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

In this episode, John and Hayley separate Hollywood fiction from courtroom reality.
Do lawyers really shout "Objection!"? Do judges use gavels? Can a surprise witness appear at the last minute and save a case?
Drawing on John's experience as a criminal barrister, we explore some of the biggest courtroom myths seen in films and TV shows and explain how things actually work in England and Wales.

We also answer listener questions on advocacy, pupillage interviews, dealing with pressure, and improving your public speaking skills.

If you've ever wondered what life in court is really like, this episode is for you.

For events, competitions and training, visit: www.speedmooting.com

In this episode, John Dove sits down with Matt Curtis, criminal barrister at Nine Chambers, former Head of Law at BPP, karate black belt, and long time friend of Speed Mooting.
Matt shares his journey from a comprehensive school in the North West to Oxford, pupillage, and 20+ years at the criminal bar, including a fascinating three-year sabbatical in legal education that changed how he thinks about advocacy.
They cover:
- The real difference between prosecuting and defending
- Why your case theory needs to fit in one or two sentences
- How disclosure can win ( and lose) cases
- Why nerves are a sign you're doing it right
- The best (and most overlooked) ways to break into the bar, and
- Achieving a black belt during lockdown

Whether you're an aspiring barrister, a law student, or a practising lawyer, this is a conversation packed with practical insight and hard-won wisdom.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every month.

#CriminalBar #LawPodcast #Barrister #LegalCareers #SpeedMooting #Advocacy #LawStudent #Pupillage

In Episode 113 of the Partners in Crime Podcast, John and Hayley discuss why legal career setbacks are not always the disaster they first appear to be.
From rejected pupillage applications and training contracts to first experiences in court and handling nerves during advocacy, this episode explores the realities of building a career in law and why everything really can happen for a reason.
The episode also answers audience questions on:
How many attempts pupillage usually takes
First jury trials
Courtroom nerves
Advocacy preparation
Majority verdicts and jury decisions
Plus, John somehow manages to fit Formula One into the conversation again.
Perfect for aspiring barristers, aspiring solicitors, law students and junior lawyers looking for honest career insight and practical advocacy advice.
🎓 Learn more about Speed Mooting:
https://speedmooting.com
📩 Join the mailing list:
https://speedmooting.com/sign-up

Don't forget to rate and subscribe!

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