SQE2 legal writing template
An SQE2 legal writing template for a client email or letter has five parts: the answer, the reasons, the options, what you need from the reader, and next steps. Write for the reader, not for a supervisor. See the legal writing guide and an annotated client email.
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The template
- Opening line. Greeting, then the answer or the purpose in the first two sentences.
- Reasons. Why, in plain words, with the law only as far as the reader needs.
- Options. What the reader can do, with cost, time and risk of each.
- Request. What you need from them and by when.
- Next steps and sign-off. What you will do next. Offer a call.
Use short paragraphs and short sentences. Use headings if the letter is long. Explain any legal term you must use.
Tone: client and other side
To a client, be clear and warm but professional. Do not use Latin or jargon. Say what the law means for them, not what the law is in general.
To the other side, be firm and polite. State your client's position, the basis for it, what you want and a date. Do not threaten. Do not make claims you cannot support. Do not disclose confidential information beyond what your client has authorised.
Mini example: email to a client
Subject: Your offer on 8 Harbour Lane: what happens next
Dear Mr Hall,
Your offer has been accepted, but the sale is not yet binding. Either side can still withdraw until contracts are exchanged. I recommend we work to exchange contracts within four weeks.
Why speed matters. In England and Wales a contract to buy land must be in writing, contain all the agreed terms and be signed by or for both sides (Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, s 2). In practice this happens when contracts are exchanged. Until then, the seller can accept a higher offer.
Your options. You can ask the seller for a short exclusivity period. That would stop them marketing the house, but they do not have to agree. Or you can move quickly and accept the risk.
What I need from you. Please send your photo ID and proof of address by Friday, and tell me how you will fund the purchase. The law requires me to check these before we act for you.
I will send the draft contract and searches once the seller's solicitor replies. I will call you on Monday to go through them.
Kind regards,
Priya Anand, Trainee Solicitor
The email gives the answer first, explains in plain words, offers choices, asks for specific things and names the next step. It also includes a short compliance point (ID).
Mistakes that lose marks
- Opening with background and putting the answer on page two.
- Writing for a lawyer rather than the named reader.
- No options, or no advice on which to choose.
- Missing the instruction in the brief, such as 'explain costs' or 'reply to the offer'.
- Overlong output. Follow the word limit.
- Sending the other side information the client did not authorise.
Checklist
- The answer is in the first two sentences.
- Every paragraph has one point.
- Legal terms are explained.
- The reader knows what to do and by when.
- Tone fits the reader.
You can write a client email against the clock with a free account and see estimated feedback by criterion. See property practice for typical letters.
Questions
sqe2 legal writing format?
Use a short letter or email: answer first, reasons, options, request, next steps. Follow any format named in the instructions.
How long should SQE2 legal writing be?
The typical timing is 30 minutes. Follow the word limit in the task, and keep paragraphs short.
Should legal writing include law?
Yes, but only as much as the reader needs. Cite a rule when it supports the advice, and explain it in plain words.
How formal should an SQE2 letter be?
Professional but plain. Be warm with a client and firm and polite with the other side.
Related
- SQE2 legal writing: how to write a strong answer in 30 minutes
- SQE2 legal writing example: a client email
- SQE2 property practice: what the tasks look like
- SQE2 client interview: how to structure it
- SQE2 mock: how to run one that helps
Sources: SRA presentation: The SQE2 assessment; Law Society: SQE1 and SQE2 assessments; Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989; SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs. Checked 10 November 2026.