SQE2 Skills Assessment: Mastering Client Interviewing

After conquering the SQE1 exam, the next challenge on your path to qualifying as a solicitor is the SQE2 – a rigorous practical skills assessment. SQE2 comprises six core legal skills stations, including the client interview and attendance note, advocacy exercises, case and matter analysis, legal research, legal writing, and legal drafting. Among these, the client interviewing station is often considered one of the most vital components of SQE2. Not only is it a significant part of the exam, but it also mirrors a skill at the heart of real-world legal practice. In this article, we explore why mastering client interviewing is so important for SQE2 success and how you can hone this skill.

Why Client Interviewing Matters in SQE2

The client interview assessment in SQE2 tests your ability to interact effectively with a client – just as you would in actual practice. In the exam, you will typically be given a brief scenario and have 10 minutes to prepare, then 25 minutes to conduct a face-to-face interview with a role-play client, followed by 25 minutes to write an attendance note or legal analysis of the interview. Importantly, the interview is marked on your skills (communication, questioning, client care, etc.) rather than your detailed legal knowledge. In other words, the examiner playing the client is evaluating how you conduct the interview – how you listen, question, and respond – not just whether you recite the right law.

The SQE2 client interview is designed to simulate a real client consultation. You'll be expected to establish rapport and professionalism, gather all pertinent facts, identify the client's objectives and concerns, and provide preliminary legal advice or next steps in an accessible manner. In fact, this assessment gauges several competencies at once: your interpersonal communication, fact-finding technique, and ability to explain legal issues clearly. As one guide describes, the client interview station tests your ability to "interact effectively with clients, gather pertinent information, provide legal advice, and communicate complex legal principles in an accessible way". It's a comprehensive test of both your people skills and practical legal know-how.

Mastering this skill is crucial not only to pass SQE2 but also for your future career. Strong client interviewing skills are fundamental to being a competent solicitor. Each interview is a first impression – a chance to build trust and demonstrate your expertise to a client. SQE2 examiners therefore pay close attention to how you handle the interview environment. They will evaluate your ability to guide the conversation, put the client at ease, and extract the information needed to progress the matter. According to the SQE assessor criteria, you will be judged on core skills such as active listening, effective questioning, client care (professionalism and empathy), and even problem-solving during the interview. Performing well in these areas shows that you can meet the standard of a newly qualified solicitor when dealing with clients.

Key Challenges and Tips for Effective Client Interviews

Many candidates find the client interview one of the more daunting SQE2 stations. It's unscripted, interactive, and can cover any area of law – from a probate matter to a criminal issue – so you must be ready to think on your feet. However, with the right strategies and practice, you can excel. Here are some key tips to help you master the SQE2 client interviewing assessment:

1. Prepare Thoroughly for the Scenario: Use your 10-minute preparation time wisely. Review the client's information and any documents to identify the key facts and legal issues. Anticipate what questions you'll need to ask. Walking into the interview with a game plan will help you feel more confident and focused. Proper preparation enables you to provide accurate initial advice and ask relevant questions from the start.
2. Build Rapport and Listen Actively: First impressions matter. Greet the client with a friendly, professional demeanor and take a moment for introductions. Throughout the interview, practice active listening – maintain eye contact, nod or give brief verbal cues, and avoid interrupting. Show the client that you are fully engaged in their story. This not only helps you gather information effectively, but also builds trust. Examiners expect to see you demonstrating attentive listening and empathy towards the client's situation. Be polite and empathetic; treating the client with courtesy and respect will help you establish a good rapport.
3. Ask Open-Ended and Relevant Questions: The quality of your questioning is crucial. Start with open-ended questions that encourage the client to speak freely (for example, "Can you tell me what happened?" rather than a yes/no question). Open questions allow the client to provide detailed information in their own words, revealing facts you might not know to ask about directly. Follow up with more specific questions to clarify details as needed. A candidate who uses a mix of open and closed questions appropriately will be able to uncover all the important information. Avoid scripted or rote questions – instead, adapt your inquiries based on what the client says, to show you're listening and to probe relevant points further.
4. Clarify and Summarise Information: To ensure you haven't missed anything, periodically summarise what the client has told you and confirm that you've understood them correctly. For example, you might say, "So, just to recap, you were served with papers last week and you're unsure how to respond, is that right?" This gives the client a chance to correct or add information and shows the examiner that you are methodical and attentive. By regularly clarifying and confirming your understanding, you demonstrate accuracy and help build the client's confidence in you. This habit will also make it easier when it comes time to write your attendance note, since you will have verified the key facts.
5. Maintain Professionalism and Manage Expectations: Throughout the interview, keep your tone professional yet approachable. Use clear, plain language – avoid heavy legal jargon that a lay client would not understand. If you must introduce a legal term, briefly explain it in simple terms. Managing the client's expectations is also part of your role. Be honest and realistic about what you can and cannot promise. For instance, don't guarantee a specific outcome ("We will definitely win your case") – instead, assure them you will do your best and explain the next steps or any processes involved. Additionally, respect confidentiality (remind the client that everything they share is in confidence) and stay within ethical bounds. A calm, respectful and honest approach will demonstrate your integrity as well as competence. Remember, the examiner is observing whether you can balance client care with professional duty, just as a real solicitor must.

By following these practices – thorough preparation, active listening, effective questioning, clarification, and professionalism – you can significantly improve your performance in the client interview. These "soft skills" are just as trainable as black-letter law. With practice, you'll find you can establish a natural conversational flow with the client while still gathering all the necessary facts in a structured way. Ultimately, the skills you develop for the SQE2 client interview station will not only help you pass the exam but will also lay the groundwork for your success as a solicitor. As one expert notes, the competencies demonstrated in a client interview – listening, questioning, empathy, and professionalism – are the same skills that help you win clients and build a strong legal career. In other words, mastering client interviewing now will benefit you far beyond the SQE2 itself.

If you're ready to excel in the SQE2 skills assessment and take the next big step in your legal career, enrol in the CELE SQE2 Preparation Course today. With comprehensive resources, expert support, and flexible learning, you can approach the SQE2 client interview – and every station – with confidence and skill. Start your SQE2 preparation now, and let us help you succeed in becoming a qualified solicitor.