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Pre-law

Where legal thinking begins
duration
language
location
intake
format
For who
2 weeks
English
Madrid
July 5th-July 17th 2026 *Applications closed – no spots available
In-person
High school students graduating in 2026 or 2027

Your First Step into Law

The Pre-Law Summer Program is a dynamic two-week introduction to what it means to study a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at university level. It introduces high school students to the power of law as a problem-solving tool and offers a first-hand experience of legal education in action.

Over two immersive weeks, participants explore how legal systems shape societies and how laws can address real-world challenges. Through a combination of interactive lectures, debates, and project-based learning, students experience the analytical, ethical, and creative dimensions of legal thinking. The program culminates in a final presentation to IE Law School faculty, where students propose innovative legal or policy solutions to contemporary issues. 

Whether you are thinking about a future in justice, international relations or corporate law, this program is your opportunity to take the first step.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Days to start your best summer

24days
:
07hours
:
15minutes

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is designed for..

    …you are a curious, motivated student interested in law and policymaking, eager to explore the fundamentals of the field, gain first hand insight into what studying an LL.B. involves and decide if this is the right academic path before university.

  • Participant profile

    You are a high school student graduating in 2026 or 2027 and under 18 at the start of the program, considering a future in law and looking for an early taste of what studying an LL.B. is like through interactive and practical activities.

Focus Areas

Throughout the two-week program, students will explore key areas of the legal field that reflect the multidisciplinary and global nature of modern law.

  • 01.

    Foundations of Law

    Understand the fundamental principles of law and why legal systems matter in shaping societies. Explore how rules, rights, and institutions create order, resolve conflict, and define justice.

  • 02.

    1. Comparative Legal Systems

    Examine the world’s major legal traditions — civil law, common law, and international law — and learn how different systems approach governance, rights, and reform.

  • 03.

    1. Law and Global Challenges

    Analyze how law interacts with global issues such as sustainability, technology, and international cooperation. Discover how legal frameworks adapt to an interconnected world.

  • 04.

    1. Social Media and the Law

    This year’s theme focuses on the relationship between digital platforms and legal regulation. Students will explore data privacy, youth protection, and disinformation through real-world debates and case studies.

Study Plan

Program Structure

What You're going to do
2 Weeks
Week 1
    Week 2
      Final Project
        What You're going to do
        2 Weeks

        Your first look at the program

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        Unique Value

        A hands-on, university-level experience guided by IE Law School faculty, combining academic rigor with real-world legal challenges.

        Learning Outcome

        Develop the mindset and foundational skills of a future law student — able to think critically, argue persuasively, and use law as a tool for meaningful change.

        Course Overview  

        Typical Day in the Pre-Law program

        Your daily schedule is crafted to keep you challenged and engaged, with a mix of activities that encourage hands-on learning and critical reflection. After class, you’ll also enjoy extracurricular activities in the afternoon, designed to help you connect with other students, discover the city, and make the most of your summer experience.

        This is what a typical day in the Pre- Law Summer program looks like:

        Week 1:

        • Morning: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Classes
        • Afternoon: Extracurricular activities
        A group of students attentively working on laptops in a classroom setting.

        Week 2

        Monday to Thursday:

        • Morning: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Classes.
        • Afternoon: Extracurricular activities.
        • Friday: Final presentations, graduation, and awards ceremony.
        A group of students collaborating on a project at a table with a laptop and notes.
        A simple blue calendar icon inside a circular outline.

        Discover the summer calendar

        Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.

        Our Faculty

        OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

        Antonios Kouroutakis - Professor at IE Law School

        • Oxford DPhil and UCLA LL.M.; expert in constitutional design, public law and tech regulation.
        • Widely published author; book on sunset clauses cited in UK House of Commons debates.
        • International teaching and research across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
        • IE Associate Professor teaching Constitutional Law and New Technologies; quoted in The Washington Post.

        Student Experience

        A dedicated experience for parents

        IE also offers the Parent Edge Experience, an optional program designed to help parents gain insight into the university journey and better support students during this transition.

        Admissions

        Our admissions process is simple and designed to understand your motivation and goals. Apply online and receive a decision within approximately two weeks.
        We recommend applying early, as places are limited.

        Abstract for Tuition | IE

        TUITION

        2 WEEK PROGRAM
        5,900€

        THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

        1
        Online Application
        2
        Submit your Application
        3
        Admissions Final Decision

        Online Application

        You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:

        1. Academic transcripts.
        2. CV (cv template).
        3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

        *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

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        START YOUR APPLICATION

        Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

        From Summer to Your Future at IE: Explore your path toward a Bachelor of laws

        Build on your Pre-law experience and take the next step with our Bachelor of Laws or a Dual Degree.

        Pre-Law Intake 2026

        • 1st EDITION

          5th July - 17th July