Methods of assessment
Mock File (also referred to as a Take Home Assessment)
The Mock File, or THA, requires candidates to undertake tasks relevant to practice, such as written advice to clients and/or document drafting. Candidates are required to return the work within a specified period of time. In some areas of Accreditation, candidates are given a choice of elective sub-specialities for the Mock File.
Written Examination (either open book or closed book)
A Written Examination is generally 3 hours in length with additional reading time. Exams can be either open book or closed book, depending upon the area of law. The examination generally focuses on the application of legal knowledge.
Peer Interview
A Peer Interview is conducted by a panel of assessors with expertise in the relevant area of law (usually a committee member relevant to the area of law). Questions regarding legal practice and/or the candidate’s assessment work submitted are asked (if appropriate). The interview is recorded for assessment purposes.
Simulated Interview
A Simulated Interview requires candidates to conduct an interview with an individual acting in the role of the client. The interview is time limited and recorded for assessment purposes. This exercise is intended to assess the skills and knowledge as indicated in the performance criteria and relevant Assessment Requirements.
Mock Hearing
A Mock Hearing requires candidates to display their advocacy skills and requires the candidate to conduct a matter in a mock court before a Magistrate and a panel of assessors. Materials for the mock hearing are released to candidates two week prior to the hearing date.
Briefing
A Briefing is carried out by one or more assessors with expertise in the relevant area of law. Candidates are required to study a file which they will then present to the panel, indicating their opinion of the case, setting out the main issues and their strategies for dealing with them.
Assessment requirements by area of law
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A Written Examination; and
• A Simulated Client Conference
View the 2025 Assessment Requirements
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Take Home assessment;
• A Simulated Interview; and
• A Mock Hearing.
View the 2023 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A Written Examination; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2025 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• Take Home assessment;
• A Mock Hearing; and
• A Briefing
View the 2025 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A take home assessment;
• A Written Examination; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2024 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Written Exam;
• A Peer interview; and
• A Simulated Interview
View the 2024 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A Written Examination; and
• A Simulated Interview
View the 2025 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A written exam; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2024 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A Written Exam; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2024 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Take Home assessment;
• A Mock File; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2024 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A Written Examination; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2025 Assessment Requirements document
• A Take home advice;
• Take home exam;
• Candidate resume; and
• A Peer Interview
View the 2024 Assessment Requirements document
There are three components to the assessment program:
• A Mock File;
• A Written examination; and
• A Simulated interview
View the 2025 Assessment Requirements document