Student Law Societies

Leicester University Law Society

The largest society is the Leicester University Law Society and a key part throughout your journey at Leicester. Members of the Law Society contribute to our “Leicester Law Applicants” facebook page, answering questions about life as a Law student. They form part of the Undergraduate Student Staff committee that helps shape our courses. They organise an orientation day on arrival to publicise activities.

• Social events to meet other students, guides around the city, nights out, sports days, annual Law Ball, and trips to various sports teams.
• Competitions arranged with the Law School; debating, mooting, negotiating and client interviewing.
• Careers, benefit from the annual Law fair with representatives from over 50 law companies. You will also meet representatives from law firms (including ‘magic circle’ companies) at cocktail evenings and coffee sessions.
• Trips where you will discover more about becoming a professional lawyer to venues such as Lincoln’s Inn and the College of Law Open.
• Guest speakers from members of the legal community talking discussing their career as a QC, solicitors or barrister, and academic presenting their research interests. Scheduled for the 2011-12 session is Edward Garnier, QC and MP, and the current Solicitor General for England and Wales.

European Law Students Association (ELSA)

ELSA is the world's largest independent law students association and is represented at nearly 200 law faculties across Europe. With membership in excess of 30,000 students and young lawyers across Europe, the Leicester branch is positioned as one of the largest in the UK.
ELSA offers:

• Personal development opportunities to improve and acquire skills at their moot competition and debate events.
• Meet fellow students and legal professionals from across Europe including a Europe-wide “Student Trainee Exchange Programme” for students to gain work experience abroad.
• Social events
• Lectures, workshops, conferences and study visits. This year there will be a series of lectures  focusing on the legal system in a different European country. Each ELSA event leads to an official certificate.

Canadian Law Society

The Canadian Law Society at the University of Leicester (CLS) is the representative body for Canadian law students at the University of Leicester, providing a wide range of social, educational and career-oriented programs and events for both Canadian and non-Canadian students.

• Careers events aimed at those planning on working in Canada post-graduation, with advice and guidance on accreditation and starting your career.
• Social events include evenings occasions, trips to Parliament and the Supreme Court in London, charity fund-raising and a variety of social parties. For home-sick Canadians, there is a Thanksgiving meal in October and a trip to the local ice rink!
• Guest speakers have included Canadian lawyer Jack Lavers, Dr. Chris Waters (academic in international law) and the Honourable Robert Hyslop, a Provincial Court judge from Newfoundland.

Other societies

There are many other societies and sports clubs to interest everyone at the University of Leicester.

• Aassociations such as “RAG” which is a fundraising group and “Contact” to enable students to take part in voluntary activities.
• Faith based societies , such as the Christian Union or the Hindu Society.
• Performance societies; Cheerleading, Modern Dance, Theatre or Public Speaking societies.
• Media interests with the LUSH radio station, student newspaper (the Ripple) and television station (LUST).
• National societies representing particular countries such as the Hellenic-Cypriot, Singapore, Poland and Hong Kong societies, as well as ISA (International Students Association) which supports all international students as well as home students planning a year abroad.
• Campaigning societies to make a difference. We have societies representing Amnesty International, the United Nations and Socialist Students.
• Hobbies and Interests. Nearly 50 such groups covering interests from Chess, Film and Photography, to Baking, Classical music and Poker.
• Sports clubs including traditional sports such as football, hockey, running and rugby, and less common sports such as dodgeball, ski and snowboard, kayaking and surfing!

Previous experience is not usually needed so this is a great opportunity to try something new! In addition to making friends, pursuing a hobby, developing a skill or keeping fit, involvement in running a society can be a great CV enhancer! You can find out much more on the Leicester Student’s Union website.