Reflecting on Our Biggest Plea in Mitigation Competition Yet
There is a unique kind of energy that fills a digital room when 100+ aspiring lawyers prepare to go head-to-head.
On 20 June 2026, we hosted our largest Plea in Mitigation competition to date, and honestly? The standard of advocacy we saw was nothing short of breathtaking.
If you’ve ever felt that pit in your stomach before a moot or a pupillage interview, you know why we do this. We created Speed Mooting to be the bridge between academic theory and the sharp reality of the courtroom. This competition wasn't just about winning an iPad or a voucher; it was about every single participant standing up, making their case, and walking away with more confidence than they had at 9:00 am.
A Competitor’s Perspective:
We love hearing from those who are actually in the "thick of it." One of our participants, Hrishiraj Pramanik, shared a brilliant reflection on the day that encapsulates exactly what we aim for:
"I recently participated in the Plea in Mitigation competition hosted by Speed Mooting on 20 June 2026, and I wanted to reflect on both the experience itself and the preparation leading up to it.
For those unfamiliar, a plea in mitigation is an advocacy exercise where participants present arguments to reduce a defendant’s sentence. The competition is open to individuals at any stage of their legal journey, including those simply considering a career in law. With over 100 participants and multiple knockout rounds, the event is both competitive and highly engaging, with prizes as well as the satisfaction of progressing through the rounds.
Preparation began the evening before, when I received the case bundle. Speed Mooting provides all the materials needed to perform effectively; the key is learning how to use them strategically. In addition, they organise various events, such as the plea in mitigation session at the Legal Skills Academy which I attended a month earlier. That session was particularly valuable, as it allowed me to practise advocacy skills and receive detailed feedback, which made a noticeable difference when presenting in front of practising barristers and solicitors during the competition.
The competition day started promptly at 9am, and the organisation throughout was excellent. Each round ran smoothly and on time, with no administrative issues. One of the most valuable aspects was the feedback provided after each round. Judges offered both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, allowing participants to improve quickly between rounds.
Although I was knocked out in the first round, the experience highlighted the high standard of advocacy among participants. Importantly, the event did not end there; participants were encouraged to watch the final round, which I found incredibly insightful. Observing others helped me identify areas for improvement and reinforced the idea that advocacy is a continuous learning process.
The competition consisted of three rounds, each judged by experienced barristers and solicitors whose feedback was both supportive and instructive. I particularly appreciated the guidance from my judges, Alex Gelling and Adedamola Adedeji. Later in the day, we also received valuable insights on the case from criminal barrister, John Dove, which added further depth to the learning experience.
Overall, this was a fantastic event organised by the Speed Mooting team. It provided a supportive environment to develop advocacy skills, receive expert feedback, and learn from peers. I am already looking forward to participating in future events."
What the Room Felt Like: Voices from the Competition
It wasn’t just Hrishiraj who felt the impact. We were blown away by the feedback from both participants and our esteemed judges. Hearing that we are "levelling the playing field" is exactly why we keep pushing these events further.
Sophia Berg Merino shared that the experience pushed her to develop her public speaking in a format that felt remarkably close to real practice. For her, the realistic case materials and tight time limits were the perfect training ground.
Havin Sorgucu, a second-year LLB student, called it the "perfect opportunity" for anyone looking to build confidence. She highlighted how the platform we provide is essential for helping students find their voice in a professional setting.
Even those who didn't take home the top prize felt the victory of participation. Georgie Welsh noted that she was "extremely proud" of herself for taking part, specifically citing the "incredible feedback" from the judges as a major highlight of her journey.
And it wasn't just the students who enjoyed it. Amy Wilkinson and Danelle Foley, who both served as judges, described it as a "thoroughly enjoyable morning" spent seeing the next generation of lawyers in action. When experienced solicitors and barristers are this impressed, you know the future of the profession is in good hands.
Why Advocacy Practise like this is so Important
In law school, you spend a lot of time reading about what the law is. In our competitions, you spend all your time figuring out how the law works for a real person.
A plea in mitigation is a masterclass in empathy and strategy. You aren't just reciting statutes; you are telling a story that could change a person's life.
Here's what I hope people learned from this competition:
Preparation in practice is often time pressured. Getting a bundle the night before mimics the real-world "brief-at-the-door" scenario. It’s about spotting the key mitigating factors quickly and presenting them with conviction.
Feedback is your greatest asset. In our knockout rounds, the participants who listened to their first-round feedback and applied it immediately were the ones who soared in the later stages.
Watch the masters. As Hrishiraj mentioned, staying to watch the finals is where the real learning happens. Seeing how others handle judicial intervention is a free lesson you can't get from a textbook. And, for anyone who missed it, the recording of the final is now available on our Youtube channel.
Your Next Step: The Legal Skills Academy
If you’re sitting there thinking, "I wish I had that kind of confidence," then you are in the right place!
Take a look at our Legal Skills Academy. This is where we host our monthly advocacy club sessions, including the exact plea in mitigation workshops that Hrishiraj used to prepare for his competition. We also cover core skills training including, public speaking, debating and commercial awareness.
It’s a low-pressure space designed for you to test out your style, get direct feedback from your peers, and to network with a community of people who are on the exact same path as you.
Hopefully we'll see you soon!
