By Stephanie Villamor
This article is written in conjunction with the IE Law Society.*Disclaimer: This article was neither commissioned nor directed by ELSA IE and was written with the author’s freedom as an ELSA and Law Society member.
Are you ready to take your law student experience to the next level? The European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) at IE University is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help you step out of the classroom and into the global legal arena. With a dynamic mix of competitions, workshops, international trips, and networking opportunities, ELSA IE is where ambitious law students meet to learn, grow, and make a difference.
What is ELSA?
John Locke, one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment, once said, “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom.”
ELSA is no ordinary student organization. It’s the world’s largest independent network of law students and young lawyers, spanning 44 countries and connecting over 44,000 members. While organizations across the continent, like the International Association of Law Students (IALS) and the American Bar Association Law Student Division (ABA-LSD), also provide networking and learning opportunities, ELSA’s integration of cross-border legal education, human rights advocacy, and hands-on experiences like Study Visits uniquely positions it as a leader in fostering global-minded legal professionals.
But what does that mean for you? At IE University, it means being part of a competent community that’s as passionate about law and justice as you are — a community that stands as a reflection of the grounding ideals of Locke that shaped legal systems worldwide.
Why Join ELSA IE?
The ELSA IE chapter, founded in 2022 by Dane Chilton (IE ’25), brings a European institution’s incredible opportunities to your doorstep. Here’s what you can look forward to:
1. Sharpen Your Advocacy Skills Participate in the Mitchell L. McLean Trial Competition (MLMTC), Spain’s largest U.S. law-based trial event started by ELSA IE. Held at Madrid’s Perez-Llorca Law Firm, the MLMTC lets you argue cases before practicing lawyers, judges, and professors. Compete in Corporate Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law alongside peers from universities worldwide. The coming Spring 2025 International Competition is this chance for you—further details can be found on the ELSA IE website.
2. Learn from Industry Experts ELSA IE hosts workshops on cutting-edge legal topics, such as international economic crimes and preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Attend seminars and law firm visits to gain practical knowledge beyond textbooks.
3. Explore Global Legal Systems Expand your horizons with trips to iconic legal landmarks. Recent excursions include visits to EU institutions in Luxembourg, and London, in collaboration with King’s College London and New York’s most celebrated legal hubs. These experiences combine travel, networking, and career-building.
4. Publish Your Legal Research If you are passionate about writing and researching, the ELSA IE Law Review is your chance to publish notes, articles, and a thesis on cutting-edge legal issues. This prestigious publication provides a platform for students to showcase their ideas and contribute to global legal discourse. More details about this incredible opportunity can be found on the ELSA IE Law Review website.
What It Offers:
By contributing to the Law Review, you hone your legal research and writing skills and build a portfolio demonstrating your expertise to employers and academic institutions.
How to Get Involved:
Submissions are open to IE students interested in exploring unique legal perspectives. With publications from the first issue, such as restorative justice in criminal law, the EU Digital Services Act’s fight against disinformation, and insights from the Russo-Ukrainian War under the Rome Statute—these works stand as a testament that your voice can make an impact.
5. Build a Powerful Network Connect with alumni, legal professionals, and top-tier law firms through guest lectures, panels, and social events. Law is as much about who you know as what you know, and ELSA IE ensures you build lasting connections.
What’s In It for You?
Joining ELSA IE isn’t just about adding another line to your CV (though it will definitely make your CV shine!). It’s about:
- Practical Skills: Sharpen your advocacy, negotiation, and legal writing skills through real-world challenges.
- International Network and Exposure: Understand how the law works across borders and build a global perspective by accessing the international ELSA network worldwide.
- Career Opportunities: Access internships, competitions, and networking events that could kickstart your legal career.
- Lasting Friendships: Join a community of like-minded law students who share your drive and ambition.
How Can You Be Part of It?
ELSA IE Winter 2024 Applications are now open. Applying to ELSA IE is simple:
- Visit the ELSA IE Website
Check out elsaie.org ‘Admissions & Membership’ section to dive deeper into the application process and what the chapter offers. - Submit Your Membership Application
Fill out a quick online form and pay a membership fee—it’s your ticket to a world of opportunity. A selection committee will then review your application after completing the requirements. - Dive In!
Once you’re a member, the real fun begins. From competitions to social gatherings, something exciting always happens at ELSA IE.
Why Wait?
Law school can feel overwhelming, but ELSA IE turns that challenge into a thrilling adventure. ELSA is more than an honor’s society—it’s a gateway to becoming a lawyer who stands out in courtrooms, boardrooms, and beyond.
So, whether you’re dreaming of making waves in international law, working for a global NGO, or running your own firm one day, ELSA IE is the launchpad you need.
Leap and redefine what it means to be a law student at IE University.
Featured image courtesy of ELSA IE
