Why do they call the association of lawyers, the "bar"?

Question

Anyone know? I know it has nothing to do with drinking so don't say that.

Answer 1

A couple of thoughts on this.  On is that back in the 1500's in England, the court was separated into students and lawyers.  Once a student gained admittance to being a lawyer, they crossed from one side to the other.

Answer 2

It goes back to the structure of courtrooms, which for centuries have had a wooden "bar" physically separating the lawyers from the rest of the crowd. Thus, being called "to the bar" means becoming a lawyer.

Also, someone practicing law before the bar (in court) is a "barrister", and an office attorney is a "solicitor" (at least in English-language countries).