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

Do you need a “lawyer’s accent”? Should you take a training contract if your dream is the Bar? And how do you know which legal career is right for you?This week, John and Hayley challenge some of the career advice they heard as students, discuss regional accents and unconscious bias, and answer a criminal defence paralegal’s question about qualifying as a solicitor before moving to the Bar.John shares his experience of that route, including the importance of opportunities to develop advocacy experience. Hayley explains why she changed her mind about becoming a barrister—and why the solicitor route can be a first choice in its own right.Explore the Legal Skills Academy:https://speedmooting.com/legal-skills-academySend your questions to [email protected] and follow Partners in Crime for new episodes every Friday.

How do you land a paralegal role straight after your law degree? 🎓⚖️In this episode of Conversations with Counsel, John is joined by Hannah Jackson, a recent LLB graduate, one of our inaugural Speed Mooting Ambassadors, and now a paralegal in civil litigation.Hannah explains what a paralegal actually does, walks through her application process from paper application to final interview, and shares the experience that helped her stand out, from volunteering with the Witness Service to sitting on her university’s Bar Society committee and even working as a lifeguard. She also gives her top tips for interviews, an honest picture of how competitive paralegal roles are, and how students in any year can start building the skills employers want.Plus, Hannah reflects on her year as a Speed Mooting Ambassador, why our competitions suit first-years, and of course, the all-important quickfire round. Do crisps belong on a sandwich?Subscribe : New episodes of Conversations with Counsel every third Monday.

This week, Hayley and John tackle a listener’s question: a lawyer told them to “avoid AI at all costs.” Is that good advice? They talk through where AI can genuinely help in legal practice, from proofreading to chronologies and reports on title, where it can land you in hot water, and why you should never cite a case you haven’t read.They also discuss what actually makes someone ready to start practising (spoiler: you’ll never fully feel ready), how technology has changed the profession over the years, whether AI will take jobs, and finally settle the great holiday debate: Tenerife or Texas?Got a question for Ask Speed Squad? Send it in:📧 [email protected]🌐 speedmooting.com/contact💬 Or message us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTokNew episodes every Friday.

Is mooting still useful if you don’t want to become a barrister? And what’s the most underrated transferable skill in law?In episode 134, the Shaquille O’Neal Episode, John and Hayley discuss why mooting benefits aspiring solicitors too, how retail and hospitality experience can make you a better lawyer, and why clear communication matters when advising clients.They also share practical tips for networking on LinkedIn, explain why generic messages often miss the mark, and give an honest update on pregnancy and the struggle to find maternity clothes!Explore our competitions, Legal Skills Academy and free resources at speedmooting.com.Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected].

Thinking about taking the Bar Training Course? Where do you start, and what should you be doing now to prepare for pupillage?Recorded at the Northern Pupillage Fair 2026, this session features Laura Scott, Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and door tenant at 7 Harrington Street.Laura breaks down the key steps to getting onto the Bar Training Course, from applications and entry requirements to choosing an Inn of Court, securing scholarships and exploring funding options.She also shares practical advice on preparing for Bar training, building your CV, securing mini-pupillages and marshalling opportunities, gaining advocacy experience and approaching Pupillage Gateway applications.Drawing on her own journey into the legal profession as a first-generation university student, Laura offers accessible, practical guidance for anyone considering a career at the Bar.Part of Speed Mooting's Northern Pupillage Fair 2026 series.Find out more about Speed Mooting at https://speedmooting.com

It's Episode 133 of Partners in Crime, and John and Hayley are celebrating the biggest Northern Pupillage Fair yet!With 1,367 registrations, a record number of exhibitors and a packed programme of talks, they reflect on what made this year's event so special and why improving access to the Bar remains at the heart of Speed Mooting.They also discuss finding legal work experience, breaking down barriers in the profession and the incredible feedback they received from attendees.Plus, in the listener Q&A, would you rather be feared, liked or respected as a lawyer? And would John really give up his career at the criminal Bar rather than own an electric car?Another episode full of legal insights, honest conversations and the usual John and Hayley banter!

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.