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Passing the SQE2 is no small feat, especially while balancing the demands of a full-time training contract. We sat down with Jasmine, one of our Accutrainee trainees, to hear about her experience, her preparation strategies, and her advice for others who are about to embark on this challenging but rewarding stage.
Congratulations on passing SQE2! How are you feeling now that it’s behind you?
Very relieved, and definitely proud. You work so hard for something, and to finally see the results makes it feel worthwhile. It’s a huge milestone, and now I can focus on the last few months of my training contract without having to split my energy between both.
Can you tell us a bit about your overall experience of sitting SQE2?
It’s intense, as expected, but it feels very practical, much more like what you actually do as a solicitor day-to-day. SQE2 applies not just your legal knowledge, but your practical skills: legal writing, drafting, interviewing, advocacy, and case analysis. That made it feel more realistic and relevant to the work I’m doing as a trainee.
How did you balance preparing for the exam alongside working full-time as a trainee solicitor?
Time management was absolutely key. I created a strict study schedule, blocked out evenings and weekends, and communicated with both colleagues and family so everyone knew what to expect. I also learned from SQE1 that you have to be realistic about what you can do on busy days, sometimes it’s just 10 minutes on the train, sometimes it’s a full mock exam at the weekend. Sticking to a routine was non-negotiable.
Did you use any particular courses or resources to help with your preparation?
Yes, I took a 20-week part-time preparation course that included reading, seminars, videos, practice questions, and mock assessments. I also used pre-prepared revision resources like mind maps and flashcards, which were perfect for shorter study sessions on the go.
Did you find mock assessments helpful in getting ready for the real thing?
Definitely, they were probably the most helpful part. For the written assessments, I submitted practice answers and received detailed feedback. For the oral assessments, we had live mocks over Teams, which really replicated the pressure of the exam. It made me focus on timing, which is crucial: you have just 10 minutes to prepare before an interview, for example. You don’t really understand the pressure of that until you’ve practiced it.
What study strategies worked best for you?
Mock exams, absolutely, even just one or two per week made a big difference. I also relied on spaced repetition and constant small reminders, rather than cramming. Another useful technique was practicing with my parents. Explaining legal concepts to someone who isn’t a lawyer forces you to simplify and communicate clearly, exactly what you need to do in the SQE2 oral exams with “clients.”
What was the exam experience like on the day?
For the written exams, it was three days in a row, four papers per day, all computer-based in a test centre. You’re done by lunchtime, but the half-hour or 45-minute tasks fly by.
For the oral exams, I was in a hotel venue. You spend time in waiting rooms, then go into prep rooms with timed exercises before being called into your assessment. Advocacy, interviews, and attendance notes are all timed to the minute. It’s nerve-wracking, but very well organised, and the invigilators were kind and supportive.
Looking back, what do you wish you had known before sitting SQE2?
That it doesn’t have to be perfect. You only need to pass, not get 100%. When you’re working full-time and studying, you can only do so much, and that’s okay. I also wish I’d factored in nerves more – timing in practice feels one way, but in the exam, 10 minutes can feel like 10 seconds when your hands are shaking!
Could you summarise the content of the SQE2 assessments for our audience?
The assessment is split across written and oral components. Written exams cover legal writing, legal drafting, and case/matter analysis, taken over three consecutive days. Oral exams, usually held in hotels or assessment centres, include advocacy and client interviewing with attendance notes, spread across two days. In total, it’s five days of assessments across two weeks.
What are your top tips for future candidates?
- Don’t be too hard on yourself – self-pressure can be unhelpful.
- Consistency beats cramming – even five or ten minutes on a busy day helps.
- Don’t neglect the black letter law. Even though SQE2 is 50% skills and 50% knowledge, without the law you can’t demonstrate the skills effectively.
- Mock exams, mock exams, mock exams – they build both knowledge and confidence.
How has passing SQE2 impacted your confidence as a trainee solicitor?
It’s been huge. These exams are tough, and knowing I can get through them has boosted my confidence enormously. It reinforces that I do know the law, I can apply it, and I can handle the pressure. That confidence carries over into day-to-day work.
How has your experience as an Accutrainee trainee helped you on this journey?
The mentorship and peer support at Accutrainee has been invaluable – having people who understand what you’re going through makes a big difference. My secondments across different organisations have also helped me adapt my communication style, which was especially useful for SQE2’s practical focus.
A light-hearted finish…
So, Jasmine, now that you’ve conquered SQE2 – what feels scarier: sitting the exam, or trying to explain to family and friends what SQE2 actually is?
Definitely still sitting the exam!
And after all that hard work, how did you celebrate?
I was on holiday in Ibiza, enjoying great food and cocktails. But honestly, the best part was knowing I could finally sleep properly and read a book on the train without having to look at flashcards!
✨ A huge congratulations again to Jasmine on her success! We wish her the very best for the final months of her training contract and beyond.
