Overview

What to do if you have applied for a Call ceremony previously. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a cycle/season of ceremonies?

A cycle of Call ceremonies runs from July to March each year. The application window usually opens in spring each year. 

What is the difference between deferring Call and reapplying for Call?

If there is at least 1 ceremony after the one you intend to be called to the Bar at you may by able to defer your Call to a later ceremony. For example. if you applied for the Trinity Call ceremony in July but needed to retake your exams, you could defer to the ceremony in November later that year or in March the following year. 


However, if you intended to be called to the Bar at the Hilary Ceremony in March, but needed to retake your exams, you would need to reapply for Call in order to attend a ceremony after March because the next ceremony would be the start of a new cycle of Call ceremonies.

How do you defer your Call?

You should get in touch with the Education Engagement Co-ordinator ([email protected]) as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks before the Call ceremony if your place on the Call ceremony has already been confirmed. 


It is important that you contact your Master of the Bench who conducted your interview to keep them updated on the status of your Call. If you are simply deferring your Call you will not need to have another Master of the Bench interview, however, if you reapply for Call you will need to ask your Master of the Bench for an updated interview form once they have seen an updated Call Declaration form and CV from you. It is their discretion to provide a second interview. 

Do I have to pay my Call fee again?

No, if you have previously paid the £75 Call fee, and this amount has not been refunded, it is carried over to any subsequent application.

Do I need to request another criminal record check?

Each DBS check and international criminal record check obtained via DDC has a validity period of 12 months from the date of issuance. If the criminal record check/s you previously obtained are due to expire prior to your intended Call date, then you will need to register to obtain updated checks.


Please see the relevant section of the Call to the Bar Application Guidelines for further information or refer to the criminal record checks article. 

Do I need to attend further Qualifying Sessions (QS)?

Each Qualifying Session has a validity period of 5 years from the date of attendance. You must have the relevant number of valid Qualifying Sessions on the date of your intended Call ceremony.


Please see the relevant section of the Call to the Bar Application Guidelines for further information.