Friday Roundup: Summer Vibes, Expert Insights, and Your Legal Calendar Sorted
It is finally Friday, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent the last few hours glancing at the clock, waiting for the weekend to officially begin. But before you shut down your laptop and head out into the (hopefully) British sunshine, we’ve got a massive roundup to get you inspired and organised for the months ahead.
We know how it feels. You’re balancing exams, application deadlines, and that nagging feeling that you should be doing "more" to stand out. This week, we’re bringing you a deep dive into some serious expert wisdom from the frontline of criminal law and a guide to making sure your summer break isn't just about Netflix, but about building the career you want.
Here is your Friday Roundup from Speed Mooting
Expert Insights: Conversations with Counsel with Gemma Adams
If you haven’t listened to our latest Conversations with Counsel episode yet, you are genuinely missing out on a masterclass in resilience. We sat down with Gemma Adams, a formidable criminal lawyer from Tuckers Solicitors.
Gemma’s journey isn’t your "standard" textbook path. As a CILEX Fellow, she brings a refreshing, grounded perspective to the profession. If you’ve ever felt like your CV doesn't have enough "prestige" or you’re worried about not coming from a traditional background, this episode is your new best friend.
Takeaway: Research the CILEX, SQE and Bar routes properly over the summer. Don't just pick the one your university lecturers talk about most.
P.s, don't forget to subscribe for more great episodes like this!
Making the Most of Your Summer Break (Without Burning Out)
Next up on the playlist is our latest Partners in Crime podcast. We tackled the big question: How do you actually make the most of your summer break?
The pressure to land a high-profile vacation scheme can be overwhelming. But here’s a secret: those aren’t the only ways to build a stellar CV. In this episode, we discussed how to "legalise" your summer, even if you’re working a retail job or heading off on holiday.
Any Experience is Legal Experience
If you’re working behind a bar or in a call centre this summer, you’re developing client-facing skills. You’re learning how to deal with difficult people, how to manage time, and how to stay calm under pressure. These are the exact skills a senior partner looks for.
The "Public Gallery" Strategy
Use your free mornings to sit in the public gallery of your local Crown Court. It costs nothing, and you’ll see more real-world advocacy in three hours than you’ll find in a whole semester of lectures.
Watch the barristers. Note what works and what makes the judge roll their eyes. That is practical commercial awareness in action.
Have a listen to the latest episode here
Get Your Calendar Sorted: Upcoming Events
If you want to move from thinking like a lawyer to acting like one, you need to get some hands-on practice. We’ve got a packed schedule coming up at speedmooting.com/events that will help you build that courtroom confidence.
1. Legal Advocacy Session: Plea in Mitigation (26th May 2026)
This is where the rubber meets the road. A plea in mitigation is often the first thing a junior lawyer does in court. It’s your chance to practice being the voice for someone else. We keep these sessions low-pressure, so it’s the perfect place to make your first "mistakes" before you’re doing it for real.
2. Public Speaking Course (17th June 2026)
Let’s be honest: almost everyone is terrified of public speaking at first. This course is designed to strip away that fear. We focus on tone, pace, and how to command a room: essential skills whether you want to be a solicitor or a barrister.
3. Advocacy Bootcamp (4th July 2026)
Ready to go all in? Our Bootcamp is an intensive day of training led by experienced practitioners. You’ll get direct feedback on your performance, helping you sharpen your legal analysis and presentation skills. It’s hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
4. The Northern Pupillage Fair (5th September 2026)
This is the big one. If you are aiming for pupillage, you need to be here. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to network with chambers and get the inside track on what they are looking for in applicants.
Practise Makes Permanent
We often hear from students who say they want to practise their advocacy but don't know where to start outside of formal competitions. This is exactly why we created the Legal Skills Academy.
It’s our dedicated space for you to hone your skills year-round. We’ve moved away from the old standalone club format to bring everything into one powerhouse academy. Whether it’s mooting, plea in mitigation, or commercial awareness discussions, this is your training ground.
You wouldn’t expect to run a marathon without training, so don't expect to walk into a courtroom and be a natural advocate without putting in the hours first. Come and join us at speedmooting.com/legal-skills-academy and start building that confidence now.
Final Thoughts for the Weekend
As you head into your weekend, remember that the path to a legal career is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to rest, but also take the time to be intentional. Whether it's listening to Gemma Adams while you're at the gym or booking your spot for the Advocacy Bootcamp, every small step counts.
Have a brilliant weekend, and we’ll see you soon!
Warmly,
The Speed Mooting Team
