Foreign Affairs
The Foreign Affairs Department oversees CULS's annual exchange programme with a partner European law society, offering members the opportunity to explore legal education, legal practice, and student life in another jurisdiction. Each year, CULS visits the partner university in early December following Michaelmas Term, before welcoming the visiting delegation to Cambridge in early March.
The exchange combines academic, professional, and cultural experiences, providing participants with valuable insight into comparative legal systems while fostering lasting international connections. The programme typically includes visits to courts and law faculties, academic lectures, networking opportunities with legal practitioners, and a varied social itinerary showcasing the host city's culture and traditions.
Past exchanges have taken members to institutions including national supreme courts and leading European law schools. During the 2025–26 exchange to Madrid, participants took part in a negotiation competition, attended a discussion with a judge of the European Court of Human Rights at ELSA IE, and visited international law firms to gain first-hand insight into cross-border legal practice. When our partner society visits Cambridge, we offer a similarly engaging programme, introducing students to legal education and student life at the University while providing opportunities to engage with the wider CULS community, including events such as the CULS Pro Bono Awards.
A defining feature of the programme is the opportunity to stay with local students. Living alongside fellow law students provides a unique perspective on university life and legal education that extends far beyond a traditional study visit, while creating friendships and professional connections that often continue long after the exchange has ended.
The exchange is open to both law and non-law students from all years of study who have a genuine interest in the law. It is particularly valuable for members considering a year abroad or an international legal career, while also offering an excellent opportunity to meet CULS members from different colleges, courses, and year groups.
Applications open during Michaelmas Term and consist of a short written application followed by an interview. To ensure that as many members as possible have the opportunity to participate, students may take part in the exchange once during their degree. The programme offers a rare opportunity to experience how law is studied and practised beyond England and Wales while representing CULS internationally, and we look forward to receiving your application.
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Non-Law
The Non-Law Department supports Cambridge students from all academic backgrounds who are interested in exploring a career in law. We recognise that entering the legal profession as a non-law student can sometimes feel confusing or inaccessible, particularly when navigating unfamiliar application processes or legal terminology. Our aim is to make the journey clearer and more accessible for the community.
Throughout the year, the department organises events and initiatives tailored to the needs of non-law students. These may include careers sessions, application workshops, alumni panels, networking opportunities, collaborations with other university societies, and presentations introducing different routes into the legal profession. Through the biweekly Non-Law Newsletter, our department shares regular updates on relevant opportunities, deadlines, as well as practical advice.
We work closely with law firms, legal professionals, alumni, and other CULS departments to help students build commercial awareness so you can approach applications with greater confidence. We also aim to highlight the value of a non-law academic background and the transferable skills that students from other disciplines can bring to the profession. A central part of our mission is also to strengthen the non-law community within CULS. From fun social events to mentoring schemes with older students and alumni who have successfully transitioned into law, we hope to create a supportive network for non-law students to thrive in.
Whether you are already preparing applications or are simply curious about the profession, CULS's Non-Law Department is here to help you take your next steps, and recognise how your academic background can become one of your greatest strengths in law.