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

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.

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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

In this episode, John Dove is joined by criminal CILEX lawyer Gemma Adams, who shares her inspiring non-traditional journey into law .
From working as a legal secretary to studying part-time while raising a child, Gemma’s story highlights the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief.
They discuss life in criminal practice, the importance of people skills, and why confidence comes from doing — not waiting.
A valuable listen for aspiring and junior lawyers navigating their own path into the profession.

This week, John and Hayley share a mix of personal updates and practical advice for aspiring lawyers. From navigating the journey to the Bar, to dealing with rejection, networking, and building confidence, this episode is an honest reflection on what it really takes to succeed in the legal profession.
They also talk through everything coming up at Speed Mooting, including competitions, live events, and the Northern Pupillage Fair, along with some exciting (and slightly secret) plans for the months ahead.
Whether you’re working towards pupillage, a training contract, or simply looking to improve your advocacy and legal skills, this episode is a reminder that the path isn’t always straightforward, but progress comes from persistence.
As always, expect a mix of insight, humour, and a bit of everything in between

In this episode, John and Hayley return with a big personal update - they’re expecting their first baby 👶 
They also dive into questions from aspiring lawyers, covering scholarships, networking without connections, and how to stand out in a competitive profession.
An honest, insightful episode with practical advice (and a few laughs along the way).