Advocacy Boot Camp
4th July 2026. Liverpool Liner Hotel.
If you’re serious about improving your advocacy, this is for you.
Whether you’re a student, bar course graduate, or already in practice, one of the biggest challenges is knowing how to actually develop the skills that matter in court.
You can read textbooks and observe hearings, but real progress comes from understanding how to perform under pressure.
This one-day, in-person intensive is designed to bridge that gap.
Led by criminal barrister and nationally ranked public speaker, John Dove, this bootcamp will give you a clear, practical framework for advocacy - from speaking with confidence, to handling witnesses, to delivering persuasive submissions.
What you'll gain
By the end of the day, you will:
Learn how to speak with greater clarity, confidence and control
Understand how to be an effective trial advocate, both in your speeches and questioning of witnesses
Learn how to make clear and persuasive submissions
Develop a stronger understanding of real courtroom advocacy at pupil barrister or junior solicitor level
This is not a passive lecture day. Sessions are deigned to be engaging and interactive, with live demonstrations, audience input and practical examples throughout.
Who is it for?
This bootcamp is open to anyone with an interest in advocacy, including:
Those are studying or have studied the Bar Course or SQE
Pupils or trainee solicitors
Practising barristers and solicitors looking to sharpen their advocacy skills
Anyone else with an interest in developing their advocacy.
No prior advocacy experience is required, but the day is designed to reflect the standard expected in real practice.
Here's what you get:
Full-day in-person advocacy training
Stationary and writing equipment included
Breakfast, refreshments and lunch provided
A practical advocacy takeaway pack
A certificate of completion
Opportunity to network with like minded attendees
Standard Price £99
Early Bird Price £69
Price will increase 8th June
"What you do is exceptional because any level of advocate can join and take part"
Neive Augustin - family law barrister
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY
9am : Arrival, networking & breakfast
10am : Welcome and Introduction to the day
10:15am : Public Speaking Masterclass.
Learn how to control your pace, delivery and presence, with live demonstrations and practical examples.
John will deliver an interactive talk on:
- Building confidence
- Speaking persuasive
- How to be engaging
11am : Short break with refreshments provided.
11:15am : Criminal Trial Advocacy
A deep dive into criminal trial advocacy. This workshop will cover:
- Structuring an effective opening speech
- Questioning techniques for examination-in-chief and cross examination
- How to deliver a persuasive closing speech
Delivered through live demonstrations, audience input and practical insight into how advocacy works in the real courtroom.
1pm : Lunch and networking
2pm : Civil Submissions: Persuasive Advocacy in Practice
Learn how to make clear, structured and effective submissions in a civil context.
3pm : Short break
3.15pm : Advocacy Q&A: Pupillage, Practice & Your Next Steps
An open session to ask questions about advocacy, career progression, and life in practice
4.00 pm : Day closes
READY TO take part
Secure Your Place Today!
At Speed Mooting, our focus has always been simple: helping aspiring and junior lawyers develop the skills that actually matter.
This bootcamp brings that ethos into a focused, in person setting, giving you a full day of structured, practical advocacy training that you can immediately apply in mooting, applications, and practice.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior advocacy experience?
Not at all. The bootcamp is designed to be accessible to complete beginners, while still being valuable for those with experience. The focus is on practical skills and clear frameworks you can apply immediately.
Will I have to perform or speak in front of others?
Not at all. This is a live workshop delivered by John Dove. John will be inviting audience input during this day, but there is no obligation to participate. Many attendees choose to observe and learn.
How interactive is the day?
The day includes live demonstrations, practical examples, and audience interaction. It’s designed to keep you engaged, rather than sitting through passive lectures.
What level is the training pitched at?
The sessions are pitched at a pupil barrister / early practice level, but broken down in a way that is accessible to beginners.
What should I wear?
Smart casual is absolutely fine - there’s no requirement to dress formally unless you wish to.
Will there be food and refreshments included?
Yes, we will provide breakfast and lunch plus tea, coffee and water.
What is included in the takeaway pack?
All attendees will receive a certificate of participation, plus a practical advocacy takeaway Pack, including structured frameworks, checklists, and exercises you can use immediately in mooting, interviews, and practice.
Secure your place now!
Join the Speed Mooting Free Community and hear all the latest news about our events, and more!
Stay Up To Date
Be the first to know each time we launch a new event or competition.
Special Events
Receive exclusive invites to in-person workshops and networking events, connecting you with legal professionals.
Use Resources
Exclusive access to a variety of resources and guides to help you on your legal journey.
Community
Join a supportive online community where you can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate with peers.
Reviews
Nicholas Stone
Future Pupil Barrister and 2023 National Speed Mooting Competition Champion
"Speed Mooting was very helpful with getting pupillage, as the pupillage process tests how well you can make a case.
The Speed Mooting competition gave me a good chance to become a better speaker, and to gain more confidence in my abilities. It's a great opportunity to test yourself and improve.”
Liam Ainscough
Law Lecturer, University of Bolton
“The events I attended were insightful to the industry and mooting was fun and informative at the same time. I would highly recommend that undergraduate students attend the annual moot to not only increase their confidence, but to obtain skills that are desirable in practise. The NSMC team always provide more than enough information and the event is similar to the working paradigm of a barrister. As an academic, I always recommend these events to students.”
Mersede Mardani
Law Student
“Today I joined Speed Mooting's "Introduction to Mooting Course".
I must admit that prior to attending this course, I was not familiar with mooting or what a moot consists of. However, after participating in this course, I can confidently say that thanks to John Dove's incredibly informative presentation, I now thoroughly understand what a moot consists of, and I have the courage to apply this to a moot and experience it first-hand.
I look forward to putting into practice the knowledge I have gained today and continue to attend moots throughout my legal journey.”
