What is an essential component of practical legal skills assessed in SQE2?

Negotiation skills are indeed an essential component assessed in SQE2. The SQE2 is focused on practical legal skills that aspiring solicitors need to demonstrate in real-world scenarios. These skills include the ability to engage effectively in negotiations, which is critical in various legal contexts, such as settling disputes, discussing terms in contracts, or even persuading clients or the court.

Negotiation involves not just the tactics of persuasion and compromise, but also a deep understanding of the underlying legal principles that govern the issues at hand. This reflects the dynamic role a solicitor plays in advocating for their clients while also seeking to reach outcomes that are practical and beneficial. Mastery of negotiation skills ensures that a future solicitor can effectively represent and protect their client's interests, making this skill fundamental to the practice of law.

In contrast, while knowledge of legal theory, legal drafting, and research capabilities are all important aspects of a solicitor's training and practice, they do not encompass the direct, interpersonal engagements that negotiation represents. Each of those other skills contributes to a solicitor's overall effectiveness but does not capture the necessity of engaging with clients, opposing counsel, or other stakeholders in the way that negotiation does.