SQE2 Writing Tasks
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The SQE2 written assessments test you on four key tasks that reflect the practical skills required of a newly qualified solicitor: Case and Matter Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Legal Drafting. Each task is designed to simulate real-life legal work and to make sure that you can effectively apply your knowledge and skills in professional scenarios as newly-qualified solicitors.
Case and Matter Analysis
This task focuses on a your ability to analyse a client's case or legal matter by identifying key factual and legal issues. You are provided with a case file or client instructions and must evaluate the relevant details to determine the client's objectives and potential risks. The task requires you to prioritise issues, develop a plan of action, and provide structured, practical advice. This reflects the essential problem-solving and decision-making skills solicitors use to guide their clients effectively.
Legal Research
This task assesses the ability to locate, interpret, and apply relevant legal principles to resolve a specific issue. You are tasked with using provided materials to answer a legal question and required to demonstrate your ability to extract key information and use it to formulate advice or solve problems. This task mirrors the daily demands on solicitors to consult legal resources, understand the implications of rules and precedents, and deliver solutions based on thorough research.
Legal Writing
This task evaluates your communication skills in producing clear, concise, and tailored written advice or correspondence. You may be asked to draft a letter to a client, report to a supervisor, or other client-focused documents. The task requires you to convey legal information in a way that is accessible and appropriate for the intended audience, balancing technical accuracy with clear and practical communication. This skill is essential for building client trust and delivering effective advice.
Legal Drafting
This task involves creating documents that are legally effective and precise. You may be asked to draft contracts, agreements, pleadings, or formal notices. The task assesses your ability to structure a document logically, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and use appropriate language and formatting. Legal drafting is a fundamental skill for solicitors, as these documents often form the backbone of legal agreements and proceedings.
The written assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to analyse issues, research solutions, communicate effectively, and produce accurate legal documents, all of which are vital for successful practice. Together, these tasks ensure that you are prepared to perform the essential functions of a solicitor with competence and professionalism.
Case and Matter Analysis
This task focuses on a your ability to analyse a client's case or legal matter by identifying key factual and legal issues. You are provided with a case file or client instructions and must evaluate the relevant details to determine the client's objectives and potential risks. The task requires you to prioritise issues, develop a plan of action, and provide structured, practical advice. This reflects the essential problem-solving and decision-making skills solicitors use to guide their clients effectively.
Legal Research
This task assesses the ability to locate, interpret, and apply relevant legal principles to resolve a specific issue. You are tasked with using provided materials to answer a legal question and required to demonstrate your ability to extract key information and use it to formulate advice or solve problems. This task mirrors the daily demands on solicitors to consult legal resources, understand the implications of rules and precedents, and deliver solutions based on thorough research.
Legal Writing
This task evaluates your communication skills in producing clear, concise, and tailored written advice or correspondence. You may be asked to draft a letter to a client, report to a supervisor, or other client-focused documents. The task requires you to convey legal information in a way that is accessible and appropriate for the intended audience, balancing technical accuracy with clear and practical communication. This skill is essential for building client trust and delivering effective advice.
Legal Drafting
This task involves creating documents that are legally effective and precise. You may be asked to draft contracts, agreements, pleadings, or formal notices. The task assesses your ability to structure a document logically, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and use appropriate language and formatting. Legal drafting is a fundamental skill for solicitors, as these documents often form the backbone of legal agreements and proceedings.
The written assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to analyse issues, research solutions, communicate effectively, and produce accurate legal documents, all of which are vital for successful practice. Together, these tasks ensure that you are prepared to perform the essential functions of a solicitor with competence and professionalism.
