What is ELSA?

Hello, my name is Josie and, since 2009 when I began my law degree, I’ve been aspiring towards a career in law, dealing with a world of applications, tests and interviews in my quest to become a member of the legal profession. I'm now doing my LPC before I start my training contract in September.

I'm guessing that you’re also a future solicitor or barrister faced with the same challenges to make yourself stand out in today’s competitive job market. Well, you’re in luck because I'm going to tell you about an organisation that is probably going to change your life, but first let me ask you a few questions:

• Do you want to improve your career prospects and employability skills?
• Do you want to bridge the gap between your studies and future career?
• Do you want the opportunity to attend a variety of events in the United Kingdom and around the world?
• Are you a law student or young lawyer who wants to do all of the above and make friends and business connections around the world?

If you answered yes to one of those questions (which I’m pretty sure you did), you should definitely keep reading, because I’m going to tell you more about ELSA.

What is ELSA?

With over 38,000 members across 42 countries, The European Law Students' Association (ELSA) is the world's largest independent, non-political, not-for-profit organisation for law students and young lawyers.

What's that I hear you say? "You don't want to practice European Law?" Well, don't worry. ELSA UK is a society for law students studying or young lawyers practicing in Europe (so as a UK law student or young lawyer you qualify automatically).

How can ELSA help me?

ELSA UK offers unique opportunities to enhance and compliment your studies/practice and interest in law. Through the three key areas of ELSA, academic activities, seminars and conferences, and the Student Trainee Exchange Programme (STEP), you will be able to add to your employability skills and CV and, most importantly, gain practical experiences that will help to bridge the gap between your studies and legal practice, preparing you for your future career.

Through internships abroad, mooting competitions, international study visits, summer law schools in exciting new locations, seminars, conferences, careers events and many more opportunities, you, as a young lawyer, will improve your international mindset and professional skills. You will learn from and work with individuals from different countries and backgrounds in line with the ELSA vision; "A just world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity". Like yourselves, these are the lawyers of tomorrow and, through ELSA UK, you will have the chance to network and become friends with them before you are in practice. I mean, picture the scene: you’re a trainee at a law firm and a senior partner has a client with a problem connected to German law. You happen to be friends with somebody you met from ELSA Germany at an ELSA event who is now working in a law firm in Germany. That’s one happy, impressed partner and one positive reference for you.

On a personal level, ELSA has enriched my life in a number of ways. From organising and participating in small events at my university, to taking 25 people to Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg, or from presenting to a small number of people to vice-chairing workshops at International Council meetings. Every experience has improved my skills in leadership, presenting, organisation and teamwork, all of which are invaluable in today’s competitive job market and economic climate. However, ELSA is much more than just that; it is your opportunity to do something different, to stand out. To make friends and professional contacts from all around the world, to visit places and make some truly unforgettable memories.

I am confident that you will benefit from ELSA, as I have and as our 38,000 members from around the world have. I look forward to meeting, working with and becoming friends with you.

How can I join ELSA?

I'm sure that by now you are completely convinced that you need to become part of the wonder that is ELSA. Well, luckily for you, you can! There is not one, but two ways to become an ELSA UK member! You can set up an ELSA UK local group at your university or you can become an individual member of ELSA UK. To find out more about how to improve yourself, your career prospects and how to open up a whole world of opportunities, click here to join the largest independent law students’ association in the world and start your ELSA journey today!

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Josie Beal is the president of ELSA UK.