What skills are assessed in SQE2?

The assessment in SQE2 focuses specifically on practical legal skills, which include advocacy and negotiation. This examination is designed to ensure that candidates can demonstrate their ability to apply legal knowledge in real-world scenarios and effectively interact with clients and other legal professionals.

The emphasis on practical skills is crucial, as solicitors must navigate various situations in practice, utilizing effective communication and negotiation techniques. Candidates are evaluated on how they would perform in typical tasks encountered in a solicitor's role, which is a fundamental aspect of legal practice. This includes preparing for court, presenting cases, and engaging in discussions that lead to effective resolutions for clients.

Theoretical legal knowledge and historical legal principles are essential for a solid foundation in law, but they are primarily assessed in SQE1, which focuses on candidates’ understanding of legal concepts and their application. Client relationship management is important for solicitors, but it is encompassed within the practical skills assessed in SQE2 rather than being a separate category of assessment.