This House Welcomes New Members

Student members can also join our WhatsApp Group to receive announcements about upcoming competitions, a full schedule of our practice sessions and information about our socials. Please email debating@innertemplesocieties.org

We also have a Facebook and Instagram page where we post regular updates about debating! 

We hold alternating Monday and Wednesday practice sessions remotely at 7pm. We hold two in-person practice sessions per term, one on a weekday and one on a Sunday. You do not need to formally sign up, but do let us know either via the WhatsApp Group or by emailing debating@innertemplesocieties.org if you would like to attend.

Occasionally, we are joined by called members of the Inner Temple (most frequently, our Master of Debating, Judge Sutherland Williams) judging debates and covering topics such as pupillage applications and answering career-based questions.

Get involved by attending our practice sessions! We will encourage you to partake, there’s never a bad time to have your first debate!

“Joining the Inner Temple Debating Society was one of the best decisions I made when I started at Bar School. The Inner Temple community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. The debates and socials helped me build confidence, think on my feet, and express myself clearly — skills that have helped me throughout my career and far beyond the debating chamber.

I had the chance to travel to competitions, meet brilliant people from across the country, and even speak in front of senior members of the legal profession. Many of the people I knew in 1995 are still my friends today – and I have the Debating Society to thank for that. It’s rewarding, and a lot of fun. If you’re even slightly curious, give it a go — you won’t regret it."

- Judge Mark Sutherland Williams, Former President of the Inner Temple Debating Society (1994-1995), Bencher of the Inner Temple and Chair of the Inner Temple Debating Society Alumni Association (2026)

“Being a part of the Inner Temple Debating Society is the best thing I’ve done in my career so far. Competing in front of Masters of the Bench was fantastic for testing my advocacy skills, as I always got great feedback from the Judges which helped improve my public speaking skills. I have made some of my closest friends at the Bar through the Debating Society, and I’m very jealous of all the current and prospective members who have those experiences still to come.

My favourite part of being President is the weekly practice sessions, watching debaters come and improve week after week. The absolute highlight, however, was going to Liverpool IV with the society and competing with my friends!”

- Colette Russell, Current President of the Inner Temple Debating Society (2024-2025) and Future Pupil Barrister at 2 Dr Johnson’s Buildings

“Consistent participation in debates has enabled me to move beyond dependence on a script. Regularly attending practice sessions has improved my ability to engage with opposing views under time pressure”

- Badiusshan Mohammed, Current member of the Inner Temple Debating Society

“I think the Inner Debating society provides amazing support, is so well run and is such a vital resource to anyone applying for pupillage. Can’t recommend enough!”

- Méabh Kirby, Current member of the Inner Temple Debating Society and Future Pupil Barrister at XXIV Old Buildings

“Being part of the debating society at the Inn has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Representing the Inn at events has really sharpened my critical thinking and ability to see all sides of an argument. The discussions are always thought-provoking (and fun!), and the people are brilliant—welcoming, sharp, and genuinely supportive.”

- Esther, Current member of the Inner Temple Debating Society

“Alongside kind and knowledgeable colleagues in the debate society, I’m starting to find my footing and community at the Inn!”

- Vicky Quinging Zhang, Inner Temple student member

“I still remember the students with whom I used to spar in debate and many of them have become my colleagues, judges and lifelong friends”

- HHJ Roger Sanders, 1995 Inner Temple Yearbook

Are you a former President, committee member or student member of the society? Are you interested in getting in touch with other former members? Please use the link below to join our Alumni Facebook page or email debatingalumni@innertemplesocieties.org !