In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime podcast, John and Hayley reflect on their journey across 66 episodes, share some unexpected lessons from their recent marriage course, and dive into one of the legal world’s big talking points: the financial realities of life as a solicitor versus a barrister.Along the way, they touch on the art of the plea in mitigation, debate whether juries always get it right, and answer a listener’s question about how sentencing works in legal competitions.Packed with humour, honest reflections, and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the early stages of a legal career.

In this lively episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, barristers Hayley and John take listeners behind the scenes of life at the criminal Bar. They kick off with shout-outs and feedback from the Speed Squad community before diving into what a typical day looks like for a criminal barrister—from courtroom prep to last-minute case surprises.The duo break down the differences between solicitors and barristers, unpack the legal meaning of "without prejudice," and explore its use in both civil and criminal law. They also reflect on the ethical demands of legal practice, the importance of honesty, and the subtle art of commercial awareness in advocacy.In the Ask Speed Squad segment, John and Hayley answer burning listener questions, followed by a practical case study on an assault trial. They wrap up by clearing up common legal jargon, including the difference between proof of evidence and witness statements.

In this episode of Partners in Crime, criminal barrister, John Dove and commercial solicitor, Hayley Crombleholme catch up on recent personal milestones and exciting upcoming events. They share insights from their own experiences with public speaking and debating, reflecting on how recording yourself can be a powerful tool for improving advocacy skills. The legal duo also explore why mastering rebuttals is crucial in debate, before shifting gears to discuss the practicalities of pre-trial reviews in Crown Court. They wrap up with a thoughtful chat on legal career development, highlighting the importance of networking and building strong professional relationships.

In this episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, John and Hayley open up about the career moments that didn’t go to plan and why that’s often a good thing. From missed pupillage opportunities to realisations in the courtroom, they reflect on how setbacks shaped their direction. Along the way, they discuss practical strategies for interview prep (including the STAR method), how to handle unpredictable witness evidence, and why the basis of plea is more than just paperwork. With a few tangents into Formula One and morning routines, this episode is a reflective yet energising listen for anyone navigating the legal world.

In this episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, John and Hayley dive into the highlights of their recent public speaking course and the power of clear communication in legal advocacy.

They explore the value of speakers clubs, break down effective mooting techniques, and offer strategies for dealing with litigants in person.

John also shares insights from a recent real-life moot he conducted as part of a live court case, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at advocacy in action. Plus, they unpack the purpose of skeleton arguments and how they help shape persuasive hearings.

In this lively episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, John and Hayley celebrate Hayley's recent win as the Altaris Young Businesswoman of the Year. They also take a deep dive into plea mitigation in criminal law — breaking down strategy, structure, and what to expect in their upcoming Plea Mitigation Competition. Plus, there’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the Advocacy Club, and a passionate call to all aspiring lawyers to join their growing community - hub.speedmooting.com

In this episode of Speed Mooting Partners in Crime, John Dove and Hayley Crombleholme dive into your burning questions — and share a few exciting announcements along the way.They break down how to sharpen your commercial awareness in a way that’s actually useful (no more doom-scrolling), and what to do when a judge throws a question you weren’t ready for — whether you're mooting or in the real courtroom.You'll also get a sneak peek at what's coming up in the Advocacy Club, including how it's helping aspiring lawyers level up their argument skills in a supportive space.Plus, ever wondered what a day in the life of a junior barrister or solicitor actually looks like? No sugarcoating here — just real talk, real routines, and a bit of coffee-fuelled chaos.🔥 And finally, we’re thrilled to announce our free public speaking course in partnership with Liverpool Speakers Club — open to all, and designed to build confidence where it counts. Learn more at Speedmooting.com Tune in, take notes, and don’t forget to share it with someone who needs a little advocacy inspo.

It’s a super special episode 59! John and Hayley unveil a brand new website and interactive community hub packed with free courses, rewards, and advocacy club exclusives — all designed to help you break into the legal profession - visit speedmooting.com for more info! They also react to a real-life story of a defendant using ChatGPT in court, discuss how AI is creeping into firms, and share honest advice on getting paralegal jobs with no experience. Plus, they celebrate Pupillage Offer Week and shout out a listener who landed multiple offers after competing in Speed Mooting. A must-listen if you're an aspiring lawyer navigating tech, training, and career setbacks.

John and Hayley are back from Tenerife and straight into podcast mode - sun kissed, slightly jet-lagged, and ready to tease some huge news coming next week. In this shorter check-in episode, they chat about holiday reflections, wedding ring shopping, upcoming advocacy events, and a developing story about AI-generated legal authorities making waves in court. Plus, John explains the “seven gateways” for bad character evidence under the Criminal Justice Act 2003—by popular request.

In this episode, Hayley and John dive into the art of persuasion in advocacy—why keeping it simple, speaking slowly, and using pauses can make or break your delivery. They share practical tips for improving your advocacy skills and explain why being invested in your case matters, even when you don’t agree with your client.They also answer listener questions, including:🔹 How to get better at advocacy (hint: get your reps in!)🔹 Whether visible tattoos, piercings, or coloured hair are acceptable in the legal profession🔹 Why watching great speakers (including WWE’s Paul Heyman!) can sharpen your courtroom skillsPlus, they highlight the Speed Mooting Advocacy Club—a free, inclusive space to practice advocacy in a low-pressure environment.🎧 Tune in, learn, and get inspired!