SQE2 legal writing: how to write a strong answer in 30 minutes
SQE2 legal writing is a short written task, typically 30 minutes, such as an email to a client, a letter to the other side or a note for a supervisor. Assessors check the facts, structure, clear language, tone for the reader, correct law and ethics.
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What the assessor is looking for
The published criteria for writing ask for relevant facts, a logical structure, clear, precise and concise language, a client-focused approach, and an appropriate style and format. The law criterion asks for correct and comprehensive application. Ethics matters too.
Thirty minutes is short. Candidates lose marks for starting to write before they know what they want to say, for too much background, and for a tone that does not suit the reader.
Know your reader first
Before you write, answer three questions: who reads this, what do they know, and what must they do after reading?
| Reader | Tone and content |
|---|---|
| Lay client | Plain words, no Latin, short sentences. Explain each legal term once. Say what you recommend and what they must do. |
| Business client | Direct, commercial. Lead with the outcome, then risk and cost. |
| Supervising partner | Short and precise. Issues, law, view, next steps. No need to explain basic rules. |
| Other side's solicitor | Formal, firm, polite. State your client's position and what you want by what date. Do not give away weaknesses. |
A structure that fits 30 minutes
- Opening line. Purpose and bottom line: 'You asked whether... In short, yes, subject to...'
- Key facts. Two or three lines, only those that drive the advice.
- Advice or position. The rule, applied to the facts, in short paragraphs under headings.
- Options and risks. What could go wrong, what it could cost.
- Next steps. Numbered, with dates and owners.
- Close. An offer to talk, and any warning such as a time limit.
Spend 4 minutes planning, 22 writing, 4 checking. Write headings first, then fill them.
Before and after
A client, Ms Rowe, asks whether she can end her fixed-term contract with a printer early. Compare two versions of one paragraph.
Weak: 'As discussed, in the case of a contract that contains a clause providing for termination, it is generally the position at law that the terms must be followed, and a failure so to do could potentially expose the party in question to a claim.'
Stronger: 'You can only end the contract early if it allows it. Your contract lets either side end it on 90 days' written notice. If you stop without giving notice, the printer could claim damages from you. I recommend we send the notice today, in the way the contract requires. That starts the 90 days and protects your position.'
The second version uses 'you', short sentences, one point at a time and a clear recommendation. It states the law in plain words and links it to the actual contract term.
Common mistakes
- Starting with background instead of the answer.
- Long sentences with many clauses. One idea per sentence.
- Legal jargon for a lay client.
- Missing next steps or deadlines.
- Wrong tone: too casual for the other side, too stiff for a client.
- Giving law only, not advice.
- Overlooking an ethics point, for example promising a result, or revealing confidential information.
- Errors in names, dates, sums. Check them in the last minutes.
Legal writing checklist
- Reader identified.
- Answer in the first lines.
- Short paragraphs and headings.
- Facts relevant and correct.
- Law applied, not just stated.
- Next steps with dates.
- Tone matches the reader.
- Ethics point dealt with.
- Proofread: names, dates, numbers.
Draft one email from each practice area under timed conditions. Our task list has original writing tasks with estimated feedback against the published criteria.
Practise this now
Advising a partner who was not married to the deceasedPassBusiness Law and Practice
Retired partner facing a supplier's demandPassBusiness Law and Practice
Director wants to buy the company's yardPassCriminal Litigation
Letter to the CPS proposing a plea to common assaultPassCriminal Litigation
Advising on a mobile phone charge and a driving banPassDispute Resolution
Advising a client on a Part 36 settlement offerPassDispute Resolution
Advising a client who refuses to mediatePassProperty Practice
Advising a seller when the buyer misses completionPassProperty Practice
Advising joint buyers on how to own their homePassWills and Probate
Beneficiary wants to pass part of an inheritance on
Templates and worked examples
Questions
How long is SQE2 legal writing?
Typically 30 minutes. It is a written task that appears once on each of the three written days.
How long should my SQE2 legal writing answer be?
The task will suggest a length. Write to it. Clear and complete in a few hundred words is better than long and unfocused.
What is the difference between legal writing and legal drafting?
Writing is a letter, email or memo to a person, with advice or a position. Drafting is a document with legal effect, such as a clause, statement of case or will.
Should I use headings in SQE2 legal writing?
Yes, in an email or memo that has more than a couple of points. Short headings help the reader and the marker find your answer.
Is a letter to the other side different from a client email?
Yes. A letter to the other side is formal and firm and should not reveal weaknesses. A client email is plain, warm and explains the law and your recommendation.
Related
- SQE2 legal drafting: how to draft a document that works
- SQE2 legal research: a method that fits in 60 minutes
- SQE2 ethics and professional conduct: how it is tested
- SQE2 mock: how to run one that helps
- SQE2: what it tests and how to prepare
Sources: SRA presentation: The SQE2 assessment; Law Society: SQE1 and SQE2 assessments; SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs. Checked 10 November 2026.