'The Early History of the English Bar'

Speaker: Professor Sir John Baker KC LLD FBA

The legal profession began to emerge in the early years of the 13th century. By the 1250s there were legally trained judges, attorneys and pleaders, and a school of common law associated with the Common Bench. Professor Baker will show how the pleaders acquired, in the 14th century, the status and degree of Serjeant at Law, forming the so-called order of the coif. During the same period the educational system was taken over by the inns, and already by 1388 those known as the Inns of Court had a special status. The talk will also explore the process by which the degrees of barrister and Bencher, originally acquired by participation in moots and readings, became qualifications for practice at the Bar of the King’s Courts.

In person and livestreamed from The Inner Temple, London

Doors open: 6pm

Lecture: 6.30pm - 7.30pm (GMT)

Reception: 7.30pm - 8.30pm

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Please note that a recording of this lecture will be made available on www.innertemple.org.uk/historylectures

Cancel by: 20/03/2026

Please note: cancellations made after this may not be refunded.