Explore every episode of the podcast Speed Mooting Podcast - Training tomorrow's lawyers, today!

How do experienced advocates deal with nerves? How much of good advocacy is preparation versus thinking on your feet? And what keeps you going when your legal career isn't progressing the way you'd hoped?

In Episode 128, John and Hayley answer more questions from the Speed Mooting community. John shares his advice for managing nerves before court and public speaking, explains the different purposes of opening and closing speeches, and discusses why preparation is at the heart of successful advocacy. 

They also reflect on their own experiences of rejection while trying to qualify, including unsuccessful training contract and pupillage applications, frustrating feedback, and the moments when they both considered taking their careers in a completely different direction.

Are you overlooking some of your most valuable experience when applying for opportunities in law?

In Episode 127, John and Hayley look at how experiences such as working in retail and observing in court can give aspiring lawyers a wealth of transferable skills to discuss in applications and interviews.

They also answer a question from a Year 12 student about how to stand out when applying to study law at university, before turning to advocacy and discussing how barristers stay calm when things don’t go to plan in court.

John shares a real example from practice where a judge immediately rejected part of his sentencing argument and explains how experience helps advocates adapt, pivot and approach the case from a different angle.

What does an expert witness actually do, and what should junior lawyers know about working with one?

John Dove is joined by Joanne Lowe, Expert Witness Service Lead at Harrison Associates and an occupational therapist with 30 years of experience, for a fascinating look inside the world of medico-legal expert evidence.

Joanne explains the role occupational therapists play in personal injury and clinical negligence litigation, what goes into a quantum report, how claimant and defendant experts approach their work, and what happens when experts meet to identify areas of agreement and disagreement.

They also discuss the importance of expert independence, what solicitors and barristers should consider when selecting an expert witness, common mistakes made by new experts and how technology and AI could shape the future of expert evidence.

A particularly useful episode for law students, aspiring barristers, trainee solicitors and junior lawyers looking to understand how expert evidence works in practice

Do you need the right accent, background or connections to succeed in law?

In Episode 126 of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, John and Hayley look back at the things they worried about as law students, from having a Scouse accent and coming from a state-school background to entering the legal profession without family connections, and explain why those concerns mattered far less than they expected.

They also answer listener questions on moving from conveyancing into litigation, transferable legal skills and changing practice areas.

Finally, John gives an insight into life as a criminal barrister, explaining the difference between legal aid and privately funded work, how funding affects a barrister’s caseload and the realities of managing income, tax and VAT at the self-employed Bar.

An episode packed with practical legal career advice for law students, aspiring barristers, aspiring solicitors and anyone trying to break into the legal profession.

How do you make the most of a pupillage fair?

In Episode 125 of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, John and Hayley share their practical advice for law students and aspiring barristers attending pupillage and law fairs.

We discuss how to research chambers before the event, what to say when approaching exhibitors, questions worth asking, making a good impression, taking useful notes and following up with new connections afterwards.

With the Northern Pupillage Fair 2026 just around the corner, we also explain how to get the most from the day and why these events can be valuable when preparing for future pupillage applications.

Plus, we answer your advocacy questions: what makes a well-presented case, and what makes a good advocate?

A practical episode for law students, Bar students, aspiring barristers and anyone looking to develop their advocacy skills and build a career in law.

Episode 124 — #AskSpeedSquadSpecial. John and Hayley answer your listener questions, covering the big topics law students actually want to know about.

This week: should mooting and advocacy skills be compulsory on every law degree? How much preparation really goes into a court hearing (the honest answer might surprise you)? And what's the best piece of career advice John and Hayley have ever been given — including the career-defining moment a commercial partner told an 18-year-old John he hadn't got a clue what commercial law actually was, and the trainee pep talk Hayley's never forgotten.

Real experience, no filter — from a criminal barrister and a commercial solicitor who've both been through the paralegal, training contract, and qualification grind.

Send your questions to info@speedmooting.com or drop them in the comments.

Is working as a paralegal the best first step into the legal profession?

In this episode, John and Hayley discuss why their years as paralegals became some of the most valuable experiences of their legal careers. They explain how working in practice develops the skills, confidence and commercial awareness that universities simply cannot teach.

The conversation also explores the reality of life inside law firms, the myths created by TV dramas, and how paralegal experience can strengthen applications for pupillage and training contracts.

As always, they finish by answering listener questions, including whether barristers can lie in court, what happens during legal arguments heard in chambers, and who will be the stricter parent when their first baby arrives.

If you're an aspiring or junior lawyer looking to build your career, this episode is full of practical advice and honest insight from two lawyers who've been through the journey themselves.

Conversations with Counsel - Havin Sorgucu, Durham Law Student & Speed Mooting Ambassador

Havin Sorgucu had a magistrate tell her she had a talent for advocacy at sixteen — then lost all her confidence when she got to university. In this episode, she shares how she rebuilt it, why she turned to Speed Mooting as a low-pressure place to start, and what it was like doing real plea in mitigation advocacy as an undergraduate.

She also talks about mentoring aspiring law students through Zero Gravity and has brilliant advice for anyone yet to start their law degree.

Visit speedmooting.com to get involved.

Three years of lectures, seminars, and case law and somehow no one tells you how a real case actually works.

In this episode, John (criminal barrister) and Hayley (commercial solicitor) go through the biggest gaps between law school and legal practice: the advocacy skills universities rarely teach, the soft skills and client care that catch junior lawyers off guard, and why being confident on the phone will take you further than you think.

They also answer a listener question that comes up more than almost any other: can you become a barrister or solicitor if you're shy or introverted? The answer might surprise you.

Plus — upcoming Speed Mooting events including the Northern Pupillage Fair on 5th September, a free Skeleton Arguments workshop, and an online advocacy bootcamp focused on bail applications and plea in mitigation.

Send your questions to info@speedmooting.com or DM us on any platform.

In this Ask Speed Squad special, John and Hayley answer your questions on three of the most common challenges facing aspiring lawyers:

🎙️ I've applied for 30 training contracts and had no interviews — what should I do?
🎙️ Should candidates be upfront about weaknesses in a legal interview?
🎙️ I failed a module — is my legal career over?

Practical, honest advice for law students, bar course and LPC/SQE students, and anyone applying for training contracts or pupillage.

Got a question? Email info@speedmooting.com or DM us on social.

#AskSpeedSquad #LegalCareers #TrainingContract #Pupillage #LawStudent

Nobody teaches you this in law school — but it might matter more than anything you studied. In episode 120, John and Hayley break down what it actually means to be a client-friendly lawyer: how to read the room with different clients, how the best lawyers handle costs transparency, and how to manage expectations before they become complaints. These are the skills that get you recommended, retained, and remembered.

Then in Ask Speed Squad: an honest conversation about what's really changed in the profession since they qualified — AI, flexible working, the courts going digital, and what senior lawyers are quietly saying about the juniors coming through right now. Plus one legal myth the public just won't let go of.

Whether you're still chasing your training contract or pupillage, or you're a junior finding your feet in practice — this episode is worth your hour.

Send questions for Ask Speed Squad to info@speedmooting.com or DM us on socials.

What does life really look like after the Bar Course?

In this episode of Conversations with Counsel, John Dove speaks to Alvaro Gutierrez Calero about navigating the challenging period between being called to the Bar and securing pupillage. From working as a legal consultant and solicitor's agent to representing clients in the Employment Tribunal, Alvaro shares how he has continued to develop his advocacy and legal skills while pursuing a career at the Bar.

The conversation explores resilience, practical advocacy experience, multilingualism in legal practice and why every step of the journey can help shape your future career.

An honest and encouraging episode for anyone considering a career at the Bar or looking for ways to strengthen their legal experience.

Criminal barrister John and commercial solicitor Hayley discuss professional ethics in law, why integrity is non-negotiable, what the SRA and BSB mean in practice, and what really happens when lawyers get it wrong.

Also: their ongoing beef with estate agents (unregulated, unreachable, and somehow in charge of the biggest purchase of your life!!)

Plus: barrister vs solicitor envy, career changes into law at 30 or 40, and the hardest parts of running your own business.

Essential listening for law students, aspiring barristers and trainee solicitors.

📩 info@speedmooting.com | @speedmooting

Is social media actually worth it for lawyers, or is old-school networking still king?

John and Hayley share what's worked (and what's backfired) for them, plus answer listener questions on practising public speaking solo, their favourite parts of law firm life, and the skills lawyers need for the AI era.

Got a question for the show?

Email info@speedmooting.com or drop us a message on social media.

When should you start thinking seriously about a career in law — and can it ever be too late? John and Hayley map out the real route (and timeline) to becoming a barrister or solicitor, plus tips for building a standout CV. Then: Ask Speed Squad covers first-day-in-court nerves, first jury trials, and the emotional rollercoaster of advocacy.

🔔 New episodes weekly — subscribe so you don't miss one
✉️ info@speedmooting.com
🌐 speedmooting.com

Award-winning clinical negligence solicitor Jess Roberts joins John Dove and Hayley Crombleholme to discuss her journey from work experience student to qualified solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors.

Jess shares advice on securing legal work experience, qualifying as a solicitor, public speaking, mentoring, clinical negligence law and building a successful legal career.

Perfect for law students, aspiring solicitors, trainee solicitors, paralegals and junior lawyers looking to break into the legal profession.

AI in Law, Public Speaking Fears & Law Degrees

This week, criminal barrister John Dove and commercial solicitor Hayley Crombleholme discuss the growing role of AI in the legal profession, including recent cases involving AI-generated authorities and what aspiring lawyers need to know.

They also answer listener questions on overcoming public speaking anxiety, whether a law degree is worth it if you're unsure about becoming a lawyer, and which fictional lawyer they'd choose as co-counsel.

Perfect for law students, aspiring barristers, aspiring solicitors, paralegals, trainee solicitors and junior lawyers.

Topics: AI in law, legal technology, public speaking, advocacy skills, law degree advice, legal careers, barrister careers, solicitor careers and legal training

How important is work-life balance in the legal profession?

In Episode 115, John and Hayley discuss the realities of balancing a legal career with life outside the law. From training contracts and pupillage to practising as a solicitor or barrister, they explore long hours, burnout, hobbies, holidays and building a sustainable career.

Plus, John answers a listener question about adapting when a court hearing turns out to be something completely different from what was expected.

A practical and honest discussion for aspiring and junior lawyers.

In this episode, John and Hayley separate Hollywood fiction from courtroom reality.

Do lawyers really shout "Objection!"? Do judges use gavels? Can a surprise witness appear at the last minute and save a case?

Drawing on John's experience as a criminal barrister, we explore some of the biggest courtroom myths seen in films and TV shows and explain how things actually work in England and Wales.

We also answer listener questions on advocacy, pupillage interviews, dealing with pressure, and improving your public speaking skills.

If you've ever wondered what life in court is really like, this episode is for you.

For events, competitions and training, visit: www.speedmooting.com

In this episode, John Dove sits down with Matt Curtis, criminal barrister at Nine Chambers, former Head of Law at BPP, karate black belt, and long time friend of Speed Mooting.

Matt shares his journey from a comprehensive school in the North West to Oxford, pupillage, and 20+ years at the criminal bar, including a fascinating three-year sabbatical in legal education that changed how he thinks about advocacy.

They cover:

- The real difference between prosecuting and defending

- Why your case theory needs to fit in one or two sentences

- How disclosure can win ( and lose) cases

- Why nerves are a sign you're doing it right

- The best (and most overlooked) ways to break into the bar, and

- Achieving a black belt during lockdown

Whether you're an aspiring barrister, a law student, or a practising lawyer, this is a conversation packed with practical insight and hard-won wisdom.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every month.

#CriminalBar #LawPodcast #Barrister #LegalCareers #SpeedMooting #Advocacy #LawStudent #Pupillage

In Episode 113 of the Partners in Crime Podcast, John and Hayley discuss why legal career setbacks are not always the disaster they first appear to be.

From rejected pupillage applications and training contracts to first experiences in court and handling nerves during advocacy, this episode explores the realities of building a career in law and why everything really can happen for a reason.

The episode also answers audience questions on:

• How many attempts pupillage usually takes
• First jury trials
• Courtroom nerves
• Advocacy preparation
• Majority verdicts and jury decisions

Plus, John somehow manages to fit Formula One into the conversation again.

Perfect for aspiring barristers, aspiring solicitors, law students and junior lawyers looking for honest career insight and practical advocacy advice.

🎓 Learn more about Speed Mooting:
https://speedmooting.com

📩 Join the mailing list:
https://speedmooting.com/sign-up

Don't forget to rate and subscribe!

Episode 112 — The Kimi Antonelli Special 🏎️

How should law students make the most of their summer break? John and Hayley share honest, practical advice — from watching real Crown Court cases to keeping your advocacy skills ticking over without burning out.

John also shares the story of accidentally explaining what a Newton hearing is to the families in the public gallery at a 40-defendant drugs sentencing. You couldn't make it up.

Then it's three listener questions on courtroom advocacy:

• Handling judicial intervention — diplomatic or direct?

• Managing questions you can't confidently answer

• How to stop falling at the first round of a moot

Packed with real courtroom insight, practical mooting tips, and the usual chaos you'd expect from John and Hayley. Come for the law, stay for the bants.

📩 Free mooting guide + mailing list: speedmooting.com/contact

🎓 Legal Skills Academy: speedmooting.com/legal-skills-academy

New episodes every Friday. Don't forget to like and subscribe .

Pupillage Offer Day can be one of the most exciting - and difficult - days in the legal profession. In this episode, John and Hayley discuss what aspiring barristers should do after receiving pupillage decisions, whether that’s celebrating success or regrouping after rejection.The episode covers: - How to improve future pupillage applications- Common mistakes aspiring barristers make- Building advocacy and commercial awareness skills- Gaining practical legal experience- Standing out in interviews and applications- Careers at the commercial Bar- Networking with chambers and attending legal events- Mooting, public speaking, and client conferencing skillsJohn and Hayley also share their own experiences of rejection before eventually securing training contracts and pupillage, alongside practical advice for aspiring lawyers trying to break into the profession.Plus: wrestling references, chaos, and an unnecessary amount of discussion about Roman Reigns. ☝️👇 Explore Speed Mooting, advocacy competitions, and the Legal Skills Academy: speedmooting.com#Pupillage #Barrister #AspiringBarrister #LawStudent #Advocacy #Mooting #CommercialLaw #LegalPodcast #PublicSpeaking #LegalCareers

In this episode, John Dove is joined by criminal CILEX lawyer Gemma Adams, who shares her inspiring non-traditional journey into law .

From working as a legal secretary to studying part-time while raising a child, Gemma’s story highlights the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief.

They discuss life in criminal practice, the importance of people skills, and why confidence comes from doing — not waiting.

A valuable listen for aspiring and junior lawyers navigating their own path into the profession.

This week, John and Hayley share a mix of personal updates and practical advice for aspiring lawyers. From navigating the journey to the Bar, to dealing with rejection, networking, and building confidence, this episode is an honest reflection on what it really takes to succeed in the legal profession.

They also talk through everything coming up at Speed Mooting, including competitions, live events, and the Northern Pupillage Fair, along with some exciting (and slightly secret) plans for the months ahead.

Whether you’re working towards pupillage, a training contract, or simply looking to improve your advocacy and legal skills, this episode is a reminder that the path isn’t always straightforward, but progress comes from persistence.

As always, expect a mix of insight, humour, and a bit of everything in between

In this episode, John and Hayley return with a big personal update - they’re expecting their first baby 👶 

They also dive into questions from aspiring lawyers, covering scholarships, networking without connections, and how to stand out in a competitive profession.

An honest, insightful episode with practical advice (and a few laughs along the way).

In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, John answers listener questions in another “Ask Speed Mooting” special, covering key topics for aspiring lawyers and those developing their advocacy skills. 

From understanding the difference between mooting and mock trials, to practical advice on advocacy, preparation, and court practice, this episode provides clear and accessible insights into how to improve as an advocate.

John also discusses whether regional accents matter in court, how remote hearings have changed legal practice, and how to rebuild confidence in advocacy after time away.

If you’re looking to build confidence, improve your advocacy, and better understand the realities of legal practice, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, John answers listener questions in another “Ask Speed Mooting” special, covering key topics for aspiring lawyers and law students. 

From common advocacy mistakes and how to improve your skills, to practical advice on building experience outside of mooting, this episode offers clear and honest guidance for anyone looking to develop as an advocate.

John also shares insights from his own journey from solicitor to barrister, discusses the realities of working in the profession, and explains whether your choice of Inn of Court really matters.

If you’re looking to build confidence, improve your advocacy, and better understand the legal profession, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode, John Dove unpacks the viral question:
“How do lawyers defend clients they know are guilty?”

Following a TikTok clip that reached over 1 million views, John responds to common misconceptions and explains the reality of criminal defence practice.

He covers:

• The meaning of professional embarrassment
• Why lawyers cannot lie or mislead the court
• How defence lawyers can still act by challenging evidence
• The role of legal privilege and confidentiality
• Whether defence strategies change based on who pays
• The impact of not giving evidence
• How guilty pleas and sentencing discounts work

A clear, practical breakdown of how ethics, advocacy, and the justice system intersect in real life.

Episode 105, the Bortoletto & Vettel special , is all about spring cleaning your CV 🌱

With pupillage and application season approaching, we share practical tips on how to get your CV into top shape - from keeping it up to date and cutting the waffle, to formatting, proofreading, and making a strong first impression.

We also cover:

• How to start advocacy with zero experience
• The roles that best prepare you for a legal career
• Book recommendations (and a few unexpected takes…)

A mix of practical advice, real experiences, and light-hearted discussion, exactly what you’d expect from Speed Mooting.

If you’ve got a question, drop us a message or email info@speedmooting.com

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

This episode introduces the Legal Skills Academy — a new, structured programme designed to help aspiring lawyers develop core legal skills with real progression and recognition.

We explain:

• Why we created the Legal Skills Academy
• How it brings together advocacy, public speaking, debating, and commercial awareness
• What makes it different from traditional legal training
• How it helps you build evidence-backed skills for applications and practice

We also touch on:

• Our 2-year podcast milestone
• Insights from our recent viral legal discussion
• Listener questions on standing out in a competitive legal market

🎯 If you're serious about developing as a future lawyer, this episode is essential listening.

📩 Questions? Email info@speedmooting.com or connect with us on social media.

Another Ask Speed Squad episode, answering your biggest questions on advocacy and breaking into the profession.

We cover:

• What to do if you don’t get pupillage

• How to become a great advocate

• Networking without feeling awkward

• And who would actually make the better judge

Practical advice, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.

Don't forget to please rate and subscribe!

In this episode, John and Hayley answer questions from the Speed Mooting community about becoming a barrister, building the perfect advocacy CV, and what makes a truly great litigator. They discuss:1. Whether qualifying as a solicitor first is a good route to the bar2. The experiences that should appear on a top advocacy CV3. The difference between a good and great litigator4. How law students can build contacts and experience from scratchIf you're a law student, aspiring barrister, or junior lawyer, this episode is packed with practical advice and insight.Get involvedSend your questions to the podcast:📧 info@speedmooting.com📱 DM Speed Mooting or the hosts on social mediaDon’t forget to like, rate, and subscribe for more conversations about advocacy, legal careers, and life at the bar. Find out how we can help you with your legal career over at https://speedmooting.com/

In Episode 101 of the Partners in Crime Podcast, John and Hayley discuss why non-legal work experience can be one of the biggest advantages when starting a legal career.We also answer audience questions about:- How to build a professional reputation early in your legal career- The importance of providing excellent service to clients and solicitors- Whether advocacy can be taught or if it’s a natural skill; and- Practical ways to manage nerves before speaking or performing advocacyAlong the way, we share personal stories from our own careers, from working in retail and hospitality while studying law, to building specialist practices and learning advocacy skills over time. If you're a law student, aspiring barrister, trainee solicitor, or junior lawyer, this episode is packed with practical insight into the skills that really matter in the profession.👍 If you enjoy the episode, make sure to like, comment and subscribe for more legal career advice and advocacy insights.🌐 To learn more about what we do, visit: https://speedmooting.com#legalcareers #lawstudents #barristers #trainingcontract #advocacy #lawpodcast #speedmooting

In this episode of the Speed Mooting Podcast, we have a Conversations with Counsel special. With John Dove speaking to specialist costs barrister Darren Malone of 18 St John Street Chambers about his unconventional journey to the Bar.

We discuss becoming a barrister later in your career, securing BSB exemption, working as a costs advocate, detailed assessments, costs case management conferences (CCMCs), reported costs cases, and the importance of commercial awareness in legal practice.

If you’re an aspiring barrister, law student, or junior lawyer interested in advocacy, costs law, or non-traditional routes to the Bar, this episode offers practical insight and honest career advice.

100 episodes ago… we had no studio and no clue, but we had an idea and pressed record without knowing what would come next.In this milestone episode, Hayley and John look back at how a small side project turned into a legal community creating real opportunities for aspiring barristers and solicitors, from running four structured competitions a year to launching initiatives like the Northern Pupilage Fair.They share the turning points that changed everything, the early technical disasters, and the mindset shifts that helped them push through imposter syndrome and self-doubt.You’ll hear a sharp breakdown of mooting vs mock trials, why advocacy confidence is built (not born), and why feeling nervous is often the biggest sign you’re levelling up.If you’re a law student, aspiring barrister, or lawyer trying to find your footing; this episode is proof that you don’t need to start polished. You just need to start.100 episodes. Still building. Still opening doors.👉 If you’re serious about building confidence and breaking into the legal profession, hit subscribe and join the community.

Episode 99 dives into the civil litigation process from start to finish, with a practical breakdown of pre-action protocols, issuing claims, track allocation, case management, settlement pressure, trial, and cost recovery .

We also answer listener questions on:

• Judicial intervention in moots

• Moving away from scripts

• Handling impromptu advocacy

• Defending a client who admits guilt

  
  

Real advice. Real courtroom insight. One episode away from triple figures.

🍦

We’re two episodes away from 100, and this week we’re answering your questions in a relaxed Ask Speed Squad special.

We discuss how to improve vocabulary recall in public speaking, the biggest mistakes we see in training contract and pupillage applications, and how to properly sell yourself without underselling your strengths. We talk about standing out early in your legal career, building experience before qualification, and why commercial awareness is about analysis and impact, not simply knowing the headlines.

There’s also a conversation about advocacy practice, volunteering, Speakers Club, and the small but costly errors that can undermine an otherwise strong application. And, as always, we find time for some off-topic moments, including a mooting story from a Primark interview and an unexpected Sunday lunch at the Inns of Court.

If you’re an aspiring solicitor or barrister, this episode is full of practical insight and honest advice about breaking into the profession.

If you enjoyed it, follow the podcast, leave a rating, and send in your questions for a future Ask Speed Squad episode.

In this webinar, Hayley Dove shares her journey into commercial law — from a working-class background in Liverpool to qualifying as a commercial property litigation solicitor and becoming Legal Director at Speed Mooting.

She breaks down what commercial law really looks like in practice, how commercial solicitors and barristers work together, and the realities of billable hours, career progression, and imposter syndrome.

The episode also covers practical advice for law students and aspiring barristers, including gaining commercial experience, securing vacation schemes and mini-pupillages, handling rejection, and building the core skills needed to succeed in commercial law.

In Episode 97 of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, John and Hayley focus on interview preparation for aspiring solicitors and barristers. They share practical advice on how to prepare effectively for legal interviews, including researching firms and chambers, avoiding common mistakes, managing nerves, and asking strong questions at interview.The episode also features Ask Speed Squad, where listener questions are answered on handling uncertainty as a self-employed barrister, using LinkedIn and networking effectively, learning from career setbacks, and what really goes on behind the scenes at Speed Mooting.This episode is particularly useful for anyone preparing for pupillage interviews, training contracts, vacation schemes, or assessment days, and offers honest, experience-based guidance to help listeners approach interviews with confidence and perspective.To learn more about how Speed Mooting can support your legal journey visit: https://speedmooting.com/

In Episode 96, Hayley and John take on comparison culture — the pressure of seeing everyone else’s legal career “wins” online while feeling like you’re standing still.

With pupillage interview season approaching, they share honest reflections on delayed routes into practice, the reality behind social media success stories, and why not getting everything first time around is completely normal. Drawing on their own experiences, they explain why a legal career is a marathon, not a sprint.

The episode also explores:

• What advocacy experience pupillage panels really value

• Whether mooting is essential

• Switching between solicitor and barrister routes

• Changing practice areas later in your career

Plus updates on upcoming podcast guests, advocacy events, and the National Speed Mooting Competition 2026.

If you’re questioning your progress or feeling behind — this one’s for you.

What does intellectual property law really involve and what’s it like to build your own firm from scratch?

Speed Mooting Presents: Conversations with Counsel welcomes IP specialist Tom Broster, founding partner of Asenda Law, for an in-person conversation about intellectual property, advocacy, and building a legal career on your own terms.

Tom explains what IP law actually covers, reflects on his journey from studying IP at the University of Liverpool to working in Magic Circle firms, and discusses why he ultimately chose to set up his own practice. Alongside John Dove, he explores autonomy in legal careers, the realities of self-employment, and what motivates lawyers beyond job titles.

The episode also looks at advocacy within IP law, including opportunities before the UK Intellectual Property Office, the role of solicitors and barristers, and why attention to detail really matters. Packed with practical advice for students and aspiring lawyers, this is definitely an episode not to miss!

Episode 95 of the Speed Mooting Podcast is an audio-only special as John recovers from eye surgery - but the conversation is as lively as ever.

John and Hayley kick things off by naming the episode after Lightning McQueen (95) and Logan Paul, before diving into wrestling, Netflix’s Unreal, and Jelly Roll’s inspiring fitness journey.

They then share a packed update on what Speed Mooting has been up to in January, including:

• Hayley’s first solo webinar on Life as a Commercial Lawyer

• The launch and success of Advocacy in Practice events with 18 St John Street Chambers

• What makes practical advocacy and real-time feedback so valuable for aspiring lawyers

In the Q&A segment, they answer listener questions on qualification timelines, regrets (or lack thereof), the importance of paralegal experience, and what they enjoy most about their legal careers — from courtroom advocacy to constant learning.

A relaxed but insightful episode covering confidence, career paths, and why experience matters more than job titles.

Episode 94 of the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime Podcast tackles a question many aspiring and junior lawyers are asking: do you really need social media to build a legal career?

John and Hayley discuss the pros and cons of using platforms like LinkedIn, the rise of legal influencers, and how social media can be used for networking, learning, and building a professional profile - while also stressing that it’s absolutely okay if social media simply isn’t for you.

The episode also features an Ask Speed Squad Q&A, covering how to deal with rejection without feedback, imposter syndrome, knowing when you “actually know what you’re doing”, and whether gaining experience across multiple areas of law really matters.

As always, the conversation mixes practical advice with honesty, humour, and real insight from practice and training.

As the new year begins, we take a moment to reflect on goal-setting, resolutions, and how to approach a new year in law without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

We then move into our #AskSpeedSquad segment, answering questions sent in by listeners. We start by discussing the solicitor-to-barrister route, including why people consider making the switch, what to think about before taking that step, and the practical advice we’d give to anyone exploring that pathway.

Next, we reflect on what success really looks like in the legal profession, how our definition of “making it” has changed since we were students, and how aspiring lawyers can set realistic and meaningful measures of success.

Finally, we tackle one of the most common challenges for junior lawyers: how to take feedback without it knocking your confidence. We share practical tips on handling criticism constructively, building resilience, and using feedback as a tool for growth.

If you found this episode helpful, please rate the podcast and follow or subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes. Your ratings really help more aspiring lawyers find the show.

Welcome to Episode 92 of Speed Mooting Presents: Partners in Crime, our first episode of 2026.In this episode, John and Hayley look ahead to what’s coming up at Speed Mooting in the new year, starting with a packed January of free events, advocacy training and skills-based opportunities for aspiring and junior lawyers. Affectionately titled The Joe Keery Special (after Joe Keery, aka Steve Harrington from Stranger Things), the episode blends light-hearted chat with practical advice for anyone thinking about a career at the Bar or as a solicitor.The conversation covers upcoming free webinars, advocacy evenings with practising barristers, the return of the Advocacy Club and Commercial Awareness Club, and major competitions planned for 2026, including the National Speed Mooting Competition and the Northern Pupillage Fair. John and Hayley also explain how Speed Mooting’s events are designed to be accessible, low-pressure and open to all levels, with opportunities allocated fairly rather than through competitive applications.The episode then moves into #AskSpeedSquad, where listener questions are answered on writing effective CVs and covering letters, avoiding common mistakes in written advocacy, and how to communicate clearly and persuasively on the page. Drawing on real experience from practice, the discussion focuses on clarity, structure and cutting out unnecessary waffle — skills that matter just as much in applications as they do in legal work.If you’re applying for pupillage, training contracts, mini-pupillages or work experience, or simply want to build confidence in advocacy and commercial thinking, this episode offers practical, honest guidance to start 2026 strongly.

🎄 Episode 91 – Christmas Special & Ask Speed Squad (Part 2)

Welcome to a festive Christmas & Boxing Day special of the Speed Mooting Podcast. In Episode 91, John and Hayley combine seasonal chaos, career insight, and listener questions in a wide-ranging and honest discussion that’s perfect listening for aspiring and junior lawyers over the holidays.

After the festive warm-up, the episode gets firmly back to law with Part 2 of the Ask Speed Squad special, answering real questions from listeners. The episode wraps up with a look at new opportunities through Speed Mooting, festive film favourites, and a warm send-off for the New Year.

Whether you’re here for the legal advice, the career guidance, or the Christmas chaos, this episode has something for everyone. 

👉 Comment below with:

Your answers to the Christmas movie riddles

Your favourite Christmas film

Or any questions you’d like answered in a future Ask Speed Squad episode 

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes every Friday 

📩 Send questions to: info@speedmooting.com 

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Happy New Year from the Speed Mooting team! 🎉

In Episode 90 of the Speed Mooting Podcast, John and Hayley bring you a festive Ask Speed Squad special, answering listener questions following their hugely popular Life at the Bar webinar.

With over 100 audience questions submitted, this episode dives into some of the most important (and honest) conversations about legal careers - whether you’re aspiring to the Bar, training as a solicitor, or simply figuring out your next steps in law.

John and Hayley also share personal stories about securing training contracts and pupilage, the emotional rollercoaster of early legal careers, and why feedback from aspiring lawyers is what makes Speed Mooting’s work so rewarding. 

👉 Got a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments, DM us, or email info@speedmooting.com and we’ll answer it on the podcast. 

John and Hayley return for Episode 89 with a festive Christmas special featuring jumpers, Only Fools and Horses nostalgia, and even a Formula One cameo before diving into two major topics for aspiring and junior lawyers.

First, they announce the launch of the Commercial Awareness Club, explaining what commercial awareness really means, why firms test it in interviews, and how the Autumn Budget 2025 affects clients. If you’ve ever struggled with “thinking commercially,” this episode breaks it down simply and practically.

They then explore the big legal story of the moment: proposals to scale back jury trials in England and Wales. John explains how jury trials currently work, what the leaked reforms could change, and why many in the profession are concerned about judge-only trials and their impact on fairness and efficiency.

A must-listen for anyone interested in criminal law, commercial awareness, pupillage and training contract preparation, or legal news.

If you enjoy the episode, make sure to follow the podcast and leave us a rating — it really helps us reach more aspiring lawyers.

Welcome back to Episode 88 of the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime Podcast!This week, John and Hayley dive deep into the future of legal careers - how the profession is shifting, and what aspiring solicitors and barristers need to prepare for.We break down the major changes happening right now:🔹 The rise of technology and AI in everyday practice🔹 Remote and hybrid hearings becoming increasingly normal🔹 A renewed focus on lawyer wellbeing, healthy culture and sustainable careersPlus, in this week’s #AskSpeedSquad, we answer two big questions from our listeners:❓ How do I know which area of law is right for me?❓ Does taking a gap year or career break look bad?If you’re planning your future in law, this episode is packed with honest insight and practical advice from people who’ve lived it.📌 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions for next week’s #AskSpeedSquad!