Clara Lavandeira
My name is Clara Lavandeira. I am originally from A Coruña in Spain but my passion for traveling and experiencing new things has led me to live in cities such as London, Geneva, Miami and Shanghai. I would describe myself as a proactive, responsible and positive person.
After studying the Dual Degree in Business Administration and Laws at IE University, I decided to continue my studies and enrolled on the Doble Máster en Abogacía Y Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas Bilingüe (LL.M.). I now work at Cuatrecasas and the international association WLW (Women in a Legal World) Young, where I’m able to apply everything I learned during my studies. In the future, I would like to be able to look back and be proud of the decisions I’ve made and of the person I’ve become.
"The international atmosphere, the continual teamworking opportunities and the prestige of the institution confirmed to me that IE University was the best option for my professional future."
Tell us about your degree before you studied the Double Master at IE University.
Why did you decide to continue your studies at IE University?
My experience as a student at IE University was extremely positive. The international atmosphere, the continual teamworking opportunities and the prestige of the institution confirmed to me that IE University was the best option for my professional future. Furthermore, it offered me the opportunity to study the Doble Máster en Acceso a la Abogacía y Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas Bilingüe once I finished my bachelor’s program, which was a great fit for my career goals.
What’s your favorite part of the program?
I have lots of favorite parts, but the three that stand out to me the most are: firstly, the educational system—which is based on the case study method, where you apply theory to help you solve hypothetical cases. Secondly, the opportunity to study a bilingual master’s program that fits perfectly with my international profile, and lastly the opportunity to learn from renowned and highly qualified professors.
Is there anything that surprised you about IE University and the program you studied?
I was surprised by how well IE University prepared me for the professional world after my studies. Thanks to the program, I learned to be a team worker and the importance of hard work and perseverance, as I had to meet with my group every afternoon to study theories and prepare practical cases together. It also helped me not to be scared to express my ideas, and to make sure I’m participating and contributing, both in class and in meetings with classmates.
Studying at IE University is a constant challenge where you’re always tested to push past your boundaries, step out of your comfort zone and, ultimately, prepare yourself for the day-to-day life of working in an office.
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing the same program?
I would recommend that they work hard and study every day. But they should also remember to enjoy the experience and all the opportunities on offer, like the lectures, the monthly courses and seminars that the university organizes, the clubs, the job fair, the friends you make and the international experience that IE University provides.
Where are you currently working?
I am a junior associate for the Department of Litigation and Arbitration at Cuatrecasas. I work on both national and international cases and I’m surrounded by great, inspirational lawyers, from whom I learn so much on a daily basis.
I’m also an ambassador for IE University and sit on the board of directors at WLW Young—an association whose objective is to raise awareness of female talent in the legal world.
