King's Inns Professional Conduct
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Degree of Barrister-at-Law is described by King's Inns as "the professional qualification for practice at the Irish Bar." King's Inns presents itself as Ireland's oldest school of law and its only Inn of Court, established in 1541, so the degree sits inside an institution that also provides dining, a library and a members' community rather than operating as a stand-alone course. The programme is offered full-time over one year or part-time in modular form over two years, which makes it relevant both to candidates who can commit a year to full-time study and to those who need to keep working while qualifying. Candidates typically arrive through the Diploma in Legal Studies, which King's Inns describes as a two-year broad introduction to law and "the stepping stone to the Degree of Barrister-at-Law for many students," though the site also refers to specially qualified applicants and to advanced diplomas with no entry requirements. Assessment for the professional conduct element, and for the degree generally, is not described in the available source material, so candidates should confirm the current syllabus, assessment format and any professional conduct requirements directly with King's Inns. Preparation should combine the substantive course material with the Inn's own resources: Moodle, the library, moots and debates, and the student forms and procedures pages. Note that this page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by King's Inns.
What you'll study
About King's Inns Professional Conduct preparation
What exactly is the Degree of Barrister-at-Law?
King's Inns describes it as "the professional qualification for practice at the Irish Bar." It is the Inn's own professional course, distinct from the Diploma in Legal Studies, which the Inn presents as a two-year broad introduction to law and a stepping stone towards the degree for many students.
How long does the programme take?
The King's Inns site states the degree is available "Full-time (1 year) or part-time modular (2 years)." The part-time modular route is aimed at people who cannot study full-time. Confirm current timetabling and attendance requirements with the Inn before you commit to either route.
Do I need the Diploma in Legal Studies first?
Not necessarily. King's Inns calls the diploma a stepping stone for many students rather than a universal requirement, and the site separately lists specially qualified applicants. Entry routes and recognition of prior qualifications are decided by the Inn, so check your own circumstances with them directly rather than assuming a pathway.
How is professional conduct assessed?
The available King's Inns source material does not describe the assessment format, weighting, pass mark or timing for professional conduct or any other element of the degree. Treat any figure you see elsewhere as unverified and confirm the current syllabus and assessment arrangements with King's Inns before planning your study.
What happens if I fail an assessment - can I repeat?
The source material does not state a retake policy, repeat attempt limits or associated fees for the degree. Because these rules change and are set by the Inn, ask King's Inns directly and read the student forms and procedures pages, which the site lists under student resources, before relying on any assumption.
How much does it cost and is funding available?
Fees are not stated in the material available here. King's Inns publishes a full fee schedule covering all programmes, payment options and a member discount, and lists bursaries, grants and prizes including SUSI postgraduate funding and fellowships and scholarships. Check the current fee schedule and bursary deadlines on the Inn's site.
In what order should I prepare?
Start with the current course materials on Moodle and the library holdings, then work through past-style problems in professional conduct and procedure. Use moots and debates, which the Inn lists under student life, to rehearse oral reasoning. Confirm the syllabus order with your lecturers rather than following a generic study plan.
What are the most common ways candidates struggle?
Without published assessment data, the safest observation is that candidates who treat conduct rules as material to memorise, rather than to apply to messy factual scenarios, tend to underperform. Practise identifying the duty in conflict, then the correct course of action and the reason for it. Verify assessment expectations with King's Inns.
Is this page official King's Inns material?
No. This is independent study content written for candidates searching for information about the exam. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or produced by King's Inns. Always treat the Inn's own website, Moodle and direct correspondence with staff as the authoritative source for rules, dates and fees.
Where can I find authoritative updates?
The King's Inns website at kingsinns.ie carries news, job vacancies, open days, the fee schedule and student resources, and the Inn also runs an email newsletter covering member events, course news and updates. Use those channels, plus direct contact at [email protected], for anything that affects your application or assessment.