By Paulette Freixas Rey
This article is written in conjunction with the IE Law Society.To become a practicing lawyer in Spain, one must complete the one-to-two year Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía, or Master’s Degree in Access to the Legal Profession. Besides the master’s degree allowing one to practice law, without it, one also cannot legally represent a client in a tribunal or offer legal advice professionally. The degree offers a significant advantage over those who do not hold it in the competitive legal job market in Spain. This article will explore multiple aspects of the Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía, such as where this legal requirement to practice law comes from, what the program entails, and what universities have the best programs.
Requirements
The Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía was established by law in Ley 34/2006, de 30 de octubre, sobre acceso a las profesiones de Abogado y Procurador de los Tribunales [about access to the legal professions and attorney of the courts]. At the end of the course, students must take a final exam to obtain the title of lawyer. This is a prerequisite for enrolling in the Colegio de Abogados [Bar Association], and only then can one practice law in Spain. This requirement was established to guarantee that practicing lawyers meet professional and ethical standards. It’s also designed to meet the educational and training standards established at the European level to practice law. Directive 2005/36/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council establishes that member states should ensure that professionals in the legal field meet their individually established requirements to practice in the legal profession. A prerequisite for enrolling in the master’s program, which is important to note, is the possession of the diploma for a Bachelor of Law. If one has completed a Bachelor of Law outside of Spain, their diploma must undergo a homologation process to the Spanish system.
Program Details
The content differs across Spanish universities, but generally, the program covers multiple different areas of law such as civil, criminal, labor, administrative, and commercial, among others. It will also require future lawyers to participate in obligatory practices/internships which allows the student to obtain real-life experience working at a law firm, a company, or other judicial institution while forming valuable connections. Additionally, students get the opportunity to develop their analytical, legal argumentation, and communication skills– both spoken and written– through legal simulations, such as mock trials or working through a case scenario. Finally, a master’s student will engage in the study of ethics and professional deontology, an ethical theory that uses rules to distinguish right from wrong, to enhance their practice of the law.
Normally, the Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía takes between nine months to a year to complete. Some universities offer a part-time rather than full-time study program, which would extend the total length of completion to two years. The mandatory practical/internship period of the program also has the option to be extended for varying amounts of time, depending on the institution.
Where Should I Get my Master’s Degree From?
El Confidencial released an evaluation of the top 15 Spanish master’s programs for future lawyers in 2023, with IE University ranking second in the country. IE also offers the Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía as a double master with Master de Asesoría en Fiscal de Empresas [Fiscal Consulting for Businesses], Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas [Legal Consulting for Businesses] (either fully in Spanish or bilingual), and Asesoría en Derecho Digital y de la Tecnología [Digital and Tech Law Consulting]. The top master’s program belonged to Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, a public university. Following both of them on the list were ESADE, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICADE Centro de Estudios Garrigues at the top five. Before choosing a university, its is best to explore all of the available options, talk to legal professionals and alumni, visit the campuses if possible, and weigh if said university best matches your personal interests and future goals.
The Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía is a critical step for anyone aspiring to practice law in Spain. Combining rigorous academic training with hands-on practical experience equips future lawyers with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive field. Choosing the right university for this program, like the aforementioned Spanish track at IE University, is equally important, as it can shape one’s career trajectory through specialized offerings, networking opportunities, and institutional reputation. Ultimately, the Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía is more than a legal requirement—it’s a gateway to professional growth and success in the legal profession.
Featured image courtesy of Tolentino Abogados
