Master the SQE2 with practical experience

By Freedom Law Clinic | uncategorised | Published on July 24, 2024

At Freedom Law Clinic, we provide comprehensive SQE training alongside Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), allowing you to learn and train simultaneously. Our unique approach ensures that your QWE is mapped onto the Statement of Solicitor Competence, enabling you to enhance your skills while delivering top-notch legal services to the public.

Understanding the SQE2 Assessment

The SQE2 assessment focuses on practical legal skills and the application of law, evaluated through a series of stations. These stations include interviewing, legal research, writing, drafting, advocacy, and case and matter analysis. Candidates are assessed on both skills and legal knowledge, ensuring a balanced evaluation of their readiness to practice law.

Assessment Criteria for SQE2

Candidates are judged on six key legal skills, with performance rated on a scale from A to F. Here’s a breakdown of the grading scale:

  • Superior performance (A): Well above the competency requirements.
  • Clearly satisfactory (B): Meets the competency requirements.
  • Marginal pass (C): Just meets the competency requirements.
  • Marginal fail (D): Just fails to meet the competency requirements.
  • Clearly unsatisfactory (E): Does not meet the competency requirements.
  • Poor performance (F): Well below the competency requirements.

Each grade corresponds to numerical marks, with A equating to 5 marks and F to 0 marks.

Skills and Legal Knowledge: A Balanced Approach

In SQE2, skills and the application of law are weighted equally to ensure that the quality of advice provided by candidates is thoroughly assessed. This balanced approach ensures that candidates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their knowledge effectively in practical scenarios.

Level of Legal Detail Required

To demonstrate competence at the level of a Day One Solicitor, candidates must apply fundamental legal principles in practical situations that address client needs. They are expected to have sufficient knowledge to practice competently, with the understanding that they can look up detailed information as needed. Unless provided in the assessment materials, candidates are not expected to know intricate legal details that a Day One Solicitor would typically research.

Application of Law

The application of law in SQE2 involves several critical aspects, including:

  • Identifying relevant legal principles.
  • Applying these principles to factual issues to provide solutions tailored to the client’s needs.
  • Interpreting, evaluating, and applying research results.
  • Ensuring advice is informed by appropriate legal analysis.
  • Drafting legally effective documents.
  • Using critical thinking and analysis to solve problems.
  • Assessing information to identify key issues and risks.
  • Recognizing inconsistencies and gaps in information.
  • Evaluating the quality and reliability of information.
  • Making effective judgments based on multiple information sources.
  • Reaching reasoned decisions supported by relevant evidence.

Clear, Precise, and Acceptable Language

In written assessments, candidates must use clear, precise, and concise language. This includes avoiding unnecessary technical terms and using an acceptable communication style for the situation and recipient. While spelling and grammatical errors that do not impact legal accuracy or clarity are generally not penalized, candidates are encouraged to strive for clear and accessible language.

Passing SQE2

To pass SQE2, candidates must achieve the overall pass mark for the entire assessment, which includes both oral and written components. There is no separate pass mark for these components. Detailed information on the pass mark setting will be provided in the future.

Legal Materials and Resources

Candidates will be provided with necessary legal materials for all stations except legal research. These materials reflect what a Day One Solicitor would look up, ensuring candidates have the resources needed to perform competently. No additional materials, such as books or notes, are allowed during the assessments.

Why Choose Freedom Law Clinic for Your SQE2 Preparation?

At Freedom Law Clinic, we understand the challenges of preparing for SQE2. Our training program is designed to integrate seamlessly with your QWE, allowing you to develop and hone your competencies while gaining practical experience. We offer tailored support and resources, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the assessment criteria and excel in your legal career.

Our program provides:

  • Comprehensive training mapped to the Statement of Solicitor Competence.
  • Practical experience through QWE, enhancing your legal skills.
  • Expert guidance and support throughout your preparation journey.

Join Freedom Law Clinic and take the next step toward becoming a competent solicitor. Our unique approach ensures that you are not only prepared for SQE2 but also equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in your legal career. Enroll today and start your journey to success.

Our Partners

chevron-down