Student Traineeship Exchange Programme (STEP)

The Student Trainee Exchange Programme (STEP) makes it possible for law students and young lawyers to gain working experience abroad, both in Europe and beyond.

STEP is a trainee exchange programme that enables law students and young lawyers to gain first hand experience of the substantive and procedural law as well as the culture of another country. The traineeships range between 2 weeks and 2 years and can take place in any law related area; law firms, courts, public institutions, banks, in-house legal departments, consulting firms and international or European organisations.

Before and during the traineeship, ELSA provides assistance for the law student chosen for the traineeship with finding accommodation, applying for visas, when necessary and organising social events to involve the trainee in the daily life of the local community.

The ELSA STEP portal features in depth and detailed information on the STEP Programme here:

You can apply for a maximum of three different traineeships.

The STEP Programme is an ELSA international initiative and is managed exclusively by ELSA international and the relevant local groups who provide the opportunities. Due to the personal and varied nature of the applications ELSA Malta cannot provide a catch all one for all guide but can help you in the selection process. STEP information sessions are held closer to the application dates and if you’re interested you can contact our Vice President of STEP using the form below by sending an email to