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!
In this episode, we break down the most common mistakes aspiring lawyers make - and how to avoid them. If you're pursuing pupillage, a training contract, or still navigating law school, these insights will help you stay focused, intentional, and ahead of the curve.
We explore why so many future barristers and solicitors fall into the same traps, how to turn setbacks into powerful learning moments, and the practical steps you can take to strengthen your legal journey.
If you’re serious about a career in law, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and the tools to keep moving forward.
In this episode, John and Hayley reflect on the recently released Caroline Flack documentary to explore how criminal prosecutions work.
They discuss the sensitive subject of assault by beating, and outline the two‑stage test used by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to decide whether cases proceed to trial.
They also answer listener questions in our popular #AskSpeedSquad segment
👉 Subscribe to the podcast for more thoughtful discussions on criminal law and advocacy, and visit speedmooting.com to learn more about how we can help you on your legal journey.
In this mini-catch-up episode, John and Hayley are filling you in on everything they've been up to over the past few weeks - from the buzz of the Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards to the newest developments in Speed Mooting.
It’s a short and sweet check in while the team settles back in after their honeymoon, but don’t worry, they will be back next week with a full, feature-length episode!
In this episode, hosts John and Hayley share their Junior Lawyer’s Survival Guide — packed with honest, practical advice for anyone starting out in law.They discuss how to make the most of your training period, handle mistakes with professionalism, and build meaningful connections in your firm. Expect real insight, relatable stories, and a few laughs along the way as they break down what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as a junior lawyer.🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes packed with tips, stories, and inspiration for aspiring and early-career lawyers.
In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, hosts John and Hayley dive into the real differences between barristers and solicitors - from their daily routines and client interactions to how they juggle flexibility, teamwork, and the ever-growing pile of meetings that define legal life.
They also lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes in law firms, how to manage competing cases without losing your sanity, and whether TV and film get the lawyer lifestyle even remotely right.
It’s a lively, insightful, and honest conversation about the modern legal profession - with plenty of laughs (and a few truths every lawyer can relate to).
💬 Join the discussion in the comments and let us know which role you’d choose — barrister or solicitor?
👍 Like, subscribe, and follow the Speed Mooting Podcast for new episodes every Friday!
💍 Newlyweds, Networking & Navigating the Law! ⚖️
In this episode John and Hayley are back - this time as newlyweds! They share some wedding highlights before diving into the power of building your personal brand online and how smart networking can open doors in the legal world.
They also break down a major case on litigation rights making headlines, and tackle a listener’s question on how to juggle a demanding legal career with passion projects.
It’s honest, funny, and packed with practical insight , perfect for aspiring lawyers looking for a mix of real talk and real advice.
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and join the conversation.
#PartnersInCrimePodcast #SpeedMooting #LegalCareers #Networking #LawStudents #Advocacy
In this episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, John and Hayley take a look back at their journey across 81 episodes — from early beginnings to building a growing community of aspiring lawyers. They dive into the latest Formula One updates, answer listener questions on advocacy skills and legal career paths, and unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about different areas of law. Along the way, they share personal reflections on their hobbies and debate whether success is more about raw talent or relentless persistence.
In this special episode of Speed Mooting Presents: Partners in Crime, hosts John and Hayley are celebrating a huge milestone — their wedding day! 🎉 Amid the festivities, they tackle some serious legal issues, diving into the Crown Court backlog, which has now surged past 80,000 cases.
Listeners take centre stage in an ‘Ask Speed Squad Special’, where John and Hayley answer your burning questions about the legal profession — from common training contract pitfalls to interview dos and don’ts.
The episode wraps up on a thoughtful note, as the pair reflect on their career journeys, life beyond law, and what’s next for Speed Mooting.
A mix of celebration, insight, and honesty — this one’s not to be missed. 🎙️💫
In this week’s episode we take a closer look at the recent Mazur Judgment, unpacking what it means and why it matters. We also discuss the SQE exam blunder that’s been making headlines, considering how it has affected students and what lessons might be learned for the future. Finally, we answer listener questions about how to make the most of a mini pupillage or vacation scheme, sharing practical tips on standing out, building connections, and making sure the experience really benefits your career.If you’re interested in advocacy, the SQE, pupillage, vacation scheme advice, and the realities of training for a legal career, this episode is full of useful insight and discussion. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Speed Mooting Podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you’d like us to answer your question on the pod, email us at info@speedmooting.com.#LawStudents #FutureBarristers #SQE #Pupillage #MiniPupillage #VacationScheme #LegalCareer
We’re in a new studio this week (hello from the PodCafé, Liverpool) and kicking off the new academic year with practical advice for aspiring barristers and solicitors.
We explain what Speed Mooting actually does- four advocacy competitions a year (two in-person speed moots, two online submissions) and an Advocacy Club that meets twice a month for low-pressure practice - plus the free Q&As and training evenings we run throughout the year.
We also preview the Northern Pupillage Fair (Sat 27 September, The Liner, Liverpool): who it’s for at every stage, what’s happening on the day, and how to get the most from meeting chambers and organisations.
In Ask Speed Squad, we tackle how to answer the Inns scholarship question “Why do you want to be a barrister?”—balancing skills-based points with genuine personal motivation.
Send us your questions for next week with #AskSpeedSquad, and grab your free fair ticket at speedmooting.com/pupillage-fair.
After a short break, John and Hayley are back on the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime Podcast! In this episode, they unveil the brand-new Ambassador Programme and look ahead to the Northern Pupillage Fair. Between juggling wedding planning and a packed schedule, they share practical tips for making the most of the fair - covering everything from smart networking to strong presentation skills. The conversation wraps up with a call to connect with the community and a light-hearted nod to F1 favourite Valtteri Bottas.
In this episode, John and Hayley discuss various aspects of the legal profession, including the importance of mooting and pro bono work, essential soft skills for lawyers, effective networking strategies, and recommended resources for aspiring lawyers. They also discuss their Community Hub, a free online legal community for students and junior lawyers, and highlight upcoming events.
In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime podcast, we dive into an exciting season ahead for aspiring advocates. We look forward to the National Speed Mooting Competition Autumn Cup 2025, share insights from the latest Advocacy Club sessions, and preview the upcoming Northern Pupillage Fair taking place on 27th September at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool.
Whether you’re preparing to moot, refining your advocacy skills, or gearing up for pupillage applications, this episode is packed with practical updates and opportunities you won’t want to miss.
Just a quick hello from John and Hayley! 🎙️
This week’s full Partners in Crime episode will be out a couple of days later than usual. We’ve only just made it back from Texas, and Hayley is heading straight off on her hen do! Thanks for bearing with us - we’ll be back very soon with the usual mix of law, laughs, and listener questions.
In this episode, we dive into the art of crafting an impactful closing speech at trial. We discussed how to bring the case together, leave a lasting impression on the judge or jury, and avoid common pitfalls.
We also share some highlights from our holiday in San Antonio, Texas 🌵, and reflect on the fascinating differences between advocacy in the US and the UK.
As always, we answer listener questions, and we’re excited to invite new members to join the Advocacy Club, which is a space to sharpen your skills, share experiences, and grow with a community of advocates.