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.

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