Solicitor Qualifying Examinations 2 (SQE2)
What is SQE2?
SQE2 (Solicitors Qualifying Examination Part 2) is a practical assessment designed to evaluate the essential legal skills necessary for effective practice as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is intended for candidates who have passed the SQE1 exam, which tests functional legal knowledge, and are looking to demonstrate their capability in applying this knowledge through practical legal skills.
what does sqe2 examine?
SQE2 assesses six core legal skills across various practice areas:
Client Interview and Attendance Note/Legal Analysis
Testing the ability to extract relevant information from clients and analyse legal issues accurately.
Advocacy
Evaluating skills in presenting and arguing cases in a legal context.
Case and matter analysis
Focusing on analysing and strategising for legal cases.
legal research
Assessing the ability to locate and apply relevant legal resources effectively.
legal writing
Examining the capability to communicate legal arguments and advice clearly in writing.
legal drafting
Testing the skill in preparing legal documents that are both precise and effective.
These skills are tested within the context of five practice areas:
Criminal Litigation.
(including police station advice)
Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice
dispute resolution
property practice
Business organisations, rules and procedures
key features of sqe2
Integration of Ethics
Ethical considerations are embedded throughout the assessment, requiring candidates to identify and address these issues without explicit prompts.
Structured Assessment Days
The exam is divided into oral and written components, spread across multiple days. Each component focuses on specific skills within defined practice areas.
Practice-Based Assessment
The examination includes scenarios that simulate real-life legal work to test how candidates apply their skills and knowledge in practice.
Marking and Evaluation
Each skill station is marked on a scale from A (superior performance) to F (poor performance), with an equal emphasis on skills and application of law. This holistic approach ensures that candidates not only know the law but can effectively apply it in practical scenarios.
delivery of sqe2
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SQE2 Oral: Includes assessments in advocacy and client interviewing, conducted over two half-days.
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SQE2 Written: Comprises assessments in case and matter analysis, legal research, writing, and drafting, spread over three half-days.
who is sqe2 intended for?
SQE2 is designed for candidates who have already demonstrated their legal knowledge by passing SQE1 and are ready to prove their practical skills in applying this knowledge. It is the final step for law graduates, legal practitioners from other jurisdictions, or those who have completed equivalent legal training, to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.