Step into the courtroom
Conduct a Criminal Trial
Live online, Tuesday 29th July 2025.
Are you an aspiring advocate? Join the Advocacy Club and take part in a realistic, start-to-finish courtroom experience. Whether you're preparing for the Bar Course or looking to sharpen your courtroom skills, this is the advocacy experience you’ve been waiting for.
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"An absolutely invaluable experience!"
- Susan Guest, Pupil Barrister
TESTIMONIALS
"Highly recommend this."
"So last night was the first session of the criminal trial that is being held by Speed Mooting over the next 3 months. It was the opening speech last night, and despite being more confident than a few months ago, I was actually still quite nervous.
As a non-law student, I have never really seen an opening speech being done, nor I have been taught the outline of one or how to present it in a courtroom, whether that be magistrate's or crown court. The bundle prepared by Speed Mooting was incredibly helpful, as it gave a breakdown of what needed to be done.
The people who I was with in a breakout room last night were incredible. Everyone had amazing opening speeches, and some really good constructive criticism was also given as well, which is probably one of the greatest things about the Advocacy Club.
Thanks so much John Dove and Hayley Crombleholme for hosting another wonderful session. I look forward to the competition on Saturday, and the other parts of the criminal trial if I can attend!"
- Rebekah Moore
"Loved everything so far."
"I imagined fierce competition and scathing comments, but it was the opposite; everyone was so encouraging, and the feedback was genuinely intended to help.
Anyone who is considering it but is too nervous, please don't be. I am annoyed with myself that I waited so long to get involved because I was nervous!"
- Hayley Whitworth, BPC Student
"My life changed forever."
"Really enjoyed taking part in the Speed Mooting Advocacy Club’s opening speech session today!
Despite having limited prep time, I appreciated the chance to get involved and learn on my feet. Huge thank you to everyone involved for creating such a supportive and encouraging environment. It makes all the difference. Can’t wait for the next session!"
- Shayla Virgo, Law Student
What’s Happening in July: Master Witness Handling
This July, the Advocacy Club turns its focus to one of the most powerful skills in courtroom advocacy: witness handling.
As part of our Criminal Trial summer series, you’ll step into the roles of both advocate and witness, practising examination-in-chief and cross-examination in a supportive, interactive session. It’s one of the most engaging evenings we offer, ideal for sharpening your instincts, learning to think on your feet, and building control over courtroom dynamics.
Why it matters:
Witness handling isn’t just for criminal law; it’s a core skill across family, civil, employment, and more. Whether you’re building a legal career in any field, this session gives you practical, transferable experience.
Led by a real criminal barrister:
Throughout the Criminal Trial series, you'll be guided by John Dove, an experienced barrister and seasoned educator. He’ll walk you through each step of the process with live feedback, practical insights, and a clear structure. It’s designed to be low pressure, high value, and totally beginner-friendly, with no prior experience required.
Who it’s for:
The Advocacy Club is open to everyone: law students, Bar Course trainees, graduates, or anyone looking to build courtroom skills. If you’re preparing for pupillage, the Bar Course, or just want to build confidence, this is the place.
When is it? Advocacy Club meets twice a month on the penultimate and last Tuesdays of each month. The Witness Handling session will be run on Tuesday 29th July.
What you get:
Members receive realistic case papers, structured online sessions via Zoom, and feedback from experienced practitioners, all designed to simulate the feel of a real trial, before you ever step into one.
Just join Advocacy Club to take part. Everything you need is included.
Power your career.
Build your confidence.
Are you studying law, training for the Bar, or dreaming of a career in court? Step into the role of a real advocate and conduct an entire criminal trial, from the opening speech to the final word. This is your chance to practise courtroom advocacy in a way that’s practical, realistic, and confidence-building, even if you’ve never done anything like this before.
Who should join?
Law graduates & undergraduates
Non-law graduates & undergraduates
Master's students & graduates
GDL students & graduates
Bar, LPC and SQE students/graduates
Pupils / trainee solicitors
Qualified Lawyers
a Level students or equivalent
anyone else - all are welcome!
What is Advocacy Club?
Advocacy Club is Speed Mooting’s ongoing training programme designed to help you develop real-world courtroom skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Through regular online sessions, you’ll practise the core elements of oral advocacy, like examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and closing speeches, with guidance from experienced legal professionals.
Whether you’re a law student, Bar Course trainee, graduate, or just curious about advocacy, the Club offers a welcoming space to build confidence, improve technique, and get live feedback you won’t find in traditional classrooms.
We meet twice a month on Zoom, and every session is built around practical exercises, realistic case papers, and community support. No experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
If you want to bridge the gap between study and practice, Advocacy Club is for you.
Subscribe Now
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”.
