The European Legal Training Centre (ELTC), founded by Androulla Poutziouris, was established to address the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. ELTC aims to redefine how legal professionals are trained by emphasizing hands-on skills and real-world scenarios while offering programs that resonate deeply with the needs of the Cypriot and European legal communities.

In our interview with Androulla, she shared the journey that led her to establish ELTC, describing how her experiences in academia and law revealed a significant need for practical legal training in Cyprus. She spoke candidly about the challenges of bootstrapping the center during the pandemic, her unwavering commitment to open access to knowledge, and her vision for empowering legal professionals with the skills to excel. Androulla also highlighted how ELTC is shaping the future of legal education by prioritizing innovation, accessibility, and lifelong learning.

I grew up and was educated in the UK, and after moving to Cyprus, I had the opportunity to work at several universities and even be part of a registered teaching center for the University of London here in Cyprus. It was during this time that I noticed a significant gap in the market—there was no training center dedicated solely to legal training. While there were numerous training centers offering various professional courses, none focused specifically on law or implemented the kind of methodologies that are essential for practical legal training. Most offerings were heavy on theoretical or academic knowledge, but what was missing was hands-on, practical training tailored for lawyers and legal professionals.

This realization is where the foundation of ELTC was born, along with our core mottos: Lawyers training lawyers and We show you how. We set out to create something different—training that truly bridges the gap between theory and practice and equips legal professionals with the tools they need to excel in the real world.

One of my proudest achievements is that we didn’t just fill a gap—we created a new market. We’ve opened up opportunities for lawyers to train other lawyers and professionals in legal concepts. ELTC trainers are our partners and the backbone of our success. Together, we’ve built a network that not only empowers legal professionals but also strengthens the profession as a whole. It’s this collaborative spirit and shared vision that continue to drive ELTC forward.

Bootstrapping ELTC wasn’t easy—it came with its fair share of challenges, but we tackled them head-on. I started the business with a sum of money that barely covered the company incorporation fees, and built it from the ground up during the Covid-19 crisis. Looking back, I sometimes wonder, how did we manage to pull this off? The answer lies in sheer perseverance, meticulous cash flow management, and a team that has been nothing short of incredible.

Our small but efficient team has been the backbone of this journey. Everyone has worn multiple hats, taking on different roles as needed, and their dedication has been pivotal - Together, we’ve created something truly magical, step by step.

By deeply understanding the industry—because we’re part of it ourselves—we knew what legal professionals wanted and consistently delivered. This customer-first approach, combined with our commitment to kindness, has resonated with our audience and driven organic growth.

We’ve never wavered on quality, even when resources were tight. Our knowledge of the field, our commitment to excellence, and our core belief in kindness and helpfulness have been the foundation of our success. This unwavering focus on delivering practical, relevant training has set us apart and continues to drive everything we do.

Practical, hands-on training prepares legal professionals to handle real-world scenarios effectively. While traditional academic methods focus on theoretical knowledge, our approach bridges the gap between theory and practice. Participants gain skills they can immediately apply in their work, such as drafting legal documents, strategic planning, and navigating regulatory frameworks. This approach not only enhances their confidence but also equips them to deliver tangible value to their clients and firms, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

For so long in Cyprus, templates, specimens and know-how were kept behind lock and key – gate-keeping was the modus operendi. I believe that open access to practical knowledge is essential for empowering professionals and fostering a more equitable legal industry.

I believe that sharing knowledge helps elevate the entire profession and ensures that even smaller firms or independent practitioners can thrive. To implement this, we offer affordable training options, templates and specimens of legal documents and forms. We show participants in our seminars how, the tips and tricks and practical advice for handling cases or projects, leveraging the experience of the expert trainer.

There is a growing recognition that traditional theoretical legal education must be complemented with practical, hands-on training – something I believe we at ELTC have pushed forward and will continue to do so in the future. Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can apply legal knowledge in real-world scenarios from day one. The legal field is dynamic, with laws and regulations continually evolving. This reality underscores the importance of lifelong learning and ongoing professional development to ensure legal practitioners remain current and compliant. Increasingly complex regulatory environments require legal professionals to stay updated on compliance issues, making specialized training in this area essential.

Our overarching mission at ELTC is to empower the next generation of legal professionals by creating a culture of excellence, innovation, and accessibility in legal training. We strive to ensure that every participant leaves our programs with skills they can immediately put to use.

At the heart of this mission is our belief in building a more connected and collaborative legal community. We aim to equip legal professionals not only with technical expertise but also with the confidence and adaptability to navigate the complexities of modern legal practice. By fostering partnerships with experienced practitioners who train others, we emphasize peer-to-peer learning that resonates with professionals at every stage of their career.

Our focus is on creating lasting value—whether through tailored training programs, innovative teaching methods, or providing opportunities for lawyers to grow professionally and contribute back to the field. Ultimately, we envision a future where ELTC continues to be a leader in shaping competent, forward-thinking legal professionals who are ready to face the challenges of our industry.

ELTC aims to expand beyond the borders of Cyprus, sharing our unique training methodology and practical, hands-on approach with legal professionals across Europe and beyond. As a Cyprus-born training center, we take great pride in representing the Cypriot legal profession and showcasing what we can achieve on an international stage. We aim to position ELTC as something the Cypriot legal community can be proud of—a center of excellence that delivers impactful, industry-leading training.

To achieve this, we are committed to integrating technological advancements into our training sessions and investing heavily in innovative tools and methodologies. By staying ahead of emerging trends, we strive to ensure that our courses remain relevant and cutting-edge, equipping the next generation of legal professionals with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. Our focus on quality and innovation continues to drive us as we work to empower legal practitioners and create meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

What: European Legal Training Centre

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Who: As the Founder, Director, and Lecturer at the European Legal Training Centre, Androulla Poutziouris is deeply passionate about delivering high-quality legal education and training to law students, legal professionals, and the public. Her journey in law began with a double LLB in English and French Law, followed by an LLM in International Legal Practice, which laid the foundation for her career as an Advocate and Member of the Cyprus Bar Association. Over the years, she has built the European Legal Training Centre from the ground up, transforming it into a successful, bootstrapped business that now serves as a leading provider of legal education. This journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, as she has seen the courses empower countless individuals to advance their legal careers. With over 15 years of both academic and practical legal experience, she has had the privilege of teaching the LLB Law Degree for various UK universities and working as a lawyer in prominent law firms. Her teaching experience extends to being an accredited lecturer for the National Association of Licensed Paralegals and serving as a mentor for University of London LLB Law students. Additionally, she is recognized as a legal expert by the Human Resource and Development Agency in Cyprus. She has provided training seminars to a number of professional associations and companies, training both in-house and in multi-company courses. She oversees and develops all courses at ELTC, ensuring their quality and usefulness for professionals. Being bilingual in Greek and English, with working proficiency in French, has allowed her to connect with a diverse range of students and professionals. Her mission is to empower the next generation of legal professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to excel in the legal industry.