How to Structure Your SQE2 Oral Exams: Advocacy and Interview Techniques

One of the biggest challenges candidates face in SQE2 oral exams is maintaining a clear, confident structure during assessments. Whether you’re tackling client interviews or advocacy tasks, having a solid framework can make all the difference in helping you stay organised, demonstrate professionalism, and pick up crucial marks.

In this blog, I’ll break down easy-to-follow SQE2 advocacy structures and SQE2 interview structures so you can approach your oral exams with confidence.

SQE2 Advocacy Structure

In the SQE2 advocacy assessment, you’ll need to present a legal argument clearly, persuasively, and professionally. Without a good structure, it’s easy to become disorganised, rush through points, or miss critical information.

Here’s a simple SQE2 advocacy structure you can memorise:

1. Introduction

• Greet the judge appropriately.

• State your role and who you are representing.

• Set out briefly what the hearing is about, the order of your speech and what your client is seeking.

2. Facts

• Summarise the key facts relevant to the hearing.

• Be clear and concise; only include what the court needs to know to understand your case.

3. Law

• Set out the relevant legal principles, rules or statutes.

• Highlight any authorities (e.g., case law) that support your argument.

4. Application/Arguments

• Apply the facts to the law of the case.

• Present the strongest arguments first.

• Anticipate and address any weaknesses or counterarguments.

5. Conclusion

• Summarise the main reasons why your client should succeed.

• Ask if you can assist the court further.

💡 Tip: Practice timing your advocacy to fit within the time limit. Stay calm and maintain eye contact when delivering your arguments.

SQE2 Interview Structure

The SQE2 client interview requires you to build rapport, and gather relevant information — all while keeping the session professional and client-focused.

A clear SQE2 interview structure can help you stay in control and ensure you collect all the information you need to write a strong attendance note afterward.

Here’s a reliable framework to use:

1. Introduction

• Greet the client warmly.

• Introduce yourself and your role.

• Confirm confidentiality and the purpose of the meeting.

2. Small Talk

• Light small talk can help put the client at ease. Keep it brief and professional.

3. Collect Client Details and ID (if needed)

• Confirm client information (e.g., full name, address, contact details).

• If necessary, discuss ID checks or verification procedures.

4. Ask Open Questions

• Start by asking open-ended questions to encourage the client to tell their story naturally.

• Allow the client to speak without interruption while gently guiding them if they go off-topic.

5. Go Through Each Issue Systematically

• Break down the client’s issues one by one.

• Ask specific questions to clarify each point.

• Use closed questions when you need precise information.

6. Check for Client Questions After Each Point

• After discussing each issue, pause and ask if the client has any questions or anything they would like to add.

7. Summarise Key Points

• Summarise the key facts and legal issues discussed.

• Confirm your understanding with the client to ensure nothing important is missed.

8. Outline Next Steps

• Explain clearly what will happen next and any actions the client needs to take.

💡 Tip: Create appendices during the interview to record client details and background information separately. This saves you valuable time when you move on to write your attendance note.

Final Thoughts: Mastering SQE2 Oral Exam Structures

If you want to succeed in SQE2 oral exams, memorising a strong structure for both advocacy and client interviews is essential. Clear organisation shows examiners that you can work like a professional solicitor under pressure—and helps you deliver your best performance on exam day.

Here’s a quick recap:

✅ Use a clear, logical framework in advocacy: Introduction – Facts – Law – Application – Conclusion.

✅ Follow a systematic client interview structure: Introduction – Small Talk – Gather Info – Open Questions – Issue-by-Issue – Client Questions – Summary – Next Steps.

✅ Prepare appendices for client details during interviews to save time later.

By applying these SQE2 strategies, you’ll not only feel more confident but also maximise your chances of scoring top marks. Good luck with your SQE2 oral exams—you’ve got this! 🚀

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