SQE 2 Examination Tips: A Comprehensive Study Plan

Executive Summary

The SQE2 is a practical skills assessment that tests your ability to function as a newly qualified solicitor across 16 stations over five days. Success requires mastering both legal knowledge (50% of marks) and practical skills (50% of marks) through structured preparation, effective time management, and strategic practice.

Pre-Exam Preparation Strategy

Foundation Building

Master Your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK)

Retain knowledge from SQE1 – this accounts for 50% of your marks[1]
Focus on practice areas: Criminal Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Property Practice, Wills & Probate, and Business Law[2]
Use your SQE1 notes as a foundation but update them for practical application[1]
Create active revision schedules covering each subject weekly[3]

Understand the Assessment Structure

12 written assessments over 3 days (4 per day)[4]
4 oral assessments over 2 days[4]
Each assessment tests specific skills: legal writing, drafting, research, case analysis, advocacy, and client interviewing[2]

Study Planning and Time Management

Create a Realistic Schedule

Aim for 10-15 hours per week over 3 months if working[3]
Plan 4 rounds of studying covering all 5 subject areas[5]
Allow time for both knowledge review and skills practice[3]
Build flexibility for unexpected challenges[6]

Active Learning Approach

Practice explaining concepts aloud[7]
Complete timed mock exercises regularly[7]
Use flashcards for key legal tests and principles[3]
Record yourself doing advocacy and review performance[1]

Written Skills Strategy

Legal Writing (30 minutes)

Time Management Breakdown[8]

5 minutes: Read instructions, build template, plan in bullet points
18 minutes: Cover 3 main issues (6 minutes each – law, application, advice)
5 minutes: Proofread and review

Structure and Approach[9]

Identify key legal and procedural points from the question
Form structure around legal points using headings/subheadings
Write answer following: Issue → Law → Application → Advice sequence
Review against assessment criteria

Key Success Factors[9]

Include relevant facts and use logical structure
Make advice client-focused and recipient-appropriate
Use clear, precise, concise language
Apply law correctly and comprehensively to client’s situation

Legal Drafting (45 minutes)

Time Management[8]

5 minutes: Read instructions, identify format and purpose, create outline
30 minutes: Draft the document
10 minutes: Review content, tone, and grammar

Preparation Strategy[10]

Compile precedent templates for common documents
Practice with forms likely to appear: TR1/TP1 (Property), Defence/Witness Statements (Dispute Resolution), Defence Statements (Criminal), Partnership Agreements (Business)
Study the book “Pleadings without Tears” for drafting fundamentals[10]

Legal Research (60 minutes)

Strategic Approach[11][12]

5 minutes: Read instructions and identify key legal issues
45 minutes: Research and draft answers (15 minutes per issue typically)
10 minutes: Edit and polish written response

Research Methodology[11]

Start with secondary sources (textbooks) for quick answers
Use primary sources to support your analysis
Skip irrelevant material – focus only on what answers the question
Copy relevant passages into your answer template as you work

Case and Matter Analysis (60 minutes)

Time Allocation[8]

5-10 minutes: Read instructions and create bullet-point plan
40-45 minutes: Address each issue (law, analysis, options, advice)
5-10 minutes: Final summary and thorough review

Success Strategy[13][14]

Think of this as a longer legal writing exercise
Plan 2-4 pages maximum
Use sub-headings for each legal issue
Extract relevant information from documents provided
Apply law to facts to generate legal content

Oral Skills Mastery

Advocacy (45 minutes prep + 15 minutes presentation)

Preparation Time Management[15][8]

5-10 minutes: Read all materials thoroughly
25-35 minutes: Prepare structured notes (not full speech)
5-10 minutes: Practice delivery

Nine-Step Advocacy Structure[16]

Address the court appropriately
Introduce yourself clearly
Specify who you represent
State application type and legal grounds
Confirm judge has document bundle
Provide brief fact summary
State legal issues raised
Remind court of legal test
Make detailed submissions following test structure

Presentation Strategy[17]

Don’t write full speeches – use bullet points only
Follow structure: Introduction → Facts → Law → Application → Conclusion
Learn relevant legal tests for common applications
Use appropriate court language: “I submit” rather than “I think”
Be prepared for judicial questions

Client Interviewing (10 minutes prep + 25 minutes interview + 25 minutes attendance note)

Interview Structure[15][18]

Introduction and confidentiality confirmation
Brief professional small talk
Collect client details
Ask open questions to hear client’s story
Work through issues systematically
Check for questions after each point
Summarise key points
Outline next steps

Preparation Strategy[19]

Use 10 minutes to write questions with space for answers
Head notes as “client instructions given at interview”
Control pace to record clear instructions
Remember: no marks for legal advice in interview – focus on gathering information

Attendance Note Strategy[19]

Worth 75% of total mark for this assessment
Must be handwritten
Attach interview notes to avoid rewriting instructions
Focus on legal analysis and advice based on client instructions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparation Errors

Starting without a clear study plan[7]
Relying only on passive reading instead of active practice[7]
Ignoring SRA assessment criteria and marking specifications[7]
Skipping legal explanations and jumping straight to advice[7]

Exam Day Mistakes

Spending too long on one topic during revision[20]
Neglecting skills practice (skills are equally weighted with law)[20]
Poor time management during assessments[8]
Not following the required structure for each skill type[21]
Incorrectly applied or missing law (though partial credit often given)[22]

Assessment-Specific Tips

Time Management Across All Skills

Practice mock assessments under strict time conditions[23]
Develop consistent templates and structures[8]
Leave time for proofreading in every assessment[8]
Don’t panic if time runs short – focus on main points[8]

Legal Knowledge Application

Always explain the relevant law before applying it[7]
Use the sequence: Issue → Law → Application → Advice
Reference specific statutes, cases, and legal tests
Apply law comprehensively to client situations[13]

Professional Skills Development

Practice oral skills with friends, family, or in front of mirror[24]
Record advocacy presentations and review for improvements[1]
Focus on clear, professional communication appropriate for recipients[9]
Maintain client-focused approach throughout all assessments[13]

Final Preparation Phase

Last-Minute Strategy

Focus on assessment structures and timing rather than new legal knowledge[25]
Review legal tests for common applications[17]
Practice with SRA sample questions available online[26]
Manage stress through visualization and positive self-talk[25]

Mindset and Confidence Building

Visualize examiners as wanting to pass you, not catch you out[25]
Dress to feel confident and empowered[25]
Use positive self-talk before and during exams[25]
Remember that consistent preparation beats intensive cramming[3]

Resources and Support

Utilize SRA sample questions and assessment specifications[26]
Join study groups or online forums for peer support[3]
Consider professional SQE2 preparation courses if budget allows[27]
Use free resources and mock questions from various providers[28]

Success Metrics

Remember that SQE2 assesses you against the standard of a newly qualified solicitor. The competence threshold is mapped to Level 3 of the SRA’s Statement of Solicitor Competence[4]. Focus on demonstrating professionalism, confidence, and systematic approach to legal problem-solving.

Your preparation should emphasize quality over quantity, structured practice over passive reading, and consistent application of proven methodologies across all 16 assessment stations. With proper planning and dedicated practice, you can successfully navigate the SQE2 and progress toward qualification as a solicitor.

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