In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, hosts John and Hayley dive into the real differences between barristers and solicitors - from their daily routines and client interactions to how they juggle flexibility, teamwork, and the ever-growing pile of meetings that define legal life.
They also lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes in law firms, how to manage competing cases without losing your sanity, and whether TV and film get the lawyer lifestyle even remotely right.
It’s a lively, insightful, and honest conversation about the modern legal profession - with plenty of laughs (and a few truths every lawyer can relate to).
💬 Join the discussion in the comments and let us know which role you’d choose — barrister or solicitor?
👍 Like, subscribe, and follow the Speed Mooting Podcast for new episodes every Friday!
💍 Newlyweds, Networking & Navigating the Law! ⚖️
In this episode John and Hayley are back - this time as newlyweds! They share some wedding highlights before diving into the power of building your personal brand online and how smart networking can open doors in the legal world.
They also break down a major case on litigation rights making headlines, and tackle a listener’s question on how to juggle a demanding legal career with passion projects.
It’s honest, funny, and packed with practical insight , perfect for aspiring lawyers looking for a mix of real talk and real advice.
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and join the conversation.
#PartnersInCrimePodcast #SpeedMooting #LegalCareers #Networking #LawStudents #Advocacy
In this episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, John and Hayley take a look back at their journey across 81 episodes — from early beginnings to building a growing community of aspiring lawyers. They dive into the latest Formula One updates, answer listener questions on advocacy skills and legal career paths, and unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about different areas of law. Along the way, they share personal reflections on their hobbies and debate whether success is more about raw talent or relentless persistence.
In this special episode of Speed Mooting Presents: Partners in Crime, hosts John and Hayley are celebrating a huge milestone — their wedding day! 🎉 Amid the festivities, they tackle some serious legal issues, diving into the Crown Court backlog, which has now surged past 80,000 cases.
Listeners take centre stage in an ‘Ask Speed Squad Special’, where John and Hayley answer your burning questions about the legal profession — from common training contract pitfalls to interview dos and don’ts.
The episode wraps up on a thoughtful note, as the pair reflect on their career journeys, life beyond law, and what’s next for Speed Mooting.
A mix of celebration, insight, and honesty — this one’s not to be missed. 🎙️💫
In this week’s episode we take a closer look at the recent Mazur Judgment, unpacking what it means and why it matters. We also discuss the SQE exam blunder that’s been making headlines, considering how it has affected students and what lessons might be learned for the future. Finally, we answer listener questions about how to make the most of a mini pupillage or vacation scheme, sharing practical tips on standing out, building connections, and making sure the experience really benefits your career.If you’re interested in advocacy, the SQE, pupillage, vacation scheme advice, and the realities of training for a legal career, this episode is full of useful insight and discussion. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Speed Mooting Podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you’d like us to answer your question on the pod, email us at info@speedmooting.com.#LawStudents #FutureBarristers #SQE #Pupillage #MiniPupillage #VacationScheme #LegalCareer
We’re in a new studio this week (hello from the PodCafé, Liverpool) and kicking off the new academic year with practical advice for aspiring barristers and solicitors.
We explain what Speed Mooting actually does- four advocacy competitions a year (two in-person speed moots, two online submissions) and an Advocacy Club that meets twice a month for low-pressure practice - plus the free Q&As and training evenings we run throughout the year.
We also preview the Northern Pupillage Fair (Sat 27 September, The Liner, Liverpool): who it’s for at every stage, what’s happening on the day, and how to get the most from meeting chambers and organisations.
In Ask Speed Squad, we tackle how to answer the Inns scholarship question “Why do you want to be a barrister?”—balancing skills-based points with genuine personal motivation.
Send us your questions for next week with #AskSpeedSquad, and grab your free fair ticket at speedmooting.com/pupillage-fair.
After a short break, John and Hayley are back on the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime Podcast! In this episode, they unveil the brand-new Ambassador Programme and look ahead to the Northern Pupillage Fair. Between juggling wedding planning and a packed schedule, they share practical tips for making the most of the fair - covering everything from smart networking to strong presentation skills. The conversation wraps up with a call to connect with the community and a light-hearted nod to F1 favourite Valtteri Bottas.
In this episode, John and Hayley discuss various aspects of the legal profession, including the importance of mooting and pro bono work, essential soft skills for lawyers, effective networking strategies, and recommended resources for aspiring lawyers. They also discuss their Community Hub, a free online legal community for students and junior lawyers, and highlight upcoming events.
In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime podcast, we dive into an exciting season ahead for aspiring advocates. We look forward to the National Speed Mooting Competition Autumn Cup 2025, share insights from the latest Advocacy Club sessions, and preview the upcoming Northern Pupillage Fair taking place on 27th September at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool.
Whether you’re preparing to moot, refining your advocacy skills, or gearing up for pupillage applications, this episode is packed with practical updates and opportunities you won’t want to miss.
Just a quick hello from John and Hayley! 🎙️
This week’s full Partners in Crime episode will be out a couple of days later than usual. We’ve only just made it back from Texas, and Hayley is heading straight off on her hen do! Thanks for bearing with us - we’ll be back very soon with the usual mix of law, laughs, and listener questions.
In this episode, we dive into the art of crafting an impactful closing speech at trial. We discussed how to bring the case together, leave a lasting impression on the judge or jury, and avoid common pitfalls.
We also share some highlights from our holiday in San Antonio, Texas 🌵, and reflect on the fascinating differences between advocacy in the US and the UK.
As always, we answer listener questions, and we’re excited to invite new members to join the Advocacy Club, which is a space to sharpen your skills, share experiences, and grow with a community of advocates.
This week criminal barrister, John Dove and commercial solicitor, Hayley Crombleholme take you behind the scenes
on their current trip to Texas, and lawyers do look a little different in Cowboy Country!
They also dive into your listener questions, considering what is their favourite historical case and answering what their favourite form of advocacy is - and why.
Tune into this bitesized episode for some insights into the world of law, advocacy and life on the road.
This week on the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime podcast, John and Hayley dive into the world of law with a mix of sharp insights and personal stories. They tackle hot topics like whether your accent really matters in the legal profession, bust some big legal myths, and share tips on holding your ground against more experienced opponents. Plus, a behind-the-scenes peek at their recent trip to Dublin, and an exciting announcement about a brand-new legal advocacy event you won’t want to miss!
In this episode of the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime podcast, John and Hayley dive into the dynamic world of legal career pathways.
Discover the unique opportunities available for aspiring solicitors and barristers, and learn about the innovative speed mentoring sessions that connect budding legal professionals with experienced practitioners.
Whether you're an A-level student or a graduate seeking a pupillage or training contract, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the legal landscape.
Tune in to explore how Speed Mooting is shaping the future of legal careers
In Episode 70 of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, Hayley and John return to the virtual courtroom with insights from their ongoing Criminal Trial Series at the Legal Advocacy Club.
This week’s focus? Witness handling - one of the most challenging and important skills for any aspiring advocate.
From the structure and strategy of cross-examination to the practical realities of managing live testimony, they break down what works, what doesn’t, and how students can build confidence through practice.
Packed with practical advice, relatable examples, and straight-talking reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for moots, assessments, or life at the criminal Bar.
Tune in for a thoughtful, practical discussion designed to help you sharpen your courtroom skills.
In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime Podcast, John and Hayley cover a wide range of topics across civil law, advocacy, legal education, and professional development.
They share insights into personal injury litigation, explore the value of events like the Northern Pupillage Fair and Speed Mooting competitions, and highlight the growing impact of the Advocacy Club.
The episode features practical advice on public speaking, debating, and witness handling, while also responding to audience questions in the Ask Speed Squad segment.
With a mix of personal stories and professional tips, this episode offers aspiring and junior lawyers a relatable and engaging insight into the legal community.
In this episode of the Speed Mooting Partners in Crime podcast, hosts John and Hayley explore the vital role of jury trials in the justice system — from their historical roots to the modern debates around their future, including reflections on the Leveson Report and the balance between fairness and efficiency in criminal proceedings.They also answer a listener’s question about what truly makes an applicant stand out in pupillage and training contract applications, offering practical insights from both the Bar and solicitor routes.Plus, John and Hayley discuss two exciting upcoming opportunities:⚖️ The National Speed Mooting Competition in London💬 The online Speed Mentoring Evenings for aspiring lawyersWhether you're a law student, practitioner, or just curious about the justice system, this is one not to miss!
In this episode, John and Hayley dive into the big news of Christian Horner’s departure and what it could mean for the future of F1. They share the highs and headaches of wedding planning, including the quirky tradition of the wedding breakfast.The legal chat focuses on criminal law careers, highlighting the courtroom experience gained by Crown Prosecutors, the importance of early exposure for aspiring barristers, and the collaborative environment at Charterhouse Chambers.They also preview a future deep-dive on the Leveson Report and its impact on criminal law.Expect legal insight, real talk, and plenty more to come!
In this episode of the Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime podcast, John and Hayley reflect on their journey across 66 episodes, share some unexpected lessons from their recent marriage course, and dive into one of the legal world’s big talking points: the financial realities of life as a solicitor versus a barrister.Along the way, they touch on the art of the plea in mitigation, debate whether juries always get it right, and answer a listener’s question about how sentencing works in legal competitions.Packed with humour, honest reflections, and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the early stages of a legal career.
In this lively episode of Speed Mooting: Partners in Crime, barristers Hayley and John take listeners behind the scenes of life at the criminal Bar. They kick off with shout-outs and feedback from the Speed Squad community before diving into what a typical day looks like for a criminal barrister—from courtroom prep to last-minute case surprises.The duo break down the differences between solicitors and barristers, unpack the legal meaning of "without prejudice," and explore its use in both civil and criminal law. They also reflect on the ethical demands of legal practice, the importance of honesty, and the subtle art of commercial awareness in advocacy.In the Ask Speed Squad segment, John and Hayley answer burning listener questions, followed by a practical case study on an assault trial. They wrap up by clearing up common legal jargon, including the difference between proof of evidence and witness statements.