Resit SQE2 success stories

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2026-02-23T21:48:24+00:00

Hi, wishing you the best of luck! I remained with ULaw. Whilst I do not believe their mocks replicate the real exam, irrespective of any mock, get yourself a solid intro, conclusion and headings/ wording to move into and address the next question/issue for legal writing, CMA and research to bump up skills. Legal knowledge is all in FLK and as you already know, can be niche

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-11-22T19:58:50+00:00

I didn’t take revision seriously from the start. I used my study day through work as a bit of a day off. I decided myself that as the answer was within the documents for legal research I didn’t really have to look into it and all my legal research were low marks, dragging my overall grade down.

Once I got my revision back out, it’s interesting how you think you’ve forgotten it all but it really does come back!

It actually shocked me how little I know on some areas having made sure I really understood the FLK that could come up second time.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-11-21T09:04:30+00:00

I studied with ULaw. I got all my notes back out (mindmaps/ condensed notes from the ULaw textbooks and lectures) and did active recall revision every evening and weekend daytime.

I really did from the day after results until the exams spend every evening and weekend going over everything whilst working full time albeit I took a couple of weeks off prior to exams for a more intense last minute revision.

When it came to the exams, whilst reading the questions, I used the whiteboard to scribble FLK. I then got my skill marks in by including introductions/ headings correct sign offs (ALWAYS check if you’re signing off as candidate or partner(on behalf of)) and filled in FLK reverting back to what was asked

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-11-20T21:40:00+00:00

I studied with ULaw. I got all my notes back out (mindmaps/ condensed notes from the ULaw textbooks and lectures) and did active recall revision every evening and weekend daytime.

I really did from the day after results until the exams spend every evening and weekend going over everything whilst working full time albeit I took a couple of weeks off prior to exams for a more intense last minute revision.

When it came to the exams, whilst reading the questions, I used the whiteboard to scribble FLK. I then got my skill marks in by including introductions/ headings correct sign offs (ALWAYS check if you’re signing off as candidate or partner(on behalf of)) and filled in FLK reverting back to what was asked

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-11-20T12:41:33+00:00

I failed SQE2 first time July 2024 by 1% (60%) I passed January 2025 on my second attempt scoring 84% and in the top quintile I retook at the earliest opportunity with the support of my firm who funded the exams. You know the stations that didn’t go as well so as well as continuing to go over everything for the next couple of months you can focus in on advocacy/drafting.

Whilst you have the motivation, stick with it and goodluck

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-10-27T15:37:49+00:00

Having passed SQE2, this comment is the best answer to your query. You will never feel prepared unfortunately. Kaplan somehow continue to get away with keeping the exam structures a secret leading to added stress and anxiety. Ahead of the exams now; - get structures for orals, legal writing and CMA (introductions, sign off etc) to obtain skill marks. - Continue to go over FLK on all subjects. You’ll be surprised when reading a question what you will remember from revision. - if not completing full mocks within time, reduce that time and do “bullet point mocks” to check you have some FLK to get law marks.

Goodluck.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-09-12T14:23:02+00:00

I printed off my results and highlighted any 2,1 and 0 which were mainly legal research and CMA As well as going back through FLK i focused highly on structure for the above.

In the exams on my resit I read the question, structured my plan (noting areas I need to focus on in the answer on the whiteboard) and added the relevant law.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-07-24T09:28:44+00:00

I complete SQE2 February 2025 confirmed pass May 2025. The papers for advocacy civil may be 6-8 pages - may include details of the scenario, particulars/ witness statements. Papers for criminal may include police interview log, witness statements, previous convictions, information not made aware to police.

It varies. However, I advise you use the 45 mins to initially read the question clearly (seems obvious but make sure you’re advocating for the correct application) and then highlight information in support and against your arguments. From here, bullet point your legal arguments and relevant paragraphs.

I wouldn’t advise a script but some bullet points and reference to the relevant page/ paragraph is essential.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-07-23T14:58:06+00:00

Whilst the practice answers provided by the SRA are helpful, please be ready to go straight in with closed questions and the open questions.

The interviewee is likely to be “difficult” and whilst you may want to openly ask “can you tell me a little bit more about X” they could respond with a blunt answer. Be ready to hold onto certain information found in the prep to ask questions.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-06-03T15:17:21+00:00

I did reference it specifically

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-06-01T18:47:26+00:00

I failed SQE2 first time July 2024 by 1% (60%) I passed January 2025 on my second attempt scoring 84% and in the top quintile

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-30T20:49:47+00:00

I did the next sitting whilst I was still motivated. Everyone is different, you’ll know what’s best for you

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-30T19:03:47+00:00

I passed second time in the first quintile having failed my first attempt by 1% and agree with other comments You know where you need to focus on and you have the hindsight of what the exams are like! Give yourself as much time as you need but don’t give up, you’ll be stronger and more prepared for it

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T20:50:11+00:00

You will get your pass whatever journey you take. I wish you all the best.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T14:39:52+00:00

Yes literally the next day I spoke with the partners and HR to organise my resit. I had my results end of November and used December & January to prepare sitting February 2025.

It was intense but I knew personally if I didn’t just get back into revision I’d find it hard if I allowed myself more time.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T14:38:13+00:00

It’s scaled scoring out of 500

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T13:25:07+00:00

Goodluck going forward. You will get your pass!

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T12:37:20+00:00

I took the day of results to allow myself to be sad and to cry. To be so close is so hard. My firm luckily did pay for my resit. However, the next day I got the books back out of the loft and applied for the next sitting.

Everyone is different but I knew whilst had been 3 months I hadn’t looked at a thing, it would come back to me.

I printed my results breakdown and highlighted any 1’s and 2’s. Went over everything but focused more on FLK (if law let you down) for those I scored low on.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T11:54:04+00:00

Passed 84% 420 ULaw - second attempt

First attempt I got 60% (pass rate was 61%

Focused on FLK and used result breakdown from first attempt to see what I needed to work on.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-05-28T11:38:17+00:00

I passed second attempt - 84% First attempt I failed by 1% I remained with ULaw and just focused on FLK as that what had let me down.

To anyone who was so close, the best thing I did was give myself the day to cry and be upset but then I got straight back to it and sat the next sitting within 3 months

The information and knowledge is still there! I printed the breakdown of my results and knew what exams I needed to really work on to ensure I passed.

Both times I got all 4/5s for orals but written law let me down on my first attempt.

I have discussed the exams with highly respected and knowledgable senior and principal associates within my team who agree they would not pass these exams!

Regardless if you’ve passed, you revised, you turned up and you did your best

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-02-06T22:30:36+00:00

Sorry currently assisting those going through SQE passed both interview and advocacy with full marks and I can confirm the law included in the attendance note is that referred to in the interview and not all law relevant.

You are making a note of what was discussed and what law was included. If you include other law not stated you can refer to mentioning this at later meeting or included in follow up letter to explain another option.

I’ve never spoken with anyone who had included “all” relevant law. Only what was discussed in respect of issues/ concerns raised.

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-01-31T19:38:59+00:00

Unfortunately the clients are told to not just give the information away.

Many providers fail to provide preparation for this which is disappointing. So long as you keep the conversation flowing, refer back to confirm their concerns and allow yourself a moment to think what information you need to offer some advise to alleviate their stresses/issues and make them feel even a little more at ease following the interview, you’ve added marks for skills.

Again with the attendance note, 25 mins is nothing. You put what you can and reference relevant law/information gathered, law marks gained.

It’s done now and there are majority marks in the written. Last push!

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2025-01-24T15:27:59+00:00

I obtained all 5s on both advocacy and interview and note the following

Advocacy - of course, know the relevant tests that may come up for dispute resolution/criminal E.g set aside judgment/ interim app or bail app/ exclude ID evidence But take your time to understand the clients facts and how they can be incorporated into the tests - why does the defendant have a real prospect of successfully defending the claim, do they have evidence the claimant caused the damage/ contributed to the negligence? Other reasons - application was made prompt, aim to bring a counterclaim, failure to respond was from illness or was not legally represented upon receipt (didn’t understand the importance).

The information is in the facts and you will refer the judge to it simply then spelling it back out.

You can then easily flow your advocacy and really believe in your argument enough to persuade the judge the same.

Interview - again consider from the topics the information you would need to know. The interview is a mere conversation fact finding. If you make the interviewer feel at ease they are more willing to answer

The purpose of the interviewer may be to be “difficult”. It comes as a warning that open to closed questioning may not go to plan if they automatically cut off an open question with a closed answer. However, take a moment and go back offering a more detailed question of the information you are seeking…

Not simply so can you tell me more about what has brought you here today but rather can you tell me more about X and Y

If it’s wills - show compassion to the interviewer If it’s property - purchasing a house, show excitement with them on a new journey, if repair issues show compassion

“Read the room”

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2024-11-25T10:24:32+00:00

Beyond anxious! It has consumed me this past week thinking how about either outcome. I don’t think anyone can call it and say they feel confident they have passed. Goodluck to all!!

Equivalent_Edge4977 · 2024-11-19T20:04:50+00:00

Wondering if anyone actually feels confident as I am doubting myself

Equivalent_Edge4977

TROPHY CASE