SQE2 Tips: The Attendance Note

In my last post, I provided some guidance on approaching the Interview assessment.  The next thing you’ll have to do is complete the related Attendance Note. For this exercise you’ll have 25 minutes to hand-write your note / analysis.

The Attendance Note can be tricky as time is short (and the pen & paper format may slow you down!) However, if you do some pre-test practice, and create a clear framework for what you need to produce, I’m confident you’ll be OK.

Attendance Note Basics from the SRA

I strongly recommend you refer back to the SRA’s SQE2 Assessment Specification.  Re-read the Attendance Note section and consider what is being asked of you.

In brief, candidates have to do the 5 things set out below.  Keep these things in mind, when approaching the exercise.

Candidates must

1. Record all relevant information obtained during the interview (Yes, marks are given for simply noting down what you found);
2. Analyse the legal issues arising in the matter (and/or raised in the instructions);
3. Record initial advice for the client and demonstrate (i) an understanding of the law and (ii) an understanding of the client’s point of view (ie. appreciating what the client wants to achieve and giving client-focussed advice);
4. Flag any ethical and/or professional conduct issues and explain how these should be dealt with; and 
5. Identify the next steps to be taken by the solicitor/firm and by the client (where applicable).

How To Structure Your Attendance Note

You’ll want to set up your Attendance Note in a clear and simple way while, of course, covering each of the above.  Below is an example of one way you could structure your Note. (This is the way I organised my Attendance Note, but it’s not the only way).

1. Date
2. Solicitor details
3. Client details
4. Information gathered
5. Issues (i, ii…)
6. Advice (i, ii…)
7. Client concerns / response to advice
8. Next steps for solicitor and client
9. Time engaged
10. Signature

Once you’re clear on what you need to do – and you’ve settled on a structure – make sure to try drafting some practice Notes before test day.  This is important.  Writing these things is a skill, and you may be rusty. (Your handwriting skills will definitely be rusty, so you’ll want a few trial runs to be sure you can finish a full Note in time).   Use the practice material from CILEx and Kaplan for this exercise. (I’ve linked to these resources in this post – SQE2: Sample Questions & Mock Exams). 

More Tips for this SQE Assessment

• As mentioned in SQE2 Tips: The Client Interview, candidates should be able to attach their interview notes to their Attendance Note.  If your interview notes are neat, feel free to do this and then refer back to them in your Attendance Note.  This is a helpful timesaver as you then won’t need to rewrite the basics (ie. client details, basic facts, client questions/concerns).

• Also make sure to attach the instruction email to your Note, as well as any materials the client gave you during the interview (if applicable). Refer back to these in your Note, if it makes sense to do so.

• Reel in your perfectionist tendencies, and don’t worry if you fail to produce as elegant an Attendance Note as you’re capable of.  There just isn’t much time, even if you’re a great memo writer!  Forget about being fancy. Focus on being fast.  Focus on staying focussed!

Good luck!

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