The European Law Students' Association (ELSA International) is an international, independent, non-political, non-profit, non-governmental organisation run by and for law students.

ELSA is organized into local member groups active at university level (Local Group), national member groups active on a national level (National Group), and ELSA International active on an international level.

Today, ELSA has 43 National Groups, each with the purpose of spreading ELSA’s vision: “A just world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity”.

ELSA Portugal is one of these National Groups and consists of 12 Local Groups, with over 1,500 members nationwide. Each Local Group is independently organised at its university and registered with its own Local Board, responsible for managing ELSA at a local level as well as promoting multiple events within ELSA’s scope and vision.

ELSA Portugal’s Board consists of 9 members:

-          President: responsible for board management, external relations, expansion and strategic planning;

-          Secretary General: responsible for internal management;

-          Treasurer: responsible for financial management;

-          Vice-President in charge of Human Resources: responsible for human resources management;

-          Vice-President in charge of Marketing: responsible for marketing and the brand image;

-          Vice-President in charge of Academic Activities: responsible for activities related to legal writing, human rights and practical training of students;

-          Vice-President in charge of Competitions: responsible for the organisation of various competitive events;

-          Vice-President in charge of Professional Development: responsible for the internship programmes and the professional training of students;

-          Vice-President in charge of Seminars & Conferences: responsible for the organisation of theoretical training events within the multiple fields of Law.

Overall, ELSA Portugal organises projects, online and throughout the country, with multiple formats such as International Webinars, Legal Clinics, Legal Debates, Essay Competitions, Seminars, Marketing Campaigns, Moot Court Competitions, Internship Programmes, Legal Courses, Law Schools and all in between!

ELSA Portugal hopes to inspire the Portuguese Network to continue making a positive change and engaging in ELSA’s vision and goals.