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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] or connect with us on social media.