 16 October.

Learning Outcome(s)

- Feel more confident in their ability to conduct legal research for complex legal cases

- Identify the resources available to students and pupils at the Inner Temple Library and online

- Identify areas in which their oral advocacy can be materially improved

- Work with greater confidence on legal problems and pieces of advocacy provided at short notice

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law; Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In Person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 14 September

Time:

9:00 – 14:00 (Morning Session)

11:00 – 16:00 (Afternoon Session)

Qualifying point(s): 2

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

Once a year, the Inn runs a teacher training weekend where barristers and judges can become qualified advocacy trainers. At the weekend, we ask student volunteers to practice advocacy exercises in order that a trainee advocacy trainer can offer an advocacy review using the Hampel method. This is a method used on our post-call training course to provide feedback.

Students present opening/closing speeches and examinations/cross examinations. A trainee trainer gives a review of their performance, followed by a second ’video review’ by another trainer in a breakout room

The weekend is a unique opportunity to gain detailed feedback on their advocacy which they may not otherwise experience until they become a pupil.

Students may attend the Saturday or the Sunday.

Learning Outcome(s):

- identify the different approaches to advocacy and gain insight into ways of improving their own advocacy skills

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In Person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 1 (Free)

Date: Saturday 21 / Sunday 22 September

Time:

Saturday: 09:30 -16:00

Sunday: 09:30 – 12:30

Qualifying point: Sat - 2 / Sun - 1

Open to: All current students (not transferring legal professionals)

This event includes a 1 hour panel talk from senior members and recent students, welcoming the students to the Inn and directing them towards different support schemes, as well as giving general advice on how to get the best out of Qualifying Sessions and their year on the course. This will be followed by a drinks reception and networking opportunities, with stalls for different legal organisations and social groups for students to visit and opportunities to familiarise themselves with the library, the Inn’s educational facilities and Inn staff and volunteers.

Booking for this event is restricted to Bar Course Students at London-based providers, starting in Autumn 2024 or January 2025. If you are in this category and the event does not appear please contact qs@innertemple.org.uk

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify sources for support, social networking and wellbeing provided by the Inner Temple and wider profession.

- Understand more clearly the educational opportunities and student societies open to them as student members of the Inn and how to access these resources

- Feel more confident in their ability to engage in Qualifying Sessions offered by the Inn as a way to augment their Bar Course studies

Themes: Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 24 September

Time: 17:00 - 20:00

Open to: All current London students and transferring legal professionals

This event includes a 1 hour panel talk from senior members and recent students, welcoming the students to the Inn and directing them towards different support schemes, as well as giving general advice on how to get the best out of Qualifying Sessions and their year on the course. This will be followed by a drinks reception and networking opportunities, with stalls for different legal organisations and social groups for students to visit and opportunities to familiarise themselves with the library, the Inn’s educational facilities and Inn staff and volunteers.

Booking for this event is restricted to Bar Course Students at providers based outside of London, starting in Autumn 2024 or January 2025. If you are in this category and the event does not appear please contact qs@innertemple.org.uk

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify sources for support, social networking and wellbeing provided by the Inner Temple and wider profession.

- Understand more clearly the educational opportunities and student societies open to them as student members of the Inn and how to access these resources

- Feel more confident in their ability to engage in Qualifying Sessions offered by the Inn as a way to augment their Bar Course studies

Themes: Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In Person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Friday 27 September

Time: 17:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current OOL students and transferring legal professionals

The foundational skills course will involve 2.5 hours of practical workshop training in advocacy performance skills, with a focus on how to connect with an audience and use vocal skills and body language to communicate clearly and confidently. Students will be encouraged to use skills typically employed by actors to improve their oral advocacy, with effective use of breath, posture and vocal resonance. They will also examine strategies for overcoming nerves and delivering speeches and submissions with confidence.

There will be a Morning and Afternoon session – attendees must only book ONE.

 

Learning Outcome(s):

- Feel more confident in their ability to deliver clear and persuasive oral advocacy

- Recognise the link between advocacy and performance and apply this to the way they construct their submissions

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Saturday 28 September

Time: MORNING - 10.30am - 1pm

AFTERNOON - 2pm - 4.30pm

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

A panel of experienced practitioners will discuss issues surrounding class at the Bar, from a variety of intersectional viewpoints, covering aspects of pupillage, practice and individual wellbeing, as well as routes to the Bar and ways in which the profession needs to change and adapt. The panel discussions will last for just under two hours and will be followed by an open Q&A session. Students will have the chance to ask questions either in person or anonymously, depending on comfort levels.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify ways in which to promote diversity in the workplace

- Feel more confident addressing entrenched issues of class at the Bar and advocating for a socio-economically diverse profession

- Identify relevant support schemes, scholarship programmes and networking initiatives for students and practitioners from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Themes: Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 8 October

Time: 17:45 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

 

The work of UNIDROIT and the future for the international harmonisation of commercial law

Louise Gullifer KC (hon), FBA

Rouse Ball Professor of English Law, University of Cambridge, Fellow of Gonville and Caius College.

This lecture will explain and examine the work of UNIDROIT, as an example of an international organisation dedicated to the harmonisation of private law, focusing particularly on commercial law initiatives. It will consider the need for, and purpose of, international harmonisation, the types of instruments produced and their different functions, and the part played by the UK both in assisting in the formulation of such instruments and in adopting them domestically. It will examine the future for the existing instruments and the place of international organisations and instruments in the future development of private law, as well as reflecting on the contribution of private law, as opposed to regulatory law, to global trade and financial markets.


In Person (with hybrid streaming option)

Learning Outcome(s):

- more fully understand the role of UNIDROIT

- discuss the future of international organisations and commercial law

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (The Inner Temple) - with a hybrid streaming option

Cost: Tier 2 (£10) - both in person and online

Date: Wednesday 9 October

Time: 18:00 - 19:30

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: Students and Members

 

Environmental Law: Regulation and the Right to Protest

Part of the Social Context of the Law Series of discussions open to members of the Inns and the public and designed to enhance an understanding of the law and its social importance through open discussion of the challenging questions the law is asked to address.

 

The speakers will discuss recent decisions in the civil and criminal courts of England and Wales in relation to protests concerning the environment or climate change. Climate change and environmental catastrophe are real and pressing issues. At the same time there is a view that protests need to be within the bounds prescribed by the law and the rights of others as formulated in a democratic society. The question is whether and to what extent the law corresponds to what is just. In this context, the speakers will also consider changes in the primary legislation impacting the right to protest (concerning inter alia the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression) and use of criminal law to proscribe peaceful protest (however construed). Has the use of civil injunctions expanded: and is that remedy operating fairly? And, finally, they will ask whether the right balance is being struck between the rights of protestors and the interference of those rights as a matter of public policy.  To what extent is the lack of effective regulation of public and private bodies which are damaging the environment, relevant to the breadth of lawful protest? Is there a balance that can be struck? And will history look upon the climate protestors in a different light?

 

The event will be delivered online and in person. The session will include an opportunity for Q&A.


In Person (with hybrid streaming option)

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify what are the contours of the right to protest (including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly) and what are the limits to that right

- Identify recent changes in the law relating to protest emanating from primary legislation and decisions in the civil and criminal courts (including sentencing)

- Know what defences protestors often plead when charged with criminal offences in protest cases

- Identify possible legislative reforms in relation to  environmental law and climate change through the democratic process.  Is there a limit to what can be done through existing institutions that compels people to lawfully protest?

- Discuss points of contention in legislating against peaceful protest (and how that is defined) and the public policy objectives being sought in so legislating.  What are legitimate public policy concerns in relation to climate protest? Where should the balance to be struck?

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & The Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (The Inner Temple) with a hybrid streaming option

Cost: Tier 2 (£10) in person and online

Date: Tuesday 15 October

Time: 18:00 - 19:30

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: Students & Members

This lecture will be delivered by Inner Temple librarians and will function as an introduction to legal research. The session will include information on how to research UK cases and legislation, decipher legal abbreviations, understand the need to use commentary sources and keep up to date with developments in the legal world.

Students may NOT attend this session if they have already attended Advocacy and Legal Research Training on Saturday 14 September.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Describe how to research UK cases and legislation

- Explain legal citations and indexes

- Identify the key legal databases for UK law

- Understand the best methods for keeping up to date with their relevant jurisdictions

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Wednesday 16 October

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

 

This masterclass is taught by Master Alastair Hodge – students will be taught mooting skills, preparation, advocacy, timing and how to deal with judicial intervention.  The masterclass will be followed by a Q&A and an optional drinks reception.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Describe key skills needed for mooting and advocacy

- Reflect on how they can improve their advocacy skills

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 21 October

Time: 18:30 - 21:00 (includes drinks reception)

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

Students will be presented with a mock case study (based on a real case) of neurodiversity in law and work on the case in a mock trial format (with judge, jury, prosecution, defendant etc.), designed to expand their knowledge of disability and equality laws.

The session will commence with a brief plenary session on neurodiversity statistics, terminology and neurological conditions, before the mock trial begins and will end with a recap and brief Q&A

Learning Outcome(s):

- Recognise basic terminology as well as neurodivergent conditions

- Understand how neurodiversity is covered by most country laws

 

Themes: Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Thursday 24 October

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

An experienced practitioner will give a talk on ways in which to preserve individual wellbeing during the Bar Course, pupillage and practice, including advice on techniques to curb stress and ways to maintain a work-life balance. The talk will last approximately an hour and will be followed by a half hour’s open Q&A session.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify ways in which to promote wellbeing in the study/workplace

- Use skills and knowledge to support their personal and professional wellbeing

- Describe the primary challenges to wellbeing whilst studying for and during practice at the Bar

Themes: Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Wednesday 30 October

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

The Magna Carta Moot involves a “showcase” moot with an Inner Temple team competing against an English-speaking Union team. There will be a panel of judges who will provide feedback that will help to inform the audience on how to undertake a moot.

The session will be introduced with a talk about Mooting by the Master of Moots.

Students will earn a QS by watching both the talk and showcase moot.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify different strategies used in presenting an argument.

- Identify ways in which they can improve the advocacy skills

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 4 November

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

1 hr panel including 10-15 minutes Q&A on Realities of the Bar chaired by Verity Adams. This will be followed by an additional 1 hr discussion with Master Samantha Hillas and other professionals about resiliency tools to support you in your career. Student questions encouraged throughout.

Learning Outcome(s):

- More fully understand the financial and working realities of practising at the Bar

- Feel more prepared in their career to set achievable goals and manage their own expectations

- Use resiliency tools to cope with setbacks and ongoing stress.

Themes: Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 5 November

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

 

A panel of experienced practitioners, pupil supervisors and current pupils will discuss different aspects of pupillage, including what to expect, how to construct a successful application and how to preserve individual wellbeing during pupillage. The panel discussions will last for approximately one and a half hours and will be followed by a half hour’s open Q&A session.

 

Learning Outcome(s):

- Outline the pupillage interview process and describe techniques that can be employed during the application process

- Identify successful pathways to pupillage

- Assess their core skills and the ways to best apply these skills to the pupillage search

Themes: Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Wednesday 6 November

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

An experienced practitioner will lead an interactive discussion on a variety of ethics scenarios. Students will be encouraged to participate in open discussions on the different ethical principles raised by legal scenarios.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify and apply core duties to ethical challenges faced by barristers

- Respond more confidently to time-sensitive and complex dilemmas in the legal workplace

- Describe the support resources available to practicing barristers when grappling with complex ethics issues

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 11 November

Time: 17:30 - 19:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

TBC

In Person (with hybrid streaming option)

Learning Outcome(s):

TBC

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (The Inner Temple) with a hybrid streaming option

Cost: Tier 2 (£10) both in person and online

Date: Wednesday 13 November

Time: 18:00 - 19:30

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: Students and Members

The Inn runs its advocacy course for pupils twice each year, culminating in a series of mock trials at the Royal Courts of Justice. We ask student volunteers to play the witnesses at the trials, being examined-in-chief/cross-examined by the pupils. Feedback is provided to the pupils at the end by our trainers.

The trials are great opportunity to take part in mock trials in real courtrooms and observe advocacy in practice from those further down their career path.

Students are required to read two cases (one civil and one criminal) and come ready to play any of the witnesses. They do not have to learn the witness statements; these can be referred to throughout. Students must have read all material sent to them ahead of time or they will not be awarded the related QS point

As minimal preparation is involved, students must attend on 2 dates to receive 1 Qualifying point. Students may book Thursday 14 and Tuesday 19 Nov 2024 OR Thursday 21 and Tuesday 26 Nov 2024

Learning Outcome(s):

- Describe key skills needed for advocacy and performance

- Reflect on how they can improve their advocacy skills

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (The Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 1 (Free)

Date: Thursday 14 and Tuesday 19 Nov 2024 OR Thursday 21 and Tuesday 26 Nov 2024 (students must attend on two of the four dates)

Time: 17.30pm - 19.30 (on each session)

Qualifying point: 1 (for two sessions)

Open to: All current students (not TLPs)

Master Anne Richardson will deliver a talk on how to examine/cross examine vulnerable witnesses. The session will be followed by a Q&A session.

Learning Outcome(s):

- Identify how to approach the examination/cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses

- Identify important factors in witness handling, including both evidence in chief and cross-examination

- Reflect on how they can improve their witness handling skills

 

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 26 November

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point: 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

The Inn hosts three student advocacy weekends a year. The weekends offer the chance to practice your advocacy skills, as well as an opportunity to hear from high profile speakers and experts in the topic under discussion.

In addition, the weekends allow you to explore ethical decision-making in practical settings and offer the chance to gain insight into pupillage applications and interviews.

This event is allocated through a ballot system and details will be sent after the Introductory Evenings have been completed.

Qualifying Sessions Programme January to March 2025 (Hilary term) - NB Programme Subject to Change

A panel of experienced practitioners will discuss issues surrounding being a woman at the Bar, from a variety of intersectional viewpoints, covering issues such as sexual harassment, maternity leave, representation in the Judiciary, tackling attrition and methods of overcoming stereotyping and sexism.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify ways in which to promote equality in the workplace
  • Confidently discuss issues that can affect women at the Bar from a number of intersectional viewpoints
  • Identify relevant support schemes and networking initiatives for women at the Bar

Themes: Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 7 January

Time: 17:45 - 20:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

3 sessions, each covering a separate theme:

a)       “How to Annoy a Judge” written by Master Timothy Petts (Ethics Standards and Values)

b)      CV and Mock Interview Workshop

c)       EDI at the Bar talk

Students will be required to attend all 3 sessions, commencing with an advocacy talk, followed by individual CV/mock interview workshops and ending with an EDI talk. The CV/mock interview workshops  and concurrent pupillage Q&A will cover both consideration of individuals’ applications and general advice when crafting applications.  Q&A sessions will be held after each talk and an informal pupillage Q&A will be held during the CV workshops if enough volunteers can be recruited.

Learning Outcomes:

·         More fully understand proper practice in a court room, specifically communicating effectively with a judge

·         Communicate their skills and achievements more effectively in both an oral and written context

·         Gain a greater understanding of how to maximise their potential over the course of the pupillage search including chambers’ approach to EDI

·           Be able to discuss and identify ways in which to promote equality & diversity in the workplace

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values; EDI; Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (Birmingham venue tbc)

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 11 January

Time: 11:00 - 16:15

Qualifying point(s): 3

Open to: All circuit students and transferring legal professionals

This is an opportunity for students to watch some professional advocacy delivered by experienced practitioners.  In this session, members of the Bar will give demonstrations of best practice for XIC and XX, following by a Q&A in which students will be invited to ask questions

Learning Outcomes:

·         To be able to identify different approaches to advocacy and question their own advocacy skills.

·         To identify important factors in witness handling, including both examination in chief and cross-examination

·         Assess strong and weak factors in cases and witness evidence

·         Reflect on how they can improve their advocacy skills

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person (Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 13 January

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

3 sessions, each covering a separate theme:

a)       “How to Annoy a Judge” written by Master Timothy Petts (Ethics Standards and Values)

b)      CV and Mock Interview Workshop

c)       EDI at the Bar talk

Students will be required to attend all 3 sessions, commencing with an advocacy talk, followed by individual CV/mock interview workshops and ending with an EDI talk. The CV/mock interview workshops  and concurrent pupillage Q&A will cover both consideration of individuals’ applications and general advice when crafting applications.  Q&A sessions will be held after each talk and an informal pupillage Q&A will be held during the CV workshops if enough volunteers can be recruited.

Learning Outcomes:

·         More fully understand proper practice in a court room, specifically communicating effectively with a judge

·         Communicate their skills and achievements more effectively in both an oral and written context

·         Gain a greater understanding of how to maximise their potential over the course of the pupillage search including chambers’ approach to EDI

·           Be able to discuss and identify ways in which to promote equality & diversity in the workplace

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values; EDI; Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (Leeds venue tbc)

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 18 January

Time: 11:00 - 16:15

Qualifying point(s): 3

Open to: All circuit students and transferring legal professionals

This online lecture will be delivered by Inner Temple librarians, Tracey Dennis and Simon Hindley. This session builds on the basic legal research qualifying session (although it is not mandatory that student have attended a prior session in order to attend this one). The topics covered are those that students will need to know about as they prepare for pupillage.

Learning Outcomes:

·         Describe how to build on legal research skills they have already acquired

·           Explain how to undertake legal research expected of Pupils at the Bar

 

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 21 January

Time: 18:00 - 19:30

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

The Inn hosts three student advocacy weekends a year. The weekends offer the chance to practice your advocacy skills, as well as an opportunity to hear from high profile speakers and experts in the topic under discussion.

In addition, the weekends allow you to explore ethical decision-making in practical settings and offer the chance to gain insight into pupillage applications and interviews.

This event is allocated through a ballot system and details will be sent after the Introductory Evenings have been completed.

An experienced practitioner will lead an interactive discussion on a variety of ethics scenarios.  Students will be encouraged to participate in open discussions on the different ethical principles raised by legal scenarios. This situation will elaborate on scenarios discussed at the previous ethics session, but students do not need to have attended the Michaelmas session to attend this one.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and apply core duties to ethical challenges faced by barristers
  • Build on existing ethics knowledge to more fully grasp the ways to approach complex ethical issues
  • Respond more confidently to time-sensitive dilemmas
  • Describe the support resources available to practicing barristers when grappling with complex ethics issues

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Saturday 15 February

Time: 11:30 - 13:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: Old Bailey OR Royal Courts of Justice

Cost: Tier 1 (free)

Date: 18 and 25 OR 13, 18 and 25 February

Qualifying point: 1 (for two dates)

Professor Sandy Steel, University of Oxford

One circumstance in which a person can come under a positive legal duty in tort is when they ‘assume responsibility’. This lecture argues that the words ‘assumption of responsibility’ refer to at least four distinct concepts, each of which requires separate articulation and justification. Having explained the distinct strands of assumption of responsibility, the lecture suggests some possible justifications for these non-contractual positive duties to assist others.

Learning Outcomes

  • more fully understand assumptions of responsibility
  • discuss the possible justifications for these non-contractual positive duties to assist others

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Hybrid (at the Inner Temple & Online)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 17 February

Time: 18:00 - 19:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All students and members

Students will be divided into small breakout groups to go through an advocacy exercise (prepared ahead of time) with an experienced practitioner. Students will perform oral advocacy and receive feedback, ideally with the option to perform again, time-permitting.

There are two in person advocacy days in Michaelmas and Trinity term and this session is intended to provide the same opportunity for students who find it trickier to travel to the Inn

Learning Outcomes

  • Improve their ability to prep a case and construct a skeleton argument
  • Identify areas in which their oral advocacy can be materially improved

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Wednesday 19 February

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

Presentations by a diverse panel of practising barristers on careers at the Bar in different areas of international practice. Including practical advice on career progression and routes for development. Structured Q&A to follow. It is anticipated that this event will be hosted as a hybrid (in-person and online) and will be accessible to students and members based on circuit and internationally.

Learning Outcomes

  • More fully understand the opportunities and challenges for barristers in developing a practice in different areas of law with an international focus: including public international; commercial arbitration; family law/extradition; international criminal law; and human rights.

Themes: Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Hybrid (Inner Temple and Online)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Thursday 20 February

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

3 sessions, each covering a separate theme:

a)       Storytelling for a Persuasive Opening Statement

b)      EDI at the Bar Talk

c)       Ethics Training

Students will be required to attend all 3 sessions, commencing with group public speaking training in the morning, then moving onto an EDI Talk with Q&A and interactive Ethics Training in the afternoon.

Learning Outcomes

·          Reflect on how they can improve their advocacy skills
·          Practise their performance and presentation skills

·         Identify and apply core duties to ethical challenges faced by barristers

·         Reason through ethical challenges that raise competing ethical principles

·         Be able to identify ways in which to promote diversity in the workplace

·          Be able to discuss equality, diversity and inclusion issues that can arise in the legal profession, from the recruitment stage to longterm practice

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values; EDI; Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In Person (Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 22 February

Time: 10:00 - 16:00

Qualifying point(s): 3

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

3 sessions, each covering a separate theme:

a)       “How to Annoy a Judge” written by Master Timothy Petts (Ethics Standards and Values)

b)      CV and Mock Interview Workshop

c)       EDI at the Bar talk

Students will be required to attend all 3 sessions, commencing with an advocacy talk, followed by individual CV/mock interview workshops and ending with an EDI talk. The CV/mock interview workshops  and concurrent pupillage Q&A will cover both consideration of individuals’ applications and general advice when crafting applications.  Q&A sessions will be held after each talk and an informal pupillage Q&A will be held during the CV workshops if enough volunteers can be recruited.

Learning Outcomes:

·         More fully understand proper practice in a court room, specifically communicating effectively with a judge

·         Communicate their skills and achievements more effectively in both an oral and written context

·         Gain a greater understanding of how to maximise their potential over the course of the pupillage search including chambers’ approach to EDI

·           Be able to discuss and identify ways in which to promote equality & diversity in the workplace

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values; EDI; Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (Cardiff venue tbc)

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 1 March

Time: 11:00 - 16:15

Qualifying point(s): 3

Open to: All circuit students and transferring legal professionals

Professor Penney Lewis, Commissioner for Criminal Law, Law Commission

“Contempt of court” refers to a wide variety of conduct that may impede or interfere with the administration of justice – for example, taking photographs in a courtroom, making an audio recording of proceedings or assaulting court staff or witnesses. It may also be committed by conduct that occurs elsewhere – for instance, by breaching a court order (such as an order not to move assets out of the jurisdiction) or by journalists, bloggers or members of the public publishing material that risks prejudicing a trial. Contempt is not a criminal offence – but the sanctions that may follow include imprisonment for up to two years and unlimited fines. The Law Commission has recently consulted on provisional proposals for reform of the law of contempt with the aim of clarifying and improving its fairness, consistency, coherence, and effectiveness. In this lecture, the Criminal Law Commissioner will explain those proposals and some of the issues that emerged during the public consultation.

Learning Outcomes

  • more fully understand the law of contempt of court
  • discuss the possible changes to this law and the issues related to any change

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Hybrid (at the Inner Temple & Online)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 3 March

Time: 18:00 - 19:00

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All students and members

Part of the Social Context of the Law Series of discussions open to members of the Inns and the public and designed to enhance an understanding of the law and its social importance through open discussion of the challenging questions the law is asked to address.

The speakers will consider:

  1. Does the law of theft apply to colonial-era taking without payment?
  2. Does it apply to taking but at low or negligible prices achieved by disparity of political power?
  3. Even if not technically outside the law- as theft or obtaining by deception, for example - are there political/legal rules/conventions requiring repatriation?  If so, which?
  4. Is the law in the UK universal or may different rules of law apply to collections around the globe? If so, with what significance for museums and governments as they consider claims for repatriation?
  5. Are important national museums free of government interference to repatriate items from their collections?

The event will be delivered online and in person. The session will include an opportunity for Q&A.

Learning Outcomes

  • Consider and argue about this (often highly emotional) issue on the basis of law alone.
  • Gain insight into the boundaries of law and public policy more generally.

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Hybrid (at the Inner Temple & Online)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 18 March

Time: 18:00 - 19:30

Qualifying point(s): 1

Open to: All students and members

3 sessions, each covering a separate theme:

a)       “How to Annoy a Judge” written by Master Timothy Petts (Ethics Standards and Values)

b)      CV and Mock Interview Workshop

c)       EDI at the Bar talk

Students will be required to attend all 3 sessions, commencing with an advocacy talk, followed by individual CV/mock interview workshops and ending with an EDI talk. The CV/mock interview workshops  and concurrent pupillage Q&A will cover both consideration of individuals’ applications and general advice when crafting applications.  Q&A sessions will be held after each talk and an informal pupillage Q&A will be held during the CV workshops if enough volunteers can be recruited.

Learning Outcomes:

·         More fully understand proper practice in a court room, specifically communicating effectively with a judge

·         Communicate their skills and achievements more effectively in both an oral and written context

·         Gain a greater understanding of how to maximise their potential over the course of the pupillage search including chambers’ approach to EDI

·           Be able to discuss and identify ways in which to promote equality & diversity in the workplace

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values; EDI; Management of Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (Liverpool venue tbc)

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 22 March

Time: 11:00 - 16:15

Qualifying point(s): 3

Open to: All circuit students and transferring legal professionals

The Lawson Moot Final involves a “showcase” moot for members of the Inner Temple who have not yet been called to the Bar. The Lawson competition is a five-round competition that usually runs from November to March each year, beginning with approx. 64 competitors and finishing with a final of four.

The session will be introduced with a talk about Mooting by the Master of Moots/Assistant Master of Moots.

Students will earn a QS by watching both the talk and showcase moot.

They will also be given the moot problem in advance so that they are able to submit a short skeleton argument. These will be marked by the judges of the previous rounds of the competition. An additional award will be given to the individual with the best written argument, as well as the oral advocacy winner and runner-up.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify different strategies used in presenting an argument.
  • Identify ways in which they can improve the advocacy skills

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In person (Inner Temple)

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 8 April

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Qualifying point(s): 3

Open to: All current students and transferring legal professionals

Qualifying Sessions Programme April to July 2025 (Easter/Trinity Term) - NC Programme Subject to Change

Themes: Advocacy Skills; Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: In Person - Inner Temple

Cost: Tier 3 (£15)

Date: Saturday 3 May

Qualifying point: 2

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person, Inner Temple - with online streaming option

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 6 May

Qualifying point: 1

Themes: Ethics, Standards & Values

Interactive: Yes

Preparation in advance required: Yes

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Wednesday 7 May

Qualifying point: 1

The Inn hosts three student advocacy weekends a year. The weekends offer the chance to practice your advocacy skills, as well as an opportunity to hear from high profile speakers and experts in the topic under discussion.

In addition, the weekends allow you to explore ethical decision-making in practical settings and offer the chance to gain insight into pupillage applications and interviews.

This event is allocated through a ballot system and details will be sent after the Introductory Evenings have been completed.

Themes: tbc

Interactive: tbc

Preparation in advance required: tbc

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 12 May

Qualifying point: 1

Themes: Advocacy Skills

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In Person at the Inner Temple

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Thursday 22 May

Qualifying point: 1

Themes: Legal Knowledge, Justice & the Rule of Law

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: In person, Inner Temple - with online streaming option

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 10 June

Qualifying point: 1

Themes: tbc

Interactive: tbc

Preparation in advance required: tbc

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Monday 16 June

Qualifying point: 1

Themes: Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity

Interactive: tbc

Preparation in advance required: tbc

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Tuesday 17 June

Qualifying point: 1

Themes: Preparation for Pupillage, Career Development & Wellbeing

Interactive: No

Preparation in advance required: No

Location: Online

Cost: Tier 2 (£10)

Date: Thursday 26 June

Qualifying point: 1

More information

We want to ensure that everyone can engage with our events. Please contact qs@innertemple.org.uk if you have any reasonable adjustments and have not mentioned this on the form
We will only refund your booking if you give us a minimum of 7 days’ notice before the event. If you have to cancel your booking in the 7 days leading up to the event, we will only consider a refund if you must cancel because of illness. Cancellations within 7 days of the event for any other reason will not be refunded.
To make a booking through our website you will need to first login to the Members Area with your email address and the individual password which was detailed on your admission letter, before proceeding to the events page (www.innertemple.org.uk/events). If you did not receive your login details, please contact enquiries@innertemple.org.uk. Booking for Qualifying Sessions normally opens in September and in December. You will be notified at the beginning of each term when new Qualifying Sessions are available to book. Events are booked on a first come, first served basis so please ensure you book early as sessions often sell out quickly. Please note that the majority of sessions will be in the Michaelmas (September to December 2022) and Hilary terms (January to March 2023). The last Qualifying Sessions of the academic year will take place in July 2023, but the majority will have happened before mid-May 2022. You should plan to complete your Qualifying Sessions by then. As such, you should start to accrue your Qualifying Sessions as early as possible. After two years of Qualifying Sessions being held largely online, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Inn is now looking forward to welcoming students back to in-person sessions, many of which will be held in the new E&T facilities. We are, however, sensible of the many benefits of online training and going forwards will be hoping to balance online and in-person sessions, with a view to ensuring our Qualifying Sessions programme is as accessible, interactive and educationally stimulating as possible. When booking, please pay close attention to whether sessions are advertised as in-person, online or hybrid events.
If you have any specific dietary requirements on ethical or medical grounds, which are not already listed on the portal when you make your booking, please add them.
  • - Students should arrive promptly.
  • - Doors will close at the time stated on the ticket or indicated in your confirmation email.
  • - Please provide your ticket or confirmation email on arrival if requested.

Please note that latecomers will not be permitted entry so you should allow ample time for travel to the Inn/venue. If you feel that exceptional circumstances have caused you to be late, you may discuss these by calling the Duty Porter on 020 7797 8255 or the number provided for the relevant staff member.

Mobile phones must be switched off. Students must ensure that they sign the register at each Qualifying Session event – failure to do so will result in the QS credits not being awarded.

 

Please ensure you enter the session on time - it would be best if you prepared to log in five or ten minutes before. 

Attendance of all events is monitored. You will be required to be present for the entire session to gain the QS credits. You will need to keep your camera on throughout.

Please note that all events are recorded for internal use only and attendance of events is monitored. It is vital you do not film or screengrab the event yourself and do not share any images on social media.

The dress code for in person Qualifying Sessions is:

All students at Qualifying Sessions and other student events (unless otherwise indicated) are required to wear dark suits and dark shoes, plus a dark tie for men. (When gowns are required for a Qualifying Session, they will be made available in the cloakrooms). Entry may be refused to any student who is not dressed appropriately.

The dress code for online Qualifying Sessions is:

Smart Casual (unless otherwise indicated).

To book or view details for any of these events (unless otherwise indicated), you will first need to login before visiting the events section www.innertemple.org.uk/events.

If you are a student, you must book 'Student' tickets for your qualifying sessions until you are called to the Bar. Please note "Pupil" tickets are only available for those undertaking pupillage.

If you are a transferring legal profession, you must book "Member" tickets for your Qualifying Sessions.

If your assigned ticket type is sold out, you must not book another type.

If there are no tickets available under your allocated ticket type, please follow the link to the reserve list that is included in the description of the event.

'Legacy' is a reference to Qualifying Sessions completed before September 2020. These Qualifying Sessions did not follow the themes that we introduced in September 2020. You don’t need to get Qualifying Session in the theme of legacy.

To be refunded, you must cancel up to seven days prior to the event. Please note that booking for an event will close no later than three working days prior to it taking place. The final day for booking each event is displayed above.
From September 2020, the number of Qualifying Sessions required to be called to the Bar has changed and students will need to gain ten qualifying points. Student must attend a minimum of one session under each of the themes outlined above and at least two sessions must be interactive and require preparation in advance (for clarity, all interactive sessions ALSO require preparation in advance). Students who commenced the Bar Course before September 2020 should view the new rules on Education and Qualification here. If you have any questions, you can contact the Education and Training Department.

How to book

Bar Course student members will be notified by the Inn when qualifying sessions are open for booking – please do not leave it too late to complete your qualifying sessions as this may affect the date on which you can be called to the Bar. 

Unless informed otherwise, students can book qualifying sessions via the Events page, or click below. Please note you can only book events up to 3 working days prior to the event, unless otherwise stated.

Look for events that have a QS next to them. Book your Qualifying Sessions

Click Here