Preparing for the SQE2 orals: client interview and advocacy
The orals are the hardest SQE2 stations to rehearse alone — you can record yourself, but judging your own performance against the standard is genuinely difficult. Here is exactly what they involve.
The client interview: 10 + 25 + 25 minutes
You get 10 minutes to read the email and documents, 25 minutes to conduct the interview with a role-play client, then 25 minutes to write the attendance note by hand. There are two client-interview stations, in two different practice contexts (SRA).
Writing the attendance note / legal analysis
The attendance note is a separately graded written output attached to the interview, with its own Performance Indicators document. It tests whether you can accurately record what was discussed and advised, immediately after a live interview (SRA).
The advocacy submission: 45 to prepare, 15 to present
Advocacy gives you 45 minutes to prepare, then a 15-minute oral submission to a judge who may ask questions. There are two advocacy stations, in two different practice contexts (SRA).
What the SRA Performance Indicators reward
The SRA publishes Performance Indicators for each oral skill, describing competent versus non-competent performance — the criteria assessors mark to. Read them alongside the sample questions on the SRA website before you practise.
How to practise the orals under timed conditions
Practise to the real clock (10/25/25 and 45/15) and get an honest read on delivery, not just content. Kellys gives indicator-by-indicator feedback on both the substance and delivery of the client interview and advocacy, against the same SRA indicators — a way to rehearse the orals when you don't have someone to grade you.