What do candidates need to demonstrate in the Research and Written Communication assessment of SQE2?

In the Research and Written Communication assessment of SQE2, candidates are required to demonstrate competence in legal research and the ability to draft clear legal documents. This assessment evaluates how well candidates can identify relevant legal issues, apply appropriate laws, and effectively communicate their findings in written form. Proficiency in these areas is crucial for legal practice, as lawyers must be able to produce coherent, well-structured documents that convey legal arguments or advice clearly and accurately.

Competence in legal research involves the ability to find, interpret, and synthesize legal information from various sources, which is essential for providing informed and reliable guidance to clients or the court. Drafting clear legal documents is equally important because legal writing must be precise and unambiguous to prevent misunderstandings and ensure compliance with legal standards.

While expertise in negotiations, presenting to clients, and managing client expectations are valuable skills in legal practice, they are not the primary focus of this specific assessment. This makes the recognized emphasis on research and writing integral to the core competencies that candidates need to exhibit in SQE2.