Speed Mooting - Training tomorrow's lawyers, today!

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 in...

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 so...

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...

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, aspi...

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...

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 co...

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...

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 abou...

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 ep...

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 se...

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 ad...

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 d...

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...

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...

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...

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  c...

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...

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  ev...

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...

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 natu...

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 (C...

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 Pupil...

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. Rea...