Period of Recognised Training / Training Contract Practical Legal Skills and Competence Syllabus

Practical Legal Skills and Competence syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Practical Legal Skills and Competence in Period of Recognised Training / Training Contract, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   The SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence

   5 topics

   • Ethics, professionalism and judgement
   • Technical legal practice competencies
   • Working with other people
   • Managing themselves and their own work
   • Threshold standard at point of qualification
2. 2

   Legal Research and Analysis

   4 topics

   • Identifying and analysing the client's legal issue
   • Using primary and secondary legal sources
     • Case law, statutes and statutory instruments
     • Practitioner texts and online legal databases
   • Applying law to fact and reaching reasoned conclusions
   • Recording and presenting research outcomes
3. 3

   Legal Drafting and Writing

   4 topics

   • Drafting contracts, deeds and formal documents
   • Drafting court documents and statements of case
   • Professional correspondence and attendance notes
   • Plain English and precision in legal writing
4. 4

   Advocacy and Oral Communication

   4 topics

   • Presenting submissions before courts and tribunals
   • Negotiation skills and techniques
   • Client interviewing and advising
     • Taking instructions effectively
     • Explaining options and managing expectations
   • Dealing with counsel, experts and third parties
5. 5

   Case and Matter Management

   4 topics

   • Managing a caseload and prioritising work
   • Time recording and billing fundamentals
   • File opening, maintenance and closing procedures
   • Working under supervision and seeking guidance

Practical Legal Skills and Competence flashcards for Period of Recognised Training / Training Contract

23 of 50 cards from the Practical Legal Skills and Competence deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the four broad competence areas of the SRA's Statement of Solicitor Competence that frame a trainee's practical legal skills?

   (A) Ethics, professionalism and judgement; (B) Technical legal practice; (C) Working with other people; (D) Managing themselves and their own work.

2. In the SRA competence framework, what does Competence A (Ethics, professionalism and judgement) require a solicitor to do?

   Act honestly and with integrity, uphold the rule of law and proper administration of justice, exercise professional judgement, and maintain trust and act fairly towards clients and others.

3. What is the 'threshold standard' a trainee must reach at the point of qualification?

   The minimum level of competence the SRA requires across all four competence areas to practise safely and effectively as a newly qualified solicitor, applying the framework at the standard expected of a day-one solicitor.

4. What does Competence B (Technical legal practice) cover?

   Obtaining relevant facts, undertaking legal research, developing and advising on legal strategy, drafting documents, undertaking effective spoken and written advocacy/negotiation, and progressing matters to a conclusion.

5. What does Competence C (Working with other people) require?

   Communicating clearly and effectively, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, and effectively managing, supervising and delegating to others.

6. What does Competence D (Managing themselves and their own work) require?

   Initiating, planning, prioritising and managing work activities and projects to ensure they are completed efficiently, on time and to an appropriate standard, keeping up to date with the law, and applying good business practice.

7. What is the first step in handling any client matter under technical legal practice?

   Identifying and analysing the client's legal issue — establishing the relevant facts and isolating the precise legal question(s) that must be answered.

8. Distinguish between primary and secondary legal sources.

   Primary sources are statements of the law itself: legislation (statutes, statutory instruments) and case law (judgments). Secondary sources explain, analyse or summarise the law: textbooks, practitioner works (e.g. Halsbury's Laws), journals, encyclopaedias and commentary.

9. List the standard stages of a legal research process.

   1) Analyse facts and identify the legal issue; 2) Identify keywords/areas of law; 3) Consult secondary sources for an overview; 4) Locate and read primary sources (statute and case law); 5) Update/check the law is current; 6) Apply law to fact; 7) Record and present the conclusion.

10. After finding the relevant law, what does 'applying law to fact' involve?

    Mapping the specific facts of the client's situation onto the legal rules and authorities, then reasoning logically to a reasoned conclusion or advice on the likely outcome.

11. Why must legal research always be 'updated' before relying on it?

    To check the source is still good law — confirming legislation is in force/not amended or repealed and that cases have not been overruled, reversed or distinguished (e.g. via a case citator).

12. What key information should be recorded when presenting legal research outcomes?

    The issue/question, the sources consulted (with full citations), the date the law was checked, the analysis, the conclusion/advice, and any assumptions or caveats.

13. What is the difference between a deed and a simple contract in terms of formal execution?

    A simple contract requires consideration to be enforceable; a deed does not require consideration but must be in writing, clearly state it is a deed, and be validly executed (signed, witnessed/attested) and delivered.

14. Under English law, what three requirements must a document satisfy to be validly executed as a deed by an individual (s.1 Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989)?

    It must be (1) in writing and make clear on its face it is intended to be a deed; (2) validly executed — signed by the maker in the presence of a witness who attests the signature; and (3) delivered as a deed.

15. In drafting, what is the function of the 'recitals' in a formal agreement or deed?

    Recitals (often beginning 'WHEREAS') set out background context, the parties' intentions and the circumstances leading to the agreement; they are explanatory and generally not operative provisions.

16. What is a 'statement of case' in civil litigation?

    A formal court document setting out a party's case, including the claim form, particulars of claim, defence, any counterclaim, reply, and further information — defining the issues in dispute under CPR Part 16.

17. What must a statement of case contain by way of verification under the CPR?

    A statement of truth — a signed declaration that the party believes the facts stated in the document are true; making a false statement without honest belief may be a contempt of court.

18. What is the purpose of an attendance note?

    A contemporaneous written record of a meeting, telephone call or other dealing — recording who was present, what was discussed, advice given, decisions made, time spent, and next steps; it provides an audit trail and protects against later disputes.

19. Why are attendance notes important for both the client and the solicitor?

    They evidence the advice given and instructions received (protecting against negligence/complaint claims), support accurate time recording and billing, and ensure continuity if the file passes to another fee earner.

20. State the core principle of 'plain English' in legal writing.

    Communicate clearly and accurately using everyday words, short sentences and active voice, avoiding unnecessary jargon, archaic terms and Latin, while preserving legal precision.

21. Why is precision particularly important in legal drafting, even when using plain English?

    Because the exact wording determines legal rights and obligations; ambiguity can lead to disputes, unintended interpretations or unenforceability, so each term must convey one clear, intended meaning.

22. What does the contra proferentem rule mean for a drafter of a contract?

    Ambiguous terms are construed against the party who drafted (or relies on) them, so the drafter should ensure clauses, especially exclusion clauses, are unambiguous to avoid an interpretation favouring the other party.

23. In advocacy, what is meant by a 'submission' before a court or tribunal?

    An oral or written argument made to the tribunal on a point of law, fact or procedure, inviting it to make a particular finding, order or decision, supported by evidence and authority.

See more Practical Legal Skills and Competence flashcards →

Planning Practical Legal Skills and Competence for Period of Recognised Training / Training Contract

Practical Legal Skills and Competence (Period of Recognised Training / Training Contract) FAQ