Speed Mooting Podcast - Training tomorrow's lawyers, today!

Can you get a mortgage during pupillage or early practice?
In the second instalment of our Northern Pupillage Fair 2026 talk series, Kem from Henry Dannell discusses borrowing as a barrister, preparing your finances and presenting self-employed income to lenders. He also explores financial protection and the importance of human relationships alongside technology.

John Dove reunites with the solicitor who gave him his first big break: Marcus Johnstone, Managing Director of PCD Solicitors.
From being told he wasn’t clever enough to sit school exams to building specialist law firms, Marcus shares his unconventional route into criminal defence and the lessons he learned along the way.
They discuss defending serious sexual offence allegations, the importance of early investigation and expert evidence, and the human impact of criminal proceedings. Marcus also offers practical advice for aspiring lawyers on finding a specialism, researching employers and showing the value you can bring to a firm.
An honest conversation about confidence, taking risks, learning from setbacks and understanding the business behind legal practice.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual offences, suicide and strong language.

From copying in the boss to blunt emails and being rude to support staff, John and Hayley share their biggest legal workplace icks.
We also discuss what would make us reject a pupillage or training contract candidate, including arrogance, entitlement and poor work ethic, and answer a listener’s question: would we want our child to become a lawyer?

How can you put yourself in a stronger position to secure pupillage?
Recorded at Speed Mooting’s Northern Pupillage Fair, BPP’s Nigel Jamieson shares practical advice on developing advocacy skills, gaining relevant experience and showing chambers what you can bring to the profession.
Learn how to make the most of mini-pupillages, court visits and networking, tailor your applications, and draw on experiences outside law to demonstrate your strengths.
With thanks to BPP, our headline sponsor, for supporting the Northern Pupillage Fair and sharing their expertise with aspiring barristers.

Rejection is part of almost every legal career, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
In Episode 131, John and Hayley share their own experiences of pupillage and training contract rejection, what they learned from the process and why getting knocked back doesn’t mean you won’t eventually get where you want to be.
They discuss seeking feedback, improving your applications, dealing with the disappointment of reaching the final stages and the role that subjectivity can play in recruitment.
Plus, they answer your mooting questions, including why mooting matters for aspiring barristers, preparing for your first moot and the common mistakes judges notice straight away