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

OSCEsmart is a study resource initially developed by Dr Olga Pogrebennyk, who obtained her LLB, LPC and LLM from Nottingham Law School and went on to pass the QLTS with distinction. Dr Pogrebennyk decided to carefully design a resource which would be effective, affordable, and simple in order help others to succeed in the OSCE. It is rooted in this unique methodology in order to understand the substantive law, and individual training of the candidates’ skills while remaining close to the exam conditions. Our successful candidates join us as OSCE tutors and having first-hand experience assist other candidates to prepare. All together we call it OSCEsmart.

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.

We aim to provide high quality individually tailored services and have a limited number of places available. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Before being enrolled on  our course, the candidates will be tested on their legal knowledge and the required standard of character and suitability, taking into account the time frame of the exam and other relevant aspects.

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;
• We provide an individually tailored training plan with full feedback;
• We offer concise video lectures, notes, and online mock exams similar to the exam conditions; and
• We offer very reasonable price

Our Values

• For us you are not clients but colleagues
• Technology is good, but it will never substitute individual feedback
• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone

The QLTS OSCE is a very practical exam, where the candidates are assessed based on a real solicitor’s practice conditions. In particular, they should demonstrate their ability to:

• 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.

Preparation to OSCE should consist of 2 stages: study the actual law and develop your legal skills.

Theory/law:

• Concise video lectures covering key issues you should know, learn, and memorize 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;
• Five Online Seminar Group Sessions (OSGSs): one per each practice area, purported to develop practical skills for application of the law to the facts; and
• Support from your tutor who can answer any questions you might have.
   

Practice/Skills

• Concise video lectures on Interview, Advocacy and Presentation, Legal Research and 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, research record sheet, research, drafting and writing mock questions; and   
• Individual online trainings (mock exams): Interview, Advocacy and Presentation and Legal Research followed by in-depth feedback. This will help you: understand your readiness then revise accordingly, get acquainted with the process and the procedure of the exam, and ultimately develop your own approach to handling it. We expect you to submit Attendance Notes no later than 24 hours after the interview.

Timescale

• 12-6 months - start reading, based on individual learning abilities, objectives, and availability. Please note: for LPC graduates it will take considerably less time. Useful links: OSCE Books And Manuals. To be individually assessed, please complete this survey;

• After you have completed reading each practice area, we arranges for a client interview to check on your knowledge

• At least 3 months before the OSCE - schedule the main block mock exams, taking into account your individual needs and workload.

• 2-2.5. months before the OSCE (March/Sep) - start your OSGSs and prepare for the Interview (Attendance Note and Case Analysis), Advocacy and Presentation and Legal Research

Knowing the OSCE firsthand, we understand the time and expense 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.

£50 –  An online Mock Client Interview with one-to-one mock client feedback based on the SRA and QLTS Kaplan marking criteria and outcomes

£80 – 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. 

£100 – A handwritten Attendance Note or Case Analysis as a follow-up to a Mock Client Interview, individually marked up and provided with commentaries.

£100 –  An online Mock Advocacy/Presentation session with one-to-one mock client feedback based on the SRA and QLTS Kaplan marking criteria and outcomes

£80 –  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

‘Study Group’ – an integral part of each OSCEsmart package except ‘Diagnostic’ pack

• 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 the application of the law to factual scenarios: one per practice area;

• Group facilities: Flashcards, Facebook Group; Legal Research and Drafting Google Classrooms; and

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

OSCE packages

[now closed for May 2019, with the exception of individual mocks]

Package A ‘Double’ – £1700

• Study Group

• 10 Mock interviews + Attendance Notes / Case Analysis or Legal Writing (5 individually marked + suggested answer and 5 only given suggested answer)

• 7 Mock Advocacy/Presentation sessions

• May be paid in instalments

Package B ‘All In’ – £1300

• Study Group

• 5 Mock Interviews + 3 Attendance Notes/Case Analysis and 2 Legal Writing exercise;

• 5 Mock Advocacy/Presentation sessions;  

• Top up to Package A for the price difference - deadline 60 days before the next QLTS OSCE, subject to the slots availability

• May be paid in instalments

Package C ‘Budget’ – £700

• Study Group

• 2 Mock Interviews + 1 Attendance Note/Case Analysis; and

• 1 Mock Advocacy/Presentation station

• Top up to Package A or B for the price difference - deadline 60 days before the next QLTS OSCE, subject to slots availability 

Package D ‘Diagnostic’ – £250

• 1 Mock Interview + 1 Attendance Note (with generic feedback);

• 1 Mock station Legal Writing/Research (with generic feedback);

• 1 Mock station Legal Drafting(with generic feedback); and

• Brief analysis of the results

To sign up for the OSCE Smart Course, please submit the Question Form on the left or email us at: info@qltsosce.co.uk

Deadline for signing up for the Packages is 60 days before the next QLTS OSCE [until and excluding 29 Sep 2019 for the Nov 2019 OSCE sitting]

Resitters

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger, Friedrich Nietzsche

Common reasons of failure:

• Overestimation of your readiness and underestimation of OSCE standards   

• Poor exam techniques and misunderstanding of OSCE marking criteria

• Poor performance at particular skill-part(s)  

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. So, we suggest you start with the diagnostic:

Resitter’s Special Offer

• Diagnostic Pack for free, subject to the purchase of either:

Package B ‘All In’ £1300; or

Package A ‘Double’ £1700

LPC graduates resitter, subject to eligibility (see below) £800

Eligibility: candidates who already unsuccessfully attempted QLTS OSCE
Evidence: results

LPC Graduates 

MCT Exemption

LPC graduates are entitled to be exempt from QLTS MCT. However, in order to proceed with the OSCE, you still formally need to obtain a decision from the SRA confirming the exemption.

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 or Legal Writing exercise (3 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: £800 

Eligibility: successfully completed LPC

Evidence: LPC certificate
To sign up for the OSCE Smart Course, please submit the Question Form on the left or email us at: info@qltsosce.co.uk

Important legal notice: Please note, we track users attempting to sign in with alternate credentials, from unusual places or at strange times. By using our services, you expressly agree not to provide access to OSCEsmart materials to any third party.

You acknowledge that if you breach, or if we have reasonable grounds to suspect that you have breached this provision, OSCEsmart may terminate or suspend your right to use its materials. Being an intellectual property infringement, such behaviour is deemed to be dishonest and against the Theft Act 1968, and as such will be reported to the SRA which may adversely affect your future admission.