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

Nobody teaches you this in law school — but it might matter more than anything you studied. In episode 120, John and Hayley break down what it actually means to be a client-friendly lawyer: how to read the room with different clients, how the best lawyers handle costs transparency, and how to manage expectations before they become complaints. These are the skills that get you recommended, retained, and remembered.
Then in Ask Speed Squad: an honest conversation about what's really changed in the profession since they qualified — AI, flexible working, the courts going digital, and what senior lawyers are quietly saying about the juniors coming through right now. Plus one legal myth the public just won't let go of.
Whether you're still chasing your training contract or pupillage, or you're a junior finding your feet in practice — this episode is worth your hour.
Send questions for Ask Speed Squad to info@speedmooting.com or DM us on socials.

What does life really look like after the Bar Course?

In this episode of Conversations with Counsel, John Dove speaks to Alvaro Gutierrez Calero about navigating the challenging period between being called to the Bar and securing pupillage. From working as a legal consultant and solicitor's agent to representing clients in the Employment Tribunal, Alvaro shares how he has continued to develop his advocacy and legal skills while pursuing a career at the Bar.

The conversation explores resilience, practical advocacy experience, multilingualism in legal practice and why every step of the journey can help shape your future career.

An honest and encouraging episode for anyone considering a career at the Bar or looking for ways to strengthen their legal experience.

Criminal barrister John and commercial solicitor Hayley discuss professional ethics in law, why integrity is non-negotiable, what the SRA and BSB mean in practice, and what really happens when lawyers get it wrong.

Also: their ongoing beef with estate agents (unregulated, unreachable, and somehow in charge of the biggest purchase of your life!!)

Plus: barrister vs solicitor envy, career changes into law at 30 or 40, and the hardest parts of running your own business.

Essential listening for law students, aspiring barristers and trainee solicitors.

📩 info@speedmooting.com | @speedmooting

Is social media actually worth it for lawyers, or is old-school networking still king?
John and Hayley share what's worked (and what's backfired) for them, plus answer listener questions on practising public speaking solo, their favourite parts of law firm life, and the skills lawyers need for the AI era.
Got a question for the show?
Email info@speedmooting.com or drop us a message on social media.

When should you start thinking seriously about a career in law — and can it ever be too late? John and Hayley map out the real route (and timeline) to becoming a barrister or solicitor, plus tips for building a standout CV. Then: Ask Speed Squad covers first-day-in-court nerves, first jury trials, and the emotional rollercoaster of advocacy.
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