Individual training and practical guidance for solicitors qualifying exam ‘QLTS OSCE’ (SQE)

Our goal at OSCEsmart is to help you get smart about the exam so that you can pass it. We have learned that even last-minute training and other helpful tips may have a positive and decisive impact. In other words, we can help you to obtain your best results.

In our course, we aim to provide high-quality individually-tailored preparation and have a limited number of places available. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Our grounds for refusal may cover the applicant’s legal knowledge and the required standard of character and suitability or other relevant aspects.

We do not prepare candidates for the MCT or qualified lawyers transfer test, we are focused solely on the QLTS OSCE. But in light of the introduction of the SQE, we are planning to offer the SQE1 preparation course, along with the SQE2 training.

Our Advantages

• We narrow the focus to the QLTS OSCE only;
• We incorporate first-hand experience of passing the OSCE;
• Our approach is pragmatic and practical preparation;
• We provide an individually tailored training with full feedback;
• We offer concise video lectures, notes, and online mock exams similar to the exam conditions; and
• We offer a reasonable price, to reduce the clients' costs.

Our Values

• For us you are not clients but colleagues
• Technology is good, but it will never substitute individual feedback

SQE

Since early 2018, we have been dedicated to helping aspiring solicitors pass the SQE2 assessments (previously known as QLTS OSCE) to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. Now we offer training for SQE1 and SQE2 exams in line with the assessment specification. Our SQE2 training is built around the concepts of active teaching and mistake-driven learning through direct feedback on mock assessments from expert tutors. 

Our training's exceptional track record, as showcased by pilot results, guarantees your success in SQE1 and SQE2, paving the way for a successful career in law firms.

Read more about us here.

• Handle a client interview and prepare an attendance note or case analysis;

• Deliver an oral client presentation or advocacy within the courts;

• Conduct legal research and complete a record sheet;

• Write letters, memoranda, emails, and other documents to the clients or colleagues; and

• Draft legal documents and complete different forms.

The above skills will be assessed in five practice areas: business, property, probate, civil litigation, and criminal litigation. The law also covers your substantive law knowledge from MCT or LLB/GDL e.g. contract, tort, trust, criminal law, administrative and constitutional law, professional conduct etc.

Our preparatory course for QLTS OSCE / SQE2 consists of two stages: study the actual law and develop your legal skills.

Theory/law:

• Concise video lectures covering key issues you should know, learn, and memorise in order to succeed. Accessible from PC, tablet or smartphone;   

• Short printable notes in a table format;

• Further reading guidance: LPC books, manuals, online resources, and case law; and

• Five Online Seminar Group Sessions (OSGSs): one per each practice area, with the aim of developing practical skills for application of the law to the facts.

Practice/Skills

• Concise video lectures on Interview, Advocacy and Presentation, Legal Research, Writing, and Drafting;

• Attachments providing further guidance, instructions, and samples of different documents e.g. attendance note and case analysis, research record sheet, sample drafting materials; and   

• Individual online training (mock exams): Interview, Advocacy and Presentation, Legal Research, Writing, and Drafting, followed by feedback. This will help you: 

(I) understand your readiness and then revise accordingly; 
(ii) get acquainted with the process and the procedure of the exam;
(iii) ultimately develop your own approach to handling it. 

Timescale

• 10-4 months (before the OSCE) - start reading, based on individual learning abilities, objectives, and availability. Please note: for LPC graduates this will take considerably less time. You may print our notes and add extra information obtained from your reading, which you can then use for your revision later. Useful links: OSCE Books And Manuals. For more information on preparation time, please click here. 

• After you have completed reading each practice area, book a mock session e.g. a client interview, advocacy/presentation or legal writing to check on your knowledge. This is required not only in order to develop your skills, but to affix your knowledge and identify any gaps. We will provide you with guidance for revision and further reading. We encourage the aspiring solicitors to attempt the mock sessions throughout their preparation, as this approach has proved to be the most effective.

• 2-3 months (before the OSCE) - you should complete the reading in all five practice areas. Furthermore, we advise you to:

1. Schedule and sit the rest of your mock exams, in particular those which have not been done before;

2. Attend or watch our seminars, which are focused on application of the law to the facts, explaining exam techniques, and sharing tips.

3. Revise and memorise your notes in each area of law by means of rereading them one by one in at least 3-4 rounds.

SQE

Within our 1-to-1 SQE2 simulations, we share practical tips and strategic exam techniques, providing you with a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap. You have the flexibility to gauge your readiness by doing a few mock exams with us. This approach empowers you to:

• Identify gaps in your knowledge

• Develop exam techniques 

• Enjoy flexibility in scheduling mocks

The new SQE assessments are evidently built upon the foundation of the QLTS exam. However, it's important to note that distinctions do exist between the two.

In order to facilitate discounted pricing which is clear, fair, and transparent as to the contents included, and made with a view to maximising your flexibility in choosing and adding the services that you need during the whole SQE prep period, We have introduced Smart Credits. Instead of lectures, smart events or mock stations you purchase credits at a price of £1 per 1 credit. The credits therefore function as coupons, that you may later convert into mock stations or other services by means of placing an order: booking the mocks, group sessions or purchasing access to lectures.

For further information, please refer to this link.
 

Knowing the OSCE firsthand, we understand the time and costs involved in taking the exam. This is why we aim to keep our prices fair and moderate and encourage you to customize your QLTS OSCE preparation. In this way, you can purchase only the services you need, thereby using the resources we provide to suit your goals and budget. Please see below our prices for 2020 and 2021. 

£60 –  An online Mock Client Interview with one-to-one mock client feedback based on the SRA and QLTS Kaplan marking criteria and outcomes

£110 – A handwritten Attendance Note or Case Analysis as a follow-up to a Mock Client Interview, individually marked up and provided with commentaries

£35 – A typed suggested answer without individual marking as a follow-up to a Mock Client Interview

£110 – A letter of advice (Legal Writing) either a separate mock stations or as a follow-up to a Mock Client Interview, individually marked up and provided with commentaries. 

£110 –  An online Mock Advocacy/Presentation session with one-to-one mock client feedback based on the SRA and QLTS Kaplan marking criteria and outcomes

£110 –  An online Legal Research exercise with tailored feedback and tips, as well as marked up record sheet
 

There are three categories of QLTS OSCE candidates:

1. Those who sit for the first time

2. Resitters
3. LPC graduates

We understand the expenses involved and your individual needs for QLTS OSCE prep. It is essential to identify your weaknesses in order to maximise your future performance and happy to help with that.

SQE

Statistically, foreign lawyers do not perform very well in the SQE2 exam. Check out some statistical reports from the SRA to expand on this. Some of the reasons that cause them to fail the SQE2 include:

1. Lack of strong foundation

2. Poor strategic approach

3. Gap between theory and application

Our specialisation lies in assisting SQE resitters in acing their exams. Explore our dedicated article tailored for those retaking the SQE 2 exam.

The application consists out of 2 elements:

1. Completed QLTS - Exemption from the MCT application form

2. Additional docs requested by SRA:

   • Copy of the LPC certificates and transcripts;

   • Certificate of your domestic qualification; and

   • Certificate of good standing issued by your bar:

a. confirmed date of admission (details of the decision); and

b. any matters that affect your standing as a lawyer, e.g. personal characteristics including professional conduct.

For more information and the forms please see http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qlts/apply.page

OSCE Preparation

Due to your LPC experience, it should be much easier for you to prepare. LPC is a big advantage, compared to other OSCE candidates. However, please keep in mind that OSCE goes beyond the scopes of  LPC, plus there could have been substantial developments in the law since you graduated. How OSCE is different from LPC:

• We estimate that around 20% of law is beyond the LPC; and

• Standard of the skills is of junior solicitor (2 years of training contract), not a trainee solicitor.

• OSCE has its own exam specifics and techniques.

We understand the expenses involved, LPC fees and your individual needs for QLTS OSCE prep. So, in order to cover the above differences, we suggest you proceed with our Study Group package in order to cover additional 20%, and our cheapest skill Package A ‘Practice’, to top up your skills and develop exam techniques.

LPC Package

• 5 Mock Interviews + Attendance Notes/Case Analysis (3 handwritten or typed individually marked + suggested answer and 2 only given suggested answer); and

• 3 Mock Advocacy/Presentation stations

• ‘Study group’

  • 5 sets of lectures: Business, Property; Probate; Civil and Criminal Litigation;

  • Skills lectures: Drafting, Writing, Research, Interview and Advocacy

  • Short drafting and writing case studies in 5 practice areas with mock stations and suggested answers for self-assessment

  • 10 research mock stations and suggested answers for self-assessment

  • 5 seminars OSGSs on application of the law to factual scenarios: one per practice area;

  • Group facilities: Facebook Group; Google Class; and

  • Dedicated tutor: Assistance with individual study plan; reasonable support with your questions and inquiries; assistance with finding a study partner

LPC Graduate’s Special Offer:

LPC Package: £1000 

Eligibility: The package is competitive and limited maximum to two places per exam

Grounds: LPC transcript