What key competence does the Client Interviewing assessment evaluate in SQE2?

The Client Interviewing assessment in SQE2 focuses primarily on the candidate's ability to effectively communicate, listen, and provide legal advice during an interview with a client. This competence is crucial for solicitors, as successful client interactions are central to establishing rapport, understanding client needs, and gathering pertinent information.

During the interview, the solicitor must demonstrate strong listening skills to accurately identify the client’s issues and concerns, along with the ability to articulate legal advice clearly and concisely. This ensures that the client feels understood and supported while also receiving practical guidance tailored to their specific situation.

In contrast, while technical legal knowledge is important, the assessment specifically emphasizes interpersonal skills rather than knowledge content alone. Adhering to deadlines and negotiating skills, although valuable in their own right, do not encompass the primary focus of the Client Interviewing assessment as effectively as communication, listening, and providing legal advice do. Thus, the emphasis on these core competencies directly reflects the nature of client interactions that solicitors will encounter in practice.