SQE2 tips from someone who passed first time while self-studying and working full time
As the title suggests, I passed SQE2 this year and have finally been admitted as a Solicitor of England & Wales. I self-studied for both SQE1 and SQE2, so I wanted to share a few tips for anyone sitting the exams in a similar position having scrolled this thread religiously myself when studying.
1. Stop trying to memorise every tiny detail
Learn the FLK, of course, but SQE2 is not just a memory test and it’s not as niche as SQE1. Don’t be complacent and follow the specification, but you can pick up a lot of marks through skills, structure and application. You do not need to memorise hundreds of drafting templates or case names. Be detailed, but do not spend hours stressing over minor FLK and forget the skills which account for half the marks.
2. Do mocks early
Do as many mocks as you can, as early as possible. They expose weak areas of law, but they also help you work out your own style, timing and structure. Any mock I covered where my legal knowledge was poor, I’d spend that day going over it, whilst simultaneously practicing the structure.
3. Build repeatable structures
Create simple structures for advocacy, interviewing, writing, and attendance notes, then practise using them and use them across the board, with only minor changes. For eg for Wills, adding in ‘I’m so sorry for your loss’ if it’s a client interview where someone has died. The structures do not need to be super elaborate, they just need to guide the examiner and give you confidence. For me, as soon as I got into the exams and read the question, I wrote down my set intro and closing. This will help you avoid writers block and start getting things down quickly. From here, you’ll soon realise how much you do know. For advocacy, I really recommend practising out loud and recording yourself on your phone to check tone, pace and clarity.
4. Working full-time is possible
It is hard work, but it is doable. Have a plan, be disciplined, and allow yourself proper time off too. I am always happy to chat privately with anyone trying to balance work and study, but in short, don’t beat yourself up because you took a few days off to spend with friends and family, recharging is just as important.
5. Self-study is possible
You do not necessarily need to spend thousands on a course provider. Everyone learns differently, and courses may be helpful for some people, but please do not assume you are at a disadvantage if you are self-studying. I remember panicking before SQE2 that I had made a mistake by not paying for a course, even though I had self-studied for SQE1 and passed. In the end, I trusted my gut, and it was the right decision for me.
Lastly, try not to spiral after the exams. The pass rate is high for a reason and the marking can be more generous than you expect. You can pick up marks in places you did not realise, and you do not need to pass every single station to pass overall. Strong marks in one skill can balance out weaker marks elsewhere - for eg 2s across the board in one station and 4s across another.
You can do this. Good luck to everyone sitting soon!