Professional Development

Professional Development (PD) is the Key Area of ELSA that aims to support law students and young lawyers in developing and improving the necessary skills to access the professional world by means of continuous education for individuals in regard to their future career and the skills needed therefore.

Previously, Professional Development was known as the area of the Student Trainee Exchange Programme (STEP). In line with ELSA’s Strategic Goals concerning the Board Reform, the International Council of ELSA decided to introduce a more coherent organisational structure. Consequently, since April 2021, the area of Professional Development has encompassed both all activities related to STEP and the Professional Development section formerly belonging to the Academic Activities (AA) area. 

The distinction between AA and PD lies primarily in their respective objectives. Projects organised within Academic Activities aim to contribute to the legal education of law students, whereas Professional Development projects are intended to assist students in developing and enhancing the practical skills necessary for entering the professional world. Accordingly, Academic Activities focus primarily on education, while Professional Development places greater emphasis on practical skills and professional preparation. 

For further information, please feel free to take a look into the PD section on the Officers' Portal, but especially also into the Professional Development Handbook.