“Congratulations!”, a word that frequently echoed around the Hall that day and it struck a chord with those who were on the receiving end, capturing what it meant to complete the journey and obtain this great achievement. A word accompanied with feelings of great joy and excitement as it frequently left the mouths of Benchers, family and loved ones who beamed with pride. At the top of the Hall, dressed in their gown and wigs with their certificates in hand were the newly called members of the Inn whose moment had finally come, their Call to the Bar.

The ceremony programme overall did not feel overly busy, but the time was apportioned well and in a way that made it engaging. The ceremony began with the procession of Benchers into the hall who took their seats opposite the grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends of those yet to be called. The education team headed by Christa Richmond were also present as Master Reader opened the ceremony with a speech which reminded those yet to be Called of their ethical obligations as members of the profession. As I listened to these words, I found the reflections sobering because it was a reminder that these duties were a present reality these newly called lawyers were to uphold.

One after the other, each student member was Called by name as they walked across the Hall towards Master Treasurer who Called them to the Degree of the Utter Bar. The moment felt very solemn as the entire Hall silently watched each person’s Call, which crowned off the hard work that had brought them to that moment in time. I noticed that each newly called member would then walk towards Christa Richmond and sign a book that was on the table known as the cupboard in the Hall. I was informed that the signing of this book had been a long-standing tradition of the Inn dating back many years and contained the names of every member that had ever been Called by the Inn. Knowing this it more special because these newly Called members were now part of a great history of Barristers who had gone before them and being able to sign their name in person was like cementing this great moment.

The highlight of the ceremony came when the entire Hall began to applaud the newly Called members. The applause continued for a considerable amount of time and when I thought it was about to lessen, the room maintained the same vigour and volume it began with which could be felt all over. It was the cherry on top of the ceremony and captured the celebratory atmosphere that I felt existed in the room from the start.

A small reception was held afterwards which I thought was a nice way to round off the celebrations. I saw benchers such as Master Cowell, Master Edmund and Master Treasurer conversing and congratulating newly Called members who were spread out across the room with their families. I am sure those who were able to attend their call day in person found the occasion a memorable one as the word ‘congratulations’ echoed around that room just as it had done in the Hall.