Why Lawyers Need More Than Legal Knowledge | Speed Mooting | Partners in Crime Podcast | Episode 134

Thinking about taking the Bar Training Course? Where do you start, and what should you be doing now to prepare for pupillage? Recorded at the Northern Pupillage Fair 2026, this session features Laura Scott, Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and door tenant at 7 Harrington Street. Laura breaks down the key steps to getting onto the Bar Training Course, from applications and entry requirements to choosing an Inn of Court, securing scholarships and exploring funding options. She also shares practical advice on preparing for Bar training, building your CV, securing mini-pupillages and marshalling opportunities, gaining advocacy experience and approaching Pupillage Gateway applications. Drawing on her own journey into the legal profession as a first-generation university student, Laura offers accessible, practical guidance for anyone considering a career at the Bar. Part of Speed Mooting's Northern Pupillage Fair 2026 series. Find out more about Speed Mooting at https://speedmooting.com

It's Episode 133 of Partners in Crime, and John and Hayley are celebrating the biggest Northern Pupillage Fair yet! With 1,367 registrations, a record number of exhibitors and a packed programme of talks, they reflect on what made this year's event so special and why improving access to the Bar remains at the heart of Speed Mooting. They also discuss finding legal work experience, breaking down barriers in the profession and the incredible feedback they received from attendees. Plus, in the listener Q&A, would you rather be feared, liked or respected as a lawyer? And would John really give up his career at the criminal Bar rather than own an electric car? Another episode full of legal insights, honest conversations and the usual John and Hayley banter!

Can you get a mortgage during pupillage or early practice? In the second instalment of our Northern Pupillage Fair 2026 talk series, Kem from Henry Dannell discusses borrowing as a barrister, preparing your finances and presenting self-employed income to lenders. He also explores financial protection and the importance of human relationships alongside technology.

John Dove reunites with the solicitor who gave him his first big break: Marcus Johnstone, Managing Director of PCD Solicitors. From being told he wasn’t clever enough to sit school exams to building specialist law firms, Marcus shares his unconventional route into criminal defence and the lessons he learned along the way. They discuss defending serious sexual offence allegations, the importance of early investigation and expert evidence, and the human impact of criminal proceedings. Marcus also offers practical advice for aspiring lawyers on finding a specialism, researching employers and showing the value you can bring to a firm. An honest conversation about confidence, taking risks, learning from setbacks and understanding the business behind legal practice. Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual offences, suicide and strong language.

From copying in the boss to blunt emails and being rude to support staff, John and Hayley share their biggest legal workplace icks. We also discuss what would make us reject a pupillage or training contract candidate, including arrogance, entitlement and poor work ethic, and answer a listener’s question: would we want our child to become a lawyer?