Introducing Professional Development
“The area of Professional Development (PD) has the primary objective of integrating
students into the professional world. PD serves as a bridge, between university life with its
educational rigour and real-world experience, as a tool fostering professional growth.
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PD offers various opportunities and projects that students can get involved in which primarily
include ELSA Traineeships (also known as STEP), Legal Tandem and Career Launch.
However, we have many other events that offer students the ability to grow professionally, so
make sure to check our socials for updates!”
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– Mikey Hopkins, VP of Professional Development
ELSA Traineeships: STEP
Student Traineeship Exchange Program​
What is STEP?
ELSA Traineeships exist as an opportunity in which students may gain work experience and
continue their legal education in the workforce. Traineeships are only available to ELSA
members, and their durations, location and remuneration vary greatly. ELSA Traineeships
can only be completed in countries in which applicants do not have a significant relationship
with. This is because the programme wishes to instigate cultural exchange and enrichment,
which is at the heart of ELSA values. Traineeships are also not only limited to law firms, but
other bodies like NGOs, Courts, the UN and the like!
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If you are interested, check out the link below to see what ELSA Traineeships are available!
Why you should apply for STEP
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ELSA Traineeships are an amazing opportunity to travel abroad while also continuing your
legal education over the break! They are a great opportunity to gain hands-on work
experience outside the classroom and they offer a real life view as to what different fields of
law contain. Furthermore, it would also look great on the CV! ELSA Traineeships are also a
chance for you to understand what office life is like and learn how to work with legal
technology and keep up with new developments in the legal field. As we all know, studying
textbooks is a lot different to practising law!
How to apply?
ELSA Traineeships are an amazing opportunity to travel abroad while also continuing your
There are two deadlines for applications to ELSA Traineeships every year.
The upcoming deadline for applications is the 3rd of May for non-ELSA members and the 8th of May 2024 for all ELSA members, and all applications can be made below.
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Be sure to keep an eye out on our socials to hear updates on when the application window
opens!
LEGAL TANDEM
What is a Legal Tandem?
Legal Tandems are an opportunity for students across different ELSA jurisdictions to
participate in an exchange of legal knowledge.
A Legal Tandem normally involves a presentation of both cultures and a networking carousel, either online or in person, and is a great way to enrich your legal knowledge!
Why participate in a Legal Tandem?
Legal Tandems are a great way in which students can learn more about comparative legal
studies in order to supplement their essays or research at honours level.
Legal Tandems are also an amazing way to meet new people from different cultures, make new friends and network!
Upcoming Legal Tandem with ELSA Leuven
We are so excited to welcome ELSA Leuven on their legal study trip to Edinburgh and are
hosting a Legal Tandem with them on the 6th of February.
The event will be a great chance to meet students from Belgium and learn more about how their legal system works in comparison to Scotland! It’s a great way to expand your network and have a little fun on the side.
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Anyone is able to join. More details are to come... keep an eye on our socials and this site!
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