Before you can be called to the Bar, you have to attend a certain number of formal dinners at your Inn. These are designed to foster collegiate links and are often followed by after-dinner events with an educational purpose.

Occasions when the Inns of Court invite student members to dine with them, providing the opportunity to make valuable contacts.

the act of eating dinner

This continues to be the main way that student barristers amass training units for "Call" (see above). By dining at his/her Inn of Court, the student barrister is expected to discuss professional issues with senior benchers, develop a network of useful professional contacts and take part in a range of educational events. Each dinner attracts one "Training Unit". Units may also be awarded for attendance at training days (normally 2 units) or Training weekends (3 units). A total of 12 units are required to satisfy the requirements for "Call".