As time passes – and more SQE2s are conducted – more and more people emerge with know-how on what it takes to be successful.
So in this post, I’m sharing stories from candidates who have recently passed SQE2.
Below, you’ll find reflections from test-takers who have spoken, or written, publicly about their experiences. They share thoughts on study materials, study schedules and the exams themselves.
Tips for Passing SQE2
Advice from a candidate with Russian and English degrees
“Keep your books, revision notes and anything else from LLB, GDL, LPC, and SQE1 that will help you revise for SQE2.”
A 5-minute TikTok video from an LLB who completed both the LPC (Legal Practice Course) and SQE2
“I actually ran out of time on several exams…I would say get your structure in place at the start, with the correct sign off etc, so it looks ‘complete’ and then start with the parts that have the bulk of the content.”
Blog article from a Trainee Solicitor in an English firm
“Everyone has different writing styles, and you could ask any two solicitors (newly qualified or experienced) to write an email or letter, and no two would write it in the same way. [What’s] important is ensuring you are clear…[and that] the legal and factual points have been correctly identified.”
“Do not get discouraged [by] success stories. Linkedin is about showing off, not about sharing difficulties. Yes, I passed the exam, but I had to take [SQE1 twice].”
“[SQE2] is marked in a very complex way…and there is scope to do better in some assessments than others and still reach the overall pass mark. If you have a bad experience in one, two, three or ten assessments, do not let that deter you from approaching the next one with a positive attitude.”
“My top tip would be to just keep practising. Do as many practice questions as you can.”
SQE recollections from a Paralegal (who was part of the first cohort to sit both SQE1 and SQE2)
“The large curriculum that is examined by the SQE makes it a challenging exam but at the same time, ensures that all solicitors have the same strong knowledge in the main areas of law which often are interconnected.”
A ten minute SQE2 Youtube Video from a law grad who recently passed the SQE
“Knowing exactly how much time you have going into each of [the SQE2 exams] is really important as it helps you [with] structure…”
SQE2 Revision Strategy from @jayslawlife
YouTube Video on SQE1 & SQE2 from a Nigerian lawyer
“You need to learn substantive law, [and] also the skill of answering the exam’s [style of] questions”
How I Passed the SQE 1 and 2 on the First Attempt (Channel: F. Babajamu)
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I’ll include more SQE2 stories to this list in time…
Speaking of stories, want to share your own SQE2 tales on this Site? If so, please contact me and let me know if I may publish your reflections. You can write about anything you’d like (and remain anonymous, if you so choose), but here are some things that may be helpful to touch on in a write-up:
Your years of practice experience (if applicable)
Your home jurisdiction or legal tradition (ie. country or civil vs. common law background)
What study materials you relied upon (which were particularly helpful? less helpful?)
What your study schedule looked like (people often ask me this!). How many weeks did you spend on preparation and, on average, how many hours a day did you spend revising? How did you balance this with work / family commitments etc.?
