SQE2 Writing Tasks

The SQE2 writing tasks are designed to assess your ability to perform core written functions that solicitors carry out in day-to-day legal practice. These tasks reflect real-life scenarios across different areas of law and require you to demonstrate legal analysis, professional writing skills, and a client-focused approach. Unlike the oral assessments, writing tasks allow more time for preparation and execution, but they demand precision, structure, and clarity in how you communicates legal advice or prepares legal documents. There are four main writing tasks in SQE2, including Case and Matter Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Legal Drafting.

Case and Matter Analysis
This task tests your ability to review a legal file and provide a structured written analysis and initial advice. This task mirrors the process a solicitor undertakes when first reviewing a client matter. You are provided with materials such as emails, file notes, client instructions, and background documents relating to a legal scenario. After reviewing the materials, you are give 60 minutes to write a memo or a note for a supervising solicitor outlining the relevant legal and factual issues, identifying any risks or areas requiring further information, and advising on possible next steps. This task assesses both analytical thinking and professional written communication. You must demonstrate you can distinguish between relevant and irrelevant facts, identify legal issues, and communicate initial advice that reflects the client’s objectives and the solicitor’s duty to act ethically and competently. Importantly, the advice must be practical, tailored to the client’s goals, and aligned with legal principles. You are not expected to research new law but to work with the materials and apply the law at a foundational level as a Day One Solicitor would.

Legal Research
This task assesses your ability to use legal research tools to find, interpret, and apply the law to a client’s situation. This task reflects a scenario where a solicitor is given a legal query and asked to provide advice after researching the issue. Unlike the other SQE2 tasks, you are provided with access to a digital legal database containing statutes, statutory instruments, and extracts from leading textbooks and cases. You are given a client file or internal memo requesting clarification or advice on a specific legal question and have 60 minutes to complete the task. The assessment requires you to research accurately and efficiently, identify the relevant legal principles, and draft a clear, well-reasoned explanation of the law and how it applies. The final product should be well-structured, written in plain English, and focused on answering the query. Marks are awarded for correct and comprehensive application of law, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate the result of the research in a professional tone. Ethical issues must also be identified and addressed where applicable.

Legal Writing
This task evaluates your ability to draft professional correspondence or internal communications using an appropriate tone and style for the intended recipient. It simulates situations where a solicitor must write to a client, another solicitor, a third party, or a colleague. The scenario might involve writing a letter of advice to a client, a response to the other side’s solicitor, or a memo to a supervisor. You are give 30 minutes to produce legal analysis in a way that is accurate but also accessible and tailored to the audience. For example, a letter to a lay client should avoid jargon and explain complex ideas in simple terms, while a memo to a colleague can use technical legal language. The writing must be clear, concise, and well-structured, showing attention to detail and a logical flow of reasoning. The task assesses both legal application and written communication, and you must ensure you address all the relevant legal and factual issues while maintaining a professional and courteous tone. Importantly, legal writing must also demonstrate client-focus by showing awareness of the client’s objectives and explaining how the legal position affects them.

Legal Drafting
This task focuses on your ability to draft formal legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, wills, or court applications. This task tests the precision and structure of your legal writing in documents that have legal consequences. The task provides you with a scenario and instructions from a supervising solicitor, along with any factual materials required to complete the draft in 45 minutes. For example, you might be asked to draft a simple lease clause, a letter of claim, a witness statement, or a clause in a partnership agreement. Drafting must be legally accurate and consistent with the client’s instructions. Clarity is crucial, as is the use of appropriate formatting, structure, and legal terminology. You are expected to avoid ambiguity and write in a style that is formal, objective, and fit for its legal purpose. The task also assesses your ability to exercise judgment, by including only necessary content and avoiding irrelevant or potentially problematic provisions. Ethical or professional issues, such as conflicts of interest or disclosure obligations, should be recognised and addressed where relevant.

Across all writing tasks, the SQE2 assessment places strong emphasis on the solicitor’s role as a problem-solver, communicator, and professional. You must not only apply the law correctly but also demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, ethically, and with a focus on achieving the best outcome for the client. Written work must be structured, readable, and responsive to the needs of the recipient, whether it is a judge, client, colleague, or regulator.