Passing the SQE2 is one of the most challenging parts of qualifying as a solicitor. The volume of legal knowledge, the number of assessments, and the pressure of performing under strict time limits can make the exam feel overwhelming.
When I prepared for SQE2, I didn’t rely on luck or vague revision. I followed a clear, deliberate strategy — and I passed the SQE2 the first time in the first quintile.
If I had to prepare again, I wouldn’t change anything. Because the approach worked. And it works for a reason.
Here’s exactly what I did.
1. I Treated SQE2 as a Closed-Book Exam From Day One
This sounds obvious — but many candidates don’t actually prepare this way.
They revise with notes open. They practise mocks with materials nearby. They rely on recognition rather than recall.
But SQE2 is a closed-book exam. You either know the law — or you don’t.
From early on, I focused on being able to explain legal principles without looking. If I couldn’t explain something out loud, clearly and confidently, I didn’t consider it learned.
The goal wasn’t familiarity. The goal was retrieval.
Because in the exam, retrieval is everything.
2. I Used Active Recall Consistently
Active recall was the foundation of my preparation.
Instead of rereading notes repeatedly, I tested myself constantly.
I would:
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read through a topic
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close my materials
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explain the law out loud or write down everything I could remember
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check accuracy
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repeat regularly
I did this around five times per week over several months.
This built real, usable legal knowledge — not passive familiarity.
Active recall forces your brain to do the work required in the exam. Passive reading does not
3. I Practised Timed Mocks to Build Execution Speed
Knowing the law is not enough. SQE2 also tests your ability to perform under time pressure.
Some assessments are extremely time-limited. Without practice, it is easy to run out of time, panic, or produce unclear answers.
I practised mocks under strict exam conditions:
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closed book
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timed
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no pausing
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no checking notes
This helped build:
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speed
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structure
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clarity
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confidence
Over time, execution became automatic.
Mocks weren’t just practice. They were training.
4. I Memorised Clear Structures for Every Assessment
One of the biggest risks in SQE2 is losing clarity under pressure.
When you are nervous and the clock is running, structure becomes essential.
I memorised clear frameworks for each assessment type.
This meant I never had to improvise.
Instead, I could focus on applying the law and giving advice — not figuring out how to organise my answer.
Structure reduces cognitive load. And that improves performance.
5. I Focused on the SRA Marking Criteria
SQE2 is not about writing impressive answers. It is about meeting specific professional standards.
I reviewed the SRA assessment criteria carefully and made sure my answers consistently demonstrated frequent criteria such as:
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clear legal explanations
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logical structure
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accurate application
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client-focused advice
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professional tone
Understanding how you are being assessed is essential. Otherwise, you are preparing blindly.
6. I Revised Consistently Over Time — Not at the Last Minute
SQE2 preparation cannot be compressed into a very brief period.
Legal knowledge, recall ability, and execution speed all develop through repetition.
Consistent revision over several months allowed knowledge and skills to compound gradually.
There was no panic. No cramming. Just steady improvement over 3 months.
Consistency builds competence.
Final Thoughts
Passing SQE2 the first time was not about intelligence or luck.
It was about using the right preparation strategy.
The key principles were simple:
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use active recall
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practise under timed conditions
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memorise clear structures
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understand the marking criteria
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revise consistently
SQE2 tests whether you can operate as a solicitor in practice. Your preparation should reflect that reality.
If you train for execution — not just exposure — you give yourself the best possible chance of success.