Preparing for the SQE2 can be a challenging yet rewarding process. To pass, candidates must not only have a strong understanding of legal principles but also the ability to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. This is where SQE2 mock tests play a crucial role in preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the structure of the SQE2, the importance of mock exams, and how they can help you pass the SQE2.
Structure of the SQE2
Unlike SQE1, which focuses on assessing legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, SQE2 examines practical legal skills. Candidates must demonstrate their competence in six core legal skills:
- Client interview – an SQE2 simulation (SQE2 oral exam) with both oral and written components, together assessing the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with the client and collect the pertinent information. The oral interview is supplemented by a handwritten attendance note. We conduct this SQE2 mock simulation with both the oral and written components, similar to the exam i.e. you will have the opportunity to submit a handwritten attendance note for our tutors to mark.
- Advocacy – an oral SQE2 assessment (SQE2 oral exam) evaluating the quality of the candidate’s submissions and their ability to advocate in a court of law.
- Legal writing – a written SQE2 assessment (SQE2 written exam) testing the candidate’s written communication skills.
- Legal drafting – a written SQE2 mock station (SQE2 written exam) assessing the candidate’s ability to draft different legal documents and clauses, and complete forms.
- Legal research – a written SQE2 assessment (SQE2 written exam) aimed at measuring the candidate’s ability to analyse large amounts of information with varying levels of difficulty.
- Case & matter analysis – a written SQE2 assessment (SQE2 written exam) evaluating the candidate’s ability to advise on multiple legal issues. We conduct this SQE mock exam through a combination of oral and written components, i.e. candidates first submit a written work, the tutor goes through it and leaves comments, followed by a short video call to discuss the student’s improvement.
What are SQE2 mocks?
SQE2 mocks are practice simulations of the actual exam. They recreate the format and conditions of the real SQE2 assessments, giving candidates the chance to practise the legal skills they’ll be tested on. Mocks typically include:
- Simulated client interviews
- Advocacy tasks where candidates present legal arguments
- Written tasks such as legal drafting and case analysis
Based on our years of experience helping foreign-qualified lawyers to prepare for the QLTS OSCE assessments, we have learned that the best way for students to learn is to “get their hands dirty” and attempt SQE2 mock sessions with individual feedback from expert tutors so that they can learn effectively from their mistakes. Especially, this concerns the SQE2 oral exam.
In fact, we have found that if a student is simply provided with these types of SQE sample materials, without the option of having their own work checked and receiving direct feedback on it, many will not even attempt to perform the exercise themselves. Even if they do make some effort to work through the exercise, it won’t be as effective as more thorough SQE2 mocks with real-life personalised feedback. Students cannot objectively assess themselves, so this kind of self-guided approach will not work well for SQE preparation.
Why are SQE2 mocks important?
Preparing for the SQE2 can be daunting, especially with its focus on practical legal skills like client interviews, advocacy, and legal research. While studying the material is essential, practice is what truly bridges the gap between knowing the law and applying it under exam conditions. This is where SQE2 mock exams become invaluable.
- Experience realistic practice exams that allow you to assess early on whether you’re ready to book the SQE2.
- Put your knowledge to the test and sharpen your critical thinking with challenging questions designed to ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
- Develop key skills and exam strategies through simulations that replicate the format, timing, and pressure of the actual SQE2, giving you the edge through repeated practice.
- Benefit from personalised, interactive feedback from those who have successfully passed the exam, highlighting areas for improvement to help you achieve top marks.
- Boost your confidence, ease anxiety, and follow a step-by-step plan for tackling each SQE2 assessment — invaluable even for last-minute prep.
SQE2 mocks from the Academy of Smart Lawyers
Since February 2018, we’ve provided top-tier training for foreign-qualified lawyers aiming to become solicitors in England and Wales via the QLTS OSCE, the predecessor to SQE2. Our dedication has led to a remarkable 90.66% pass rate from 2018 to February 2024. This success stems from our rigorous training methods, especially SQE2 mocks that offer personalised feedback and mirror real exam conditions.
SQE2 mock exams are subdivided into oral and written sections to reflect the real exam. Such preparation fundamentally depends on the quality of the exams and the feedback provided. There are a few kinds of SQE2 mocks:
- For self-assessment
- With personal 1-to-1 feedback (the most effective)
- With group feedback or personal feedback and performance observed by a group
Mocks for self-practice
While 1-to-1 SQE2 mocks offer the most effective preparation due to personalised feedback from qualified tutors, they can be costly. This is where mocks for self-assessment or assessment by a study buddy become valuable alternatives, offering a more affordable yet effective way to practise and prepare.
All SQE2 written assessments come with their own specific challenges:
– Legal research involves identifying, locating, and analysing legal information to address specific issues. To support your preparation, we offer a lecture and 3 advanced self-practice mocks to help you independently tackle complex tasks. Price: £50.
– Preparation for legal drafting involves mastering a variety of document types that may appear in the exam. It’s essential for candidates to develop these techniques independently. Our package includes 6 in-depth lectures and 16 self-practice tasks, ensuring you develop the skills necessary for independent drafting. Price: £50 per lecture. Discount available for full package purchase.
– Legal writing focuses on the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in written form, a crucial skill for any legal professional. We offer a detailed lecture and a self-practice mock, followed by a tutor-led video analysis of a real student’s work, enabling you to assess and improve your performance. Especially recommended for foreign lawyers, as we explain the nuances of English legal writing. Price: £100.
SQE2 one-to-one mock sessions
We offer personalised 1-to-1 SQE2 mocks covering all exam skills, from client interviews and advocacy to legal writing and drafting.
Why choose us?
- Individual and real-time interactive feedback from those who have passed the exams themselves.
- On our SUPERexam platform, you can choose from available slots at any time that suits you, including weekends.
- Flexible options to choose the mock exam you want in any area of law.
- Our mocks are relevant to the actual exam, as we have taken the exam and understand the standard.
Group mock sessions
The Academy of Smart Lawyers offers two expertly designed group SQE2 mock packages to equip you with the preparation needed to pass the SQE:
- Group Oral Mocks Package
- 2 client interviews + attendance notes (suggested answers)
- 2 advocacy sessions: criminal and civil litigation
- Group Written Mocks Package
- 19 written mocks for self-assessment (legal research and drafting)
- 1 case and matter analysis with a live meeting, including a detailed discussion of the suggested answer and approach
Flexible pricing policy
Many providers offer fixed packages with limited one-to-one SQE2 mock stations in key skills and areas of law. We believe tailored mock sessions are crucial for effective SQE2 preparation, as every candidate has unique needs in terms of budget, availability, and experience.
How our pricing policy works:
- Smart Credits (SCs):
Top up your account with SCs, where 1 SC = £1. - Use SCs for:
– SQE2 1-to-1 mocks
– Group sessions
– SQE lectures on the SUPERexam platform
- Discounts available:
– Receive discounts when topping up in bulk, e.g., 1,000 SCs for £950 (5% discount).
We are always happy to recommend SQE2 mock sessions combinations to suit each candidate’s specific situation, but there is no obligation on the candidate’s part.
