Negotiation is an important skill that is incorporated into various assessments in SQE2. While there is no separate assessment called negotiation, it is assessed through different components such as interviews, attendance notes, legal analysis, case and matter analysis, and legal writing.
During interviews, candidates may be evaluated on their ability to negotiate effectively with clients, opposing parties, or other stakeholders. This assessment could involve simulating negotiation scenarios to test candidates' negotiation skills, such as their ability to understand interests, identify common ground, propose solutions, and reach agreements.
Negotiation skills can also be assessed through attendance notes or legal analysis tasks. You may be required to analyse and evaluate negotiation strategies or positions taken in a given scenario. This could involve assessing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, identifying potential compromises, and formulating recommendations based on negotiation principles.
Similarly, case and matter analysis assessments may include elements of negotiation. You may be asked to analyse a case or legal matter that involves negotiations, such as contract disputes, settlement discussions, or collaborative problem-solving. You need to demonstrate your ability to assess negotiation strategies, evaluate the legal implications, and provide advice or recommendations based on the analysis.
Lastly, negotiation skills may be evaluated in the context of legal writing assessments. You may be asked to draft legal documents, such as contracts or settlement agreements, that require effective negotiation language and techniques. The assessment focuses on the clarity, fairness, and efficacy of the negotiated terms within the written document.
While negotiation is not a standalone assessment, it is an important skill that is integrated into various components of the SQE2 assessments to ensure candidates' proficiency in this crucial aspect of legal practice.
