Belén Tomé

Belén Tomé discovered her calling for the legal world long before beginning her university studies. Starting in her early school days, she was driven by the need to understand and solve the problems she saw around her. This interest became the driving force that led her to pursue a law degree and, later, to choose the Doble Máster en Acceso a la Abogacía y Procura + Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas (LLM.) at IE University.

For Belén, there were two key factors that guided her decision to continue her studies here. Firstly, the university's reputation and the recommendations from alumni. And secondly, the quality of the faculty and the academic rigor of the program. "The faculty and the case study method were determining factors in my choice," she acknowledges.

Once immersed in the experience, she saw firsthand that the program is designed to add value. The combination of core subjects, the practical methodology and the structure of the capstone project make learning continuous and applicable to real-world settings. Belén highlights the particularly useful role of some professors bringing in real-life cases from their own offices as practical exercises. This has turned classes into simulations, where students propose solutions and compare them with the actual strategies applied by the professionals themselves.

For Belén, the Legal Challenge has been one of the most enriching experiences of the program. Over a four-month period, she and her team assumed roles similar to those in a real firm, and faced complex challenges that required strategy, communication and the ability to work under pressure. "This process not only required us to develop an effective collaborative work methodology, but also allowed us to build strong personal connections," she explains. 

Belén also noted that the program's business focus has proven to be another differentiating factor. Complementing her legal training with newly acquired business consulting skills has been very enriching. She now better understands the logic behind many corporate transactions, and can analyze legal decisions from a business perspective. The Legal Challenge also gave Belén new insights into academic growth: "It was the first time I've had the opportunity to participate in an operation of such magnitude, with a level of complexity and detail I'd never experienced before in my academic training."

Additionally, the program has provided her with key opportunities to connect with other students and professionals. Job fairs and networking events have served as ideal opportunities to meet industry professionals and strengthen ties with fellow master's students.

Looking ahead, Belén sees herself practicing law in a national law firm, preferably in Madrid, where she can continue to grow in a demanding environment, surrounded by committed professionals. El Doble Máster en Acceso a la Abogacía y Asesoramiento Jurídico de Empresas (LL.M.) has been essential in her developmental process. "I've learned to organize myself better, manage priorities under pressure and maintain high expectations of the standard of assignments I turn in," she explains.

When asked to give advice to those interested in the dual master’s, Belén recommends completing an internship at a firm before starting. She also would tell hopeful applicants to be prepared for a year of intense personal and professional growth. "If your goal is to mature as a person and as a professional, this is the master's for you," she concludes.