This article is written in conjunction with the IE Law Society.By Stephanie Villamor
Nestled within the academic rigors of IE lies a gem of experiential learning—the IE Legal Clinic. Established in 2014, this innovative initiative transforms legal education by immersing undergraduate and postgraduate students in real-world legal practice. Directed by Professor Sonsoles Arias in Segovia and Professor Sara Sánchez in Madrid, the clinic offers invaluable opportunities for students to provide pro bono legal services to NGOs and startups, and receive essential legal training from experts in the field.
A Bridge to Professionalism
The IE Legal Clinic is a lab provided specifically for students of the IE Law School (i.e., LLB, PPLE, PPLE-DBA, LLB-BIR, BBA-LLB, LLM). At its core, the Legal Clinic bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with hands-on experience in legal research, writing, and advisory roles. Expanding beyond classroom learning, the lab allows students to engage directly with international and national NGOs, startups, and social entrepreneurs. This direct interaction not only enriches their understanding of legal principles and current laws, but also cultivates skills in client relations and project management.
Diverse and Impactful Projects
Each academic year sees a diverse array of projects undertaken by students under the guidance of experienced supervisors in the lab. From data protection assessments for tech startups like ‘Wikimove’ in Germany, to comparative consumer law analyses for ‘IUS OMNIBUS’ in Portugal, and the ‘Observatory of War and Peace’ – the clinic’s projects span various legal domains and jurisdictions. This diversity not only challenges students intellectually but also broadens their cultural and legal horizons, all while fostering meaningful relationships with fellow peers of the clinic.
As a student of the Legal Clinic, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to one such project. As part of the ‘Observatory of War and Peace’ group, I worked on drafting a legal analysis report on the South China Sea dispute, working alongside a former United Nations official with 30 years of experience in the UN. In drafting my legal report, I explored different international legal frameworks and territorial claims of seven national jurisdictions – providing me with crucial international law concepts that I have yet to learn in class. The project pushed me, and the rest of the members of my group, to apply both legal research and critical thinking skills, and to balance historical facts and current geopolitical dynamics.
Additionally, the Legal Clinic also collaborates with the Start-Up Lab on a different project, where we create legal memorandums for new businesses. I was assigned to a different team, with a start-up business called Protea, created by fellow IE students. This involved advising the startup on regulatory compliance and intellectual property issues. These hands-on experiences, guided by seasoned supervisors and lawyers, not only deepened my understanding of practical law but also prepared me for future challenges in my legal career.
Structured Learning Journey
The IE Legal Clinic’s structure has been meticulously designed to maximize learning and impact. Students undergo extensive training sessions by esteemed law firms, such as Perez-Llorca, Ashurst, and Latham & Watkins, wherein they are trained with essential legal skills such as legal writing, research methodologies, and contract drafting. I personally attended training sessions at Perez-Llorca in Madrid, which introduced me to advanced legal research techniques and client communication skills—skills that have been indispensable in both my Legal Clinic projects and in the classroom.
These sessions are complemented by specific project-focused workshops and regular follow-up meetings, ensuring that students receive continuous guidance and feedback throughout their engagement. This systematic approach to learning, rooted in real-world application, ensures that students are always prepared to deliver high-quality legal advice.
Future Prospects and Professional Development
Participation in the IE Legal Clinic not only enhances students’ academic transcripts but also prepares them for future legal careers. The Legal Clinic is a great asset in a law student’s CV, which helps secure internships in one’s desired field. The skills gained—critical analysis, teamwork, ethical decision-making—are invaluable advantages in the evolving competitive legal landscape. Alumni of the clinic often highlight their experience as highly relevant, providing a solid foundation for their professional journeys – statements that I can attest to. My own experience with the clinic has not only broadened my legal knowledge but also equipped me with the confidence to tackle complex legal issues in real-world settings.
In essence, the IE Legal Clinic stands as a beacon of experiential learning at IE Law School, where students translate classroom knowledge into tangible impact. For those eager to explore the intersection of law and social impact, the IE Legal Clinic offers not just a learning opportunity, but a transformative journey towards becoming conscientious legal professionals.
Featured image courtesy of Stephanie Villamor
