Intensive Training in EU Law: Young European Lawyers Academy
In this project a series of intensive courses consisting of a webinar and an eight-day seminar will be organised in Trier (Germany), providing initial training to on EU law 35 young lawyers per group.
It will provide a platform for the exchange of best practices, information and knowledge, creating close contacts among young lawyers from different jurisdictions.
Intensive 8-Day Course and Webinar: Deep-dive into EU law and digital competencies
Apply the Law: Learn how to use EU law and digital developments to your advantage in your daily legal practice
Exclusive Access: Visit the CJEU and European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to discuss the future of law in personal meetings with the judges of the courts
The courses are practice-oriented and offer a mixture of training methods, varying from lectures to group exercises presented by EU and national legal experts, including experienced lawyers in private practice.
Participant Stories: The Impact of YELA
Insights from Our Expert Speakers
Methodology
YELA will be implemented using blended learning. Our programme combines in-person and digital learning to create a dynamic, flexible, and engaging experience for young lawyers across Europe:
Online materials: brush up on basic EU law knowledge with e-presentations, video podcasts and introductory e-learning courses to prepare for the webinar and intensive course
Webinars: raise questions regarding the video podcasts, get to know each other, and work together on a case study.
Intensive course: follow a practice-oriented course which offers a mixture of training methods, varying from lectures to interactive workshops and tutorials led by European and national legal experts. In workshops, you will learn how to apply EU law in practice with the aim of developing the key skills of a lawyer, such as analysing and summarising a case, adequate preparation for a hearing, listening skills, applying and arguing the correct legal basis, communicating clearly, and being aware of national and European legal environments.
Experienced speakers: Gain insights from legal experts who specialise in various fields and leverage their extensive experience
Visit to European institutions: Get exclusive access to the CJEU and ECtHR, meet lawyers working at the courts as well as judges and discuss with them the reality of working for international institutions and the future of European law
About the Project
The European Young Lawyers Academy (YELA) is a training opportunity of the Young European Lawyers Project (YELP). The Young European Lawyers Project (YELP) is an initiative by the Academy of European Law (ERA), CCBE, EYBA, partnering Bar associations and the European Commission designed to empower the next generation of legal professionals across Europe and bridge the gap where EU law meets digital innovation.
YELP is intended to serve as a launchpad for young lawyers to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected Europe. The project focuses on three critical areas:
Digital Mastery: Equipping lawyers with cutting-edge tech skills
EU Law Expertise: Ensuring confident and effective application of EU legislation
Advocacy Skills: Learning from peers how to convince, conduct negotiations and plead before a judge.
Why YELP Matters
YELP is a crucial initiative that addresses current gaps in the training of young legal professionals across the European Union. The project will reduce the gaps in training of young lawyers identified by the European Commission’s European judicial training strategy for 2024 by giving young lawyers “a grounding in the EU legal system and legal culture in the course of their initial training” while addressing new developments such as digitalisation and new technologies.
The academy helps the participants build their practical understanding of the role of EU law in national legal systems, the rule of law acquis and their role as European justice practitioners as well as how to address the impact of digitalisation and new technologies on the legal landscape.
Benefits for Participants
Future-Proofing Careers: The legal landscape is evolving rapidly. YELP prepares you for the digital transformation of justice systems.
Practical, Hands-On Learning: Move beyond theory with real-world exercises and case studies.
European Network: Connect with fellow young lawyers as well as experienced professionals from across the continent, building valuable professional relationships.
Creating new training material: Use the new materials for further training of lawyers in all EU Member States. The dissemination will increase self-learning opportunities and tools to indirect beneficiaries in all EU Members States and beyond.
Co-funded by the European Union