What is the SQE2? Tips included!

Welcome to edition 2 of Conquer the SQE. Firstly, thank you to all those who have already subscribed to this newsletter. Please feel free to share this far and wide and with others already on their journey to becoming a solicitor.

This edition is all about the SQE2. Lets dive right in!

What is the SQE2?

The SQE2 is the second stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

Like the SQE1, this is a very challenging and rigorous exam which tests candidates' ability to apply the law.

The exam takes place over 5-days. 2-days of oral exams which include client interviewing and oral advocacy and 3-days' worth of written assessments which tests; case and matter analysis, legal drafting, legal research and legal writing.

You will be examined in the following areas of law; dispute resolution, criminal litigation, property practice, wills and Intestacy, probate administration and practice and finally business.

Learn more about the SQE2 by clicking here

What standard should I be at?

It's extremely important to understand what standard you ought to be at when sitting the exams.

Unlike the LPC exam, SQE students must demonstrate they are at the standard of a day 1 solicitor.

You are required to be at level 3 of the threshold standard.

Please click here to understand more about the required standard.

Should I take a preparation course?

The short answer is, yes.

You are very unlikely to pass this exam if you do not take a preparation course.

You have only 3 chances to pass the exam. Therefore, should you fail your first attempt having not studied on a prep course you'll only have 2 attempts left.

Why leave it to chance?

As the saying goes "fail to prepare, prepare to fail"

Tips to Crack SQE2

As the saying goes, 'practice makes perfect'. The SQE2 is a practical exam that tests your ability to apply legal knowledge in real-life situations, and consistent practice is key to success. Start by understanding the exam structure and practising past papers and mocks, and then focus on areas where you need improvement. Additionally, working on your time management skills can significantly boost your performance.

For the client interviewing and oral advocacy, I practiced by using colleagues, friends and family members.

I also found videoing myself was very informative in that it allowed me to look at how I held myself/ body language, my tone and speed of speech and of course whether I actually made any sense!

If you are really scared about not knowing a question a client/Judge in client interviewing or oral advoacy, DO NOT attempt to guess the answer. This is likely to result in you misleading the Court or providing wrong advice to the client!!!! In advocacy, you could explain that you hadn't taken instructions/considered that particular issue and that you would take your client's instructions. In client interviewing, you could explain that you were not sure as to the answer and you would go away, research and write to the client with an answer.

Students shouldn't lose sight of the pass park. Although this may be different for each exam, it's likely that the pass mark will be around 65%. Think back to your uni days, this is a strong 2:1 standard. Now consider this, in light of the difficulty of the exam and the threshold standard.

Finally, look at some of the sample questions produced by the SRA here

Time Management

It's so important to ensure you are studying enough and putting the hours in.

For those studying and working full-time, this is even more important.

I worked full-time and had only 4-months to study for SQE2. My study hours were as follows:-

Monday - Friday: 6am-9am (plus 1hr on my lunch in work) and 6pm-8pm.

Weekends: at least 6-hours.

Mental Health Support

As a lot of your time will be spent studying / working long hours, it's really important you also spend some time away from the screen to relax and focus on wellbeing.

I have a picture of myself a week or so before the SQE2 exam. It's not pretty, which might not come as a surprise ;). However, you can see the toll the long hours had on me. One day I will post it, but I'm not brave enough yet!

If you feel you are not coping, reach out to your GP or other mental health support services.

That’s all for this edition of the SQE2 newsletter. Remember, the path to becoming a solicitor is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your spirits high, maintain your resolve, and continue to do your best.