Academic Competitions

An Academic Competition is an event in which law students and/or young lawyers compete against one another with the objective of preparing participants for the specialised skills, experience, and knowledge required within the legal profession. Academic Competitions primarily focus on the assessment and development of soft skills and are therefore suitable for students at all levels of higher education. 

Academic Competitions aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing law students with the opportunity to act as representatives of fictitious parties in a case, negotiate legal matters, and thereby experience aspects of the work carried out by legal practitioners across various fields of law.

These competitions contribute to the development and improvement of soft skills that are essential within different legal professions. They also strengthen participants’ ability to prepare for and conduct successful negotiations, interviews, and other forms of professional interaction within the legal field. In addition, they enhance the effective use of rhetoric and non-verbal communication, increase self-confidence and intellectual flexibility, and provide valuable networking opportunities with legal professionals.

ELSA Negotiation Competition, Client Interviewing Competition, Witness Interviewing Competition, ELSA Legal Debates and various formats of  Moot Court Competitions are just some examples of Academic Competitions that can be organised by your National/Local group. 

For more detailed information and guidance, please consult the Academic Competitions Handbook.