Plea in Mitigation Challenge at the National Pupillage Fair
Speed Mooting is partnering with Targetjobs at their National Pupillage Fair 2025 to deliver a hands-on Plea in Mitigation Challenge - a fast, practical way to build courtroom advocacy skills and stand out to chambers.
What it is
A focused workshop where you step into the shoes of a criminal advocate and deliver a concise 5-minute plea in mitigation. You’ll get coaching on structure, persuasion and delivery, plus clear pointers you can apply in interviews and assessments.
How it works
Case bundle: You’ll receive a short bundle in advance to prepare your plea.
Live online workshop: Join our “Master the Plea in Mitigation” session with Speed Mooting founder and practicing criminal barrister John Dove for tips and real-time practice. Here you will practice in small groups, receiving peer to peer feedback as well as general guidance, hints and tips from John.
On-stage final: Lucky participants will then be selected at random to present their pleas at the Fair and receive live feedback from John in front of an audience.
Key dates
Thursday 30 October 2025 at 7.30pm: Live online workshop with Speed Mooting
Saturday 22 November 2025 (10:30–15:00): National Pupillage Fair, Central London - live performances on stage.
Why take part
Build confidence with realistic, time-pressured advocacy.
Low-pressure environment with peer-to-peer feedback
Get actionable guidance from a practising barrister.
Showcase your potential to chambers and recruiters at the UK’s flagship pupillage event.
Register
Participation is free, but spaces are limited. Please register on the Targetjobs website.
Reviews
Joe Pursehouse
Future Pupil and Advocacy Club Member
"I'm writing to share some good news: I have received an offer of pupillage. This is an amazing opportunity for me, and I wanted to extend my thanks to you and the team at Advocacy Club for all that you have done to support my development as an advocate over the last two years. As a non-student career changer, I simply would not have had the opportunities to practice and compete without the existence of your Club. The AC is one of a kind and I know I will be recommending it to any aspiring barristers I come across for many years to come."
Amelia Thomas-Wilson
Law Student
“I wanted to take the time to say I am, as well as many others I’m sure, grateful that this event (the Northern Pupillage Fair) has been established. Many aspiring barristers cannot attend the London pupillage fairs due to financial constraints and caring responsibilities so this event will open up invaluable networking opportunities for those based in the North. Thank you, Speed Mooting for levelling up the playing field and I look forward to attending in September.”
Jo Anne Pugh
Dean of BPP Law School
“There are relatively few pupillage fairs, and most are either delivered online or are hosted in London. So, we didn’t need to think twice when we were asked to support this much needed event”.
