Opening the Doors: Inclusion at the Bar
A special edition of the Speed Mooting Podcast: Conversations with Counsel
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of the future of the legal industry.
In this special episode of the Speed Mooting podcast, hosts John Dove and Hayley Crombleholme will welcome two members of 18 St John Street Chambers’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to discuss how aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds can thrive.
This episode will explore real barriers that people are facing to entry, how to approach pupillage applications authentically, and what visibility and support looks like in practice.
MEET OUR PODCAST GUESTS:
Vaughn John
Deputy Family Senior Clerk
"At 18 St John Street Chambers, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where all members, pupils, staff, and clients are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
We actively oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination and promote equality of opportunity across all areas of Chambers. We work to raise awareness and accessibility of opportunities. Our goal is to create a truly representative, open, and thriving legal community".
Olivia Edwards
Family Barrister
Submit Your Question
We want this conversation to be guided by you.
If you’re an aspiring lawyer, this is your chance to ask anything you’ve always wanted to know about inclusion, pupillage, and life at the Bar.
The podcast will be recorded on 2nd October 2025 and released to audiences shortly thereafter across all major podcast platforms.
Support the Podcast and be notified when this episode recording is released.
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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”.
