Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we have tried to answer many frequently asked questions relating to the Inner Temple and the Bar in general. If you have a question that has not been answered here or throughout the site, please do not hesitate to contact the Education and Training Department on education@innertemple.org.uk.

CPD

New Practitioners are required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of Continuing Professional Development within the first three years of practice. This must include at least 9 hours of advocacy training, at least 3 hours of ethics training and at least 33 hours of other CPD activities.
The three year period begins at the start of either a 3rd six, squatting, tenancy or, if in employed practice, from the day that you start with a firm, as long as you have a practising certificate.
While all Established Barristers (those who have completed the New Practitioners Programme) should be looking complete Continuing Professional Development activities each year, the requirement to complete 12 hours annually is no longer in force. To find out more about the Bar Standards Board's CPD requirements and what is and isn't included, please visit their website by clicking here.
New Practitioner Advocacy and Ethics courses are offered by all the Inns and Circuits (further details of the Inner Temple courses are on the New Practitioners'and Established Practitioners' sections of this website). Other CPD Courses are listed on the online CPD courses database on the Bar Standards Board website.
Those Barristers who fail to meet the requirements and have not been granted an extension will be put forward to the Professional Conduct and Complaints Committee.
New Practitioner Advocacy and Ethics courses are offered by all the Inns and Circuits (further details of the Inner Temple courses are on the New Practitioners'and Established Practitioners' sections of this website). Other CPD Courses are listed on the online CPD courses database on the Bar Standards Board website.