Practical guidance for future solicitors preparing for SQE1 & SQE2
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere in education including legal exam prep but many aspiring solicitors aren’t sure how to use AI without falling into pitfalls or undermining their learning. In this article, we’ll walk through practical, ethical ways you can integrate AI tools into your SQE study plan, while keeping focus on mastery over memorisation and true understanding of legal reasoning.
1. Use AI to Clarify Concepts, Not to Replace Learning
AI tools like GPT-based assistants can be great for explaining difficult legal concepts in plain English, especially if a topic feels confusing after textbook reading or mock practice. For example, if you’re working on contract law issues or civil procedure questions, asking an AI to explain the rule in simple terms can help you check your understanding. But:
- Avoid using AI to generate full answers to practice questions before you’ve tried them yourself.
- Focus instead on AI explanations that help you understand working principles, not just produce answers.
This way, you build legal reasoning skills the core of success in both SQE1 and SQE2 rather than becoming dependent on shortcuts.
2. Draft an Answer First, Then Compare with AI Feedback
One of the most effective ways to use AI ethically in SQE prep is the “draft-then-compare” method:
- Attempt your own answer to an MCQ, legal writing task, or scenario question.
- Ask the AI to draft a model answer.
- Compare your response against the AI version.
- Identify where your reasoning differed especially in structure, issue spotting, or application of law.
By doing this, you use AI as a learning mirror, not a crutch which helps you strengthen weak areas before the real exam.
3. Ask AI for Summaries of Your Mock Test Performance
Many mock test platforms including the realistic, timed mocks offered on PrepLaw provide detailed analytics and feedback to help you improve over time.
You can combine this with AI tools by:
- Asking an AI to summarise your biggest gaps in one paragraph.
- Requesting a revision plan based on your weakest areas.
- Generating topic lists for further reading or practice.
This helps you plan your revision more strategically rather than studying randomly or by feel.
4. Use AI to Practice Under ‘Exam-Style’ Conditions
AI can simulate a study partner or examiner. For example:
- Ask it to generate realistic SQE-style questions on a specific topic (e.g., torts, criminal law, or professional conduct).
- Time yourself responding to these questions.
- Then review model answers to see how closely yours aligns.
This method mirrors the exam pressure and structure useful especially for SQE1 MCQs.
5. Ask AI for “Error Explanations,” Not Just Answers
One big risk with AI use is that many students treat its answers as unquestionably correct without learning why an option is right or wrong. Instead of asking:
“What is the correct answer?”
Try this:
“Explain why each option in this SQE style question is right or wrong.”
This forces the AI to talk through legal reasoning, which you can compare against your thought process crucial for building real exam intelligence.
6. Stay Ethical: Don’t Use AI in Ways That Harm Your Integrity
Using AI to write or sit the exam for you is obviously unethical and against exam rules. But even in study, be cautious:
✔️ Use AI as a learning aid, not a shortcut
✔️ Don’t use it to generate answers without understanding
✔️ Always cross-check with trusted legal sources textbooks, statutes, and official SRA guidance