Skilfully Passing the Solicitors' Qualifying Examination (SQE) (eBook)

Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) aims to help any aspiring solicitors or qualified lawyers in foreign jurisdictions really understand what to expect and what is required from them to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). It will provide a comprehensive guide from start to finish with practical tips and tools on how to prepare for it; passing the SQE is no small task.

The SQE is largely based on the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). As a solicitor and performance coach, who has helped hundreds of international lawyers, worldwide, pass the QLTS, the aim is to provide you with knowledge, insight and the common challenges that may equally apply to the SQE. Therefore, if you are doing the QLTS, you will also find this book useful because it covers what you have to do too. The book will take you on an SQE journey from start to finish. From how to choose an SQE course provider through to how to get you admitted to the Roll of Solicitors as a qualified solicitor.

As the coaching process is subjective to each individual for the assessments, it is recommended that you read this book with an open mind and use what works best for you. The 'typical' questions and challenges shared are ones that are not always 'law' related. For example:

"What do you do when you are writing the attendance note but remember that you forgot to discuss an important point with the client?" "Should I make small talk or not with the client?" "What should I wear?" "What should I do if I can't answer the question the client asks and how do I deal with it?" "Will there be a clock in the assessment room?" "What happens if I go over time?" "How do I continue with confidence and maintain my focus when I have messed up or don't know the law?" "Without knowing what the 'ingredients' are that make up communication skills, how can I know if I'm doing them well?" “How do I answer the judge professionally if I don't know the answer to a question?”
All the questions above and more will be addressed in the book. The goal is to help you understand what to expect from both parts of the SQE and how best to prepare for it. This book will complement your academic study materials from a much more insightful and practical way, rather than theoretical.

This book does not set out to teach you the law, but help you learn how to explain the law and legal principles in a clear and simplified manner, as well as, hone your communication skills to deliver a confident performance. The SQE1 tests you on the law and the SQE2 tests you on the practical legal skills which assess you equally on the law and skills, so do not underestimate the skills part. It could be the tipping point of you passing or failing.

So, are you ready to enter one of the most prestigious and respected legal professions in the world? Neeta Halai looks forward to being a part of your SQE journey to help you qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.