As the legal industry evolves, so too do the routes into qualification. While the traditional path through university and self-funded exams still exists, many aspiring solicitors are now choosing graduate law apprenticeships, blending academic study with practical, paid experience. These programmes are not only changing how legal training is delivered, but also how it’s experienced.
Alyssia Sableski, a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at DPP Law, is one of the many apprentices who believe this route offers far more than just an alternative to law school. In a recent Q&A, she shared how Datalaw’s structured and supportive approach has shaped her journey toward becoming a solicitor.
A Balanced Structure That Supports Learning
For Alyssia, the standout benefit of the apprenticeship route is the way it supports her learning alongside full-time work.
“So, with the Datalaw there’s a lot of support provided. so I like how we’re in a workshop for three days. It gives me a bit of a break from my job here so it allows me time to actually do the SQE and do the prep and I love having my one-to-one coach.”
Unlike more isolated routes, graduate law apprenticeships offer regular touchpoints, three days of workshops, to help learners focus on SQE preparation. This scheduled time away from day-to-day responsibilities gives apprentices space to learn and revise in a structured way.
Coaching That Keeps You On Track
Alongside formal teaching, apprentices receive one-to-one coaching throughout their journey. For Alyssia, this personal guidance has been critical to her progress and wellbeing.
“She is brilliant, her name is Paige, she’s amazing, she’s really supportive and we just have lovely chats, figuring out what my goals are and navigating through what I need to achieve for my SQE.”
This kind of relationship with a coach goes beyond academic guidance. It provides apprentices with someone to help set goals, reflect on progress, and maintain motivation during a rigorous and often demanding process.
A Clear Advantage Over Self-Study Routes
Alyssia also pointed out the stark contrast between her experience and that of her friends who are preparing for the SQE without the structure of an apprenticeship.
“I do have friends who are doing the SQE as well and they’re just not getting as much support so they’re drowning under all of the work and all the readings and exam questions, but they’re not having the helping hands to guide them through it.”
This comparison highlights one of the core strengths of graduate law apprenticeships: continuous, hands-on support. With workshops, coaching, and structured resources, apprentices feel guided rather than overwhelmed.
Making Learning Engaging—and Human
One of the most underrated elements of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to build a network and learn alongside others. Alyssia reflects on the community aspect of her experience during workshops.
“The most beneficial part would be the workshops. I’ve had one of my favourite workshop leaders, his name is Connor, he’s brilliant and he was really good with asking us fun questions just to get everyone talking… it adds an element of fun to it and is less stressful.”
Not only do workshops deliver SQE-focused content, but they also provide a relaxed, friendly setting where apprentices connect and collaborate.
“I’m slowly building friendships with people… you get to know people as you go along.”
These informal relationships help reduce the pressure that often comes with legal training, offering a more human and enjoyable learning experience.
Real SQE Preparation in Every Session
Graduate law apprenticeships prepare candidates not just to sit the SQE, but to succeed at it. Datalaw integrates regular mock questions into every workshop, giving apprentices the chance to practice in exam conditions.
“Every session we have about four or five lots of practice questions that we do throughout the day. And I’d like to think I’m doing quite well on them. I’m getting quite a few answers right, but then when I do get an answer wrong, they do explain it really thoroughly to us.”
This immediate feedback loop is invaluable. It allows apprentices to improve week by week, building confidence well ahead of the SQE.
Work-Study Balance That Actually Works
While juggling work and study is challenging, Alyssia feels the apprenticeship structure has made it manageable.
“I found balancing the apprenticeship and work fairly easy… my work does give me three days off to do my workshops.”
She uses her weekends to prep and revise, which helps her stay organised and fully engaged during workshop sessions.
“I go home on a Friday and I will prep all of the weekend for my workshops and do my readings and then I’m fully engaged in it, and all of my notes are ready.”
A Route Worth Recommending
Alyssia is clear in her recommendation of the apprenticeship route, praising both its structure and its effectiveness.
“I definitely recommend this apprenticeship to other aspiring solicitors. I think the way that the programme is formatted is brilliant. It really does help me navigate through the SQE quite well and smoothly.”
She acknowledges that many non-apprenticeship learners feel stressed and unprepared, whereas she feels confident and supported.
“I’m in a really comfortable position… if I didn’t have that support, I don’t think I’d be as fully rounded approaching the SQE.”
A More Supported, Practical Legal Education
Perhaps most telling is Alyssia’s view on the overall experience compared to other qualification routes.
“It’s just a full-rounded education… rather than just being handed textbooks and being like “learn this and good luck for your SQE”.”
This guidance and structure are exactly what many aspiring solicitors need, and what traditional pathways often lack.
Why Choose Datalaw’s Graduate Law Apprenticeship?
Alyssia’s apprenticeship success story is one of structure, support, and confidence. Her apprenticeship has given her not just the tools to pass the SQE, but the environment to thrive. From one-to-one coaching to regular workshops and peer connections, Datalaw’s Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship offers a learning experience that truly prepares you for the realities of practice.
If you’re looking for a supported, flexible, and practical route to solicitor qualification, this could be the path for you. Register you interest to receive further information on how to take your next step to solicitor qualification.
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