32. Practical Legal Skills (PLS) in SQE: Mastering the Application of Law

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is an important step in your journey to becoming a qualified solicitor. It tests your knowledge, understanding, and application of law in various contexts. One crucial aspect of the SQE is the Practical Legal Skills (PLS) assessment, which assesses your ability to apply legal knowledge to practical scenarios.

Mastering the application of law is essential for success in the PLS assessment and, ultimately, in your legal career. In this blog post, we will explore strategies and techniques to enhance your practical legal skills and excel in the SQE.

1. Understand the PLS Assessment Format

Before delving into the strategies, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the format of the PLS assessment. The assessment comprises two skills, namely Legal Research and Legal Writing. It is administered in a simulated law firm environment, allowing you to showcase your abilities as a solicitor.

The Legal Research skill requires you to conduct thorough research on a given topic and provide a solution or analysis based on the research. On the other hand, the Legal Writing skill assesses your ability to draft legal documents, such as letters, memos, or advice.

Having a clear understanding of the assessment format will help you tailor your preparation and focus on the specific skills required.

2. Develop Strong Research Skills

Research is a fundamental aspect of legal practice, and developing strong research skills is crucial for success in the PLS assessment. Here are a few tips to enhance your research abilities:

Utilize a variety of resources: Don’t rely solely on textbooks or online databases. Explore a range of resources, such as legal journals, case law, academic articles, and reputable online sources, to gather comprehensive information.
Refine your search techniques: Be specific with your search queries and use advanced search techniques to find relevant and reliable information quickly. Familiarize yourself with Boolean operators, quotation marks, and wildcard characters to optimize your research.
Develop efficient note-taking techniques: As you conduct research, take concise and organized notes. Summarize key points, note down relevant case law, and create a structure for each topic or issue you explore. This will make it easier to refer back to your research during the assessment.

By honing your research skills, you will be able to gather accurate and pertinent information efficiently, enabling you to demonstrate a sound understanding of the law in the PLS assessment.

3. Practice Legal Writing

Effective communication is a vital skill for solicitors, and the PLS assessment evaluates your ability to convey legal concepts and advice in writing. Here are a few strategies to improve your legal writing skills:

Study legal writing conventions: Familiarize yourself with the accepted conventions of legal writing, including correct formatting, structure, and tone. Analyze sample legal documents, such as letters or advices, to understand the appropriate language and style.
Practice drafting different types of documents: The PLS assessment may require you to draft various legal documents, such as letters, memos, or advice. Practice writing each type of document to gain confidence and improve your drafting skills.
Proofread and edit: Before submitting your written answers during the assessment, ensure to thoroughly proofread and edit your work. Check for grammar and spelling errors, clarity of expression, and logical flow. A well-polished piece of writing reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

By continuously practicing your legal writing skills, you will refine your ability to articulate legal concepts clearly and effectively, setting you apart in the PLS assessment.

4. Simulate Real-Life Scenarios

The SQE is designed to simulate the real-life scenarios and challenges faced by solicitors. It is crucial to expose yourself to a variety of practical legal scenarios to develop your application of legal knowledge. Here are a few ways to simulate real-life scenarios:

Engage in case studies: Case studies allow you to apply legal theory to practical situations. Take advantage of SQE case study resources, which provide scenarios and questions for you to analyze and provide advice.
Participate in mock examinations: Mock examinations are invaluable in preparing for the PLS assessment. They provide a realistic simulation of the assessment environment and allow you to practice time management, decision-making, and application of law under pressure. Analyzing your mock results can also help you identify areas for improvement.

Simulating real-life scenarios will enhance your ability to identify relevant legal issues, analyze facts, and provide appropriate solutions or advice in the PLS assessment.

5. Time Management and Exam Techniques

Time management is crucial in the PLS assessment, as you will have a limited amount of time to research, analyze, and draft your responses. Here are some time management and exam techniques to consider:

Create a study schedule: Allocate specific time slots for studying PLS-related topics and practicing your research and writing skills. Consistency and discipline in your study routine will help you manage your time effectively.
Practice under timed conditions: During your preparation, set timers and practice completing research tasks or drafting legal documents within the allocated time limit. This will help you familiarize yourself with the time pressure and develop strategies to work efficiently.
Identify key issues quickly: Enhance your ability to spot key legal issues by practicing skimming and scanning techniques. This will enable you to identify relevant information efficiently and focus your research and writing efforts on the essential aspects of the question.

By mastering time management and exam techniques, you will be able to make the most of the allocated time in the PLS assessment and produce high-quality responses.

The Practical Legal Skills (PLS) assessment in the SQE tests your ability to apply legal knowledge in practical scenarios. By understanding the assessment format, refining your research and writing skills, simulating real-life scenarios, and practicing time management techniques, you can enhance your practical legal skills and increase your chances of success in the SQE.

For additional strategies and tactics to excel in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, check out our related articles:

Remember, mastering the practical legal skills required in the SQE is not only crucial for success in the examination but also vital for your future legal practice. Best of luck in your preparation!