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Pre-law

Where legal thinking begins
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duration2 weeks
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeJuly 5th-July 17th 2026
formatIn-person
For whoHigh 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

116days
:
05hours
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04minutes

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.

Your first look at the program

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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:

  • A student writes on a whiteboard while another student observes in a classroom setting.

    Week 1:

    • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Classes
    • Afternoon: Extracurricular activities.
  • A group of young professionals engaged in a meeting around a large table in a modern office.

    Week 2:

    • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Classes
    • Afternoon: Extracurricular activities.
    • Friday: Final presentations, graduation, and awards ceremony.

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.

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.

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.

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Program Structure

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

        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.
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        pre-tracks-agenda-2026-eba20b54-5d03-4419-a0dd-e5ca85137079. It will open in a new tab
        A schedule diagram for a summer program featuring different tracks.

        DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

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

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        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.

        Discover the Parents Edge Experience. It will open in a new tabDiscover the Parents Edge Experience
        Abstract for Tuition | IE

        TUITION

        2 WEEK PROGRAM
        5,900€

        THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

        1. 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.

        2. Submit your Application

        Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.


        3. Admissions Final Decision

        Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

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        START YOUR APPLICATION

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

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        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.

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        Learn more about our Bachelor Programs

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        Dual Bachelor + Laws