Bárbara Bada Barrena
My name is Bárbara Bada Barrena, and I was born in Madrid in 2003. I would describe myself as a happy, resilient and deeply curious person. My greatest passions are public speaking, debating and international arbitration—three fields that have shaped how I think, communicate and approach challenges.
I’ve spent much of my life training, competing and coaching others in the art of argument and persuasion. Looking ahead, I hope to create my own international project that brings these passions together to help people unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact on the world.
"Ordinary speeches are quickly forgotten; it’s your voice, authenticity and presence that make you stand out, not just the legal argument."
Q&A WITH BÁRBARA BADA BARRENA
What aspects of the IE Legal Challenge experience had the most meaningful impact on you academically and professionally?
The team I worked with—six extraordinary women—was truly inspiring. The IE Legal Challenge was also the reason why I’m now studying my master’s at IE Law School; winning it opened the door to this next chapter in my career.
Which skills or insights gained during the IE Legal Challenge do you feel will be most valuable for your future career?
Definitely the ability to move beyond the purely academic approach to law and start thinking like a real lawyer. The IE Legal Challenge taught me to stop memorizing and start reasoning, to apply the law to real situations, as it’s done in leading firms.
Was there a particular moment or task during the IE Legal Challenge that significantly shaped your understanding of law in practice?
The entire experience did. Every round, every discussion and every decision forced me to think critically and strategically, just as lawyers do in practice.
What did you learn during the IE Legal Challenge that you believe has prepared you for your future professional career?
I learned that people perform best when they do what they love and what they’re naturally good at. Recognizing and aligning strengths within a team makes everyone more effective and the group more productive.
Was there a moment during the competition that surprised you or left a lasting impression?
Yes, it was the dinner organized for all regional winners the night before the final, at IE Tower. Everyone connected instantly, and it was amazing to share ideas, laugh and make friends with so many talented people.
How would you describe the teamwork dynamic during the IE Legal Challenge? What collaborative skills were essential?
Active listening and clear task distribution were essential. Everyone brought something unique to the table, and the way we trusted each other made all the difference.
What impact do you think the IE Legal Challenge has on shaping future legal professionals?
It pushes participants to take action, to leave behind rote learning, where we just memorize information and face real-world legal reasoning. It transforms students into professionals who can think critically and argue persuasively.
What advice would you give to future participants of the IE Legal Challenge?
Whenever you speak in front of an audience—and I say this as someone deeply involved in debate and public speaking—the most important thing is to understand who you’re addressing and adapt your message to them. Ordinary speeches are quickly forgotten; it’s your voice, authenticity and presence that make you stand out, not just the legal argument.
How did participating in the IE Legal Challenge contribute to your broader perspective on legal issues or the profession as a whole?
It helped me understand that law is not just about knowing rules—it’s about interpretation, communication and human judgment. The IE Legal Challenge made the profession feel alive and dynamic.
How has your master’s experience at IE Law School been so far?
The program is truly outstanding. I love its practical approach and how it prepares us for real selection processes and professional challenges. The professors, the case-based methodology and the constant teamwork make it demanding but incredibly rewarding. I feel that during my time at IE Law School so far, I’ve learned more practical law than in all my previous years of study.
