Online Bootcamp · £30
Criminal Submissions
Bootcamp
Plea in Mitigation & Bail Applications — a focused two-hour intensive with criminal barrister John Dove
About the bootcamp
Two hours. Two essential skills.
The plea in mitigation and the bail application are two of the most frequently encountered, and most important, criminal submissions in practice. Yet for many aspiring lawyers, they remain intimidating and poorly understood.
This focused online bootcamp cuts straight to what matters. Criminal barrister John Dove will take you through both submissions in detail — what they are, how to structure them, what courts look for, and what separates a strong submission from a weak one. With live demonstrations and a practical framework to take away, you'll leave with a clear understanding you can apply immediately.
What you'll cover
The agenda
Welcome & Introduction
Overview of the session and what to expect
Plea in Mitigation
What it is, when it's used, and how to structure one. John will cover the key elements courts look for, common mistakes, and deliver a live demonstration of a strong plea in mitigation in practice.
Short break
Five minutes
Bail Applications
How to structure and deliver a bail application, the grounds courts consider, and how to handle opposition from the prosecution. Includes a live demonstration.
Q&A
Open Q&A — bring your questions on criminal submissions, criminal practice, or your next steps.
Close
What you'll gain
By the end of the session you will...
Your speaker
John Dove
John Dove is a criminal barrister and co-founder of Speed Mooting. He has extensive experience in Crown Court proceedings, including criminal submissions at all levels. John is passionate about making practical legal skills training accessible to aspiring and junior lawyers, and delivers sessions that reflect the realities of life in practice.
Who is this for?
Perfect if you're...
Still not sure?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior experience?
Not at all. The session is designed to be accessible to complete beginners while still being valuable for those with some experience. The focus is on practical understanding you can apply straight away.
Will I have to speak or perform?
No. This is a live session delivered by John. You're welcome to ask questions in the Q&A but there's no obligation to speak or participate.
What will I take away?
All attendees will receive a practical framework document covering the structure of both a plea in mitigation and a bail application — something you can refer back to and use immediately. You'll also receive a certificate of participation to evidence your continuing professional development.
What level is the session pitched at?
The session reflects the standard expected at pupil barrister level, but is broken down in a way that is accessible to anyone — regardless of experience.
Is my ticket refundable?
Tickets for the Criminal Submissions Bootcamp are non-refundable. We're a small business and a significant amount of time and effort goes into planning and running our events. We work hard to keep our paid events as affordable as possible, and we run numerous free events alongside them — but high drop-out rates mean a no-refund policy is necessary to allow us to keep doing what we do. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any concerns ahead of the event, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
From our last bootcamp
What attendees said
"Yesterday I attended the Speed Mooting Advocacy Bootcamp, where I had the opportunity to learn and develop my criminal and civil advocacy skills. Each session led by John Dove gave practical insight and techniques to help me continue to develop my advocacy. It was also great to meet with other aspiring barristers and connect with like-minded people. Thank you to Speed Mooting for organising and hosting such a valuable event!"
Stella Higham
Aspiring Barrister
"It is a great way to learn the skills and techniques to help prepare yourself for life in legal practice. There was a fantastic demonstration by John Dove on the structure of both a Criminal trial and Civil Submissions. For those starting their journey in law, it is a great opportunity to build knowledge of the skills and techniques of a legal advocate. For those further along in their journey, it is great to keep your mind fresh — particularly if, like me, you are a Bar Course graduate and future pupillage hopeful."
Ewan Wilson
BPP Graduate · BTC Advocacy Scholar · Aspiring Barrister
"I particularly enjoyed the public speaking workshop, where John discussed, and then practically demonstrated, the value of using vocal techniques to enhance your persuasiveness in advocacy. During the criminal trial advocacy workshop, I found the practical demonstration on witness handling invaluable. One of the key takeaways was during the closing speech section, where John demonstrated how to articulate to a jury why you asked certain questions and why the answers obtained help build your narrative. I made lots of notes and tips in the booklet provided, which I will look to apply to my advocacy and public speaking. In summary, the day was a useful and insightful learning experience."
Hannah Jackson
Litigation Paralegal · LLB (Hons) · Speed Mooting Ambassador
Wednesday 26th August · 7:00pm – 9:00pm · Online · £30
Book your place
A focused two hours with a practising criminal barrister — all for £30.
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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.”
