Which skills are particularly evaluated during advocacy in SQE2?

During advocacy in SQE2, the evaluation focuses on oral communication and presentation skills because these skills are essential for effectively representing clients in court or similar settings. Advocacy requires the ability to articulate arguments clearly and persuasively, as well as the capacity to engage with the judge and opposing counsel in a manner that demonstrates professionalism and confidence.

Effective oral communication includes not only the clarity of speech but also the use of appropriate body language, maintaining eye contact, and responding effectively to questions or challenges. Advocacy assessments typically simulate real-life scenarios where candidates must convince a hypothetical judge or jury, making it critical for them to present their points in a compelling way.

While legal writing, time management, and research skills are important in legal practice, they are not the primary focus in advocacy specifically evaluated in SQE2. Legal writing pertains more to documenting legal arguments and case materials, time management relates to handling tasks and deadlines efficiently, and research skills involve gathering and analyzing legal information. However, these skills do not directly impact the oral delivery and persuasive aspect that advocacy demands.