Julie Loizeau

How has your experience at IE Law School been so far?

I’m enjoying it and learning so much. The dynamic teaching style, international environment and constant interaction with experienced professionals have made my experience incredibly enriching. I also value the sense of community. The students, teachers and overall atmosphere create an environment that excites me for what’s ahead.

You recently participated in the IE Law School Legal Challenge. What did you learn that will prepare you for your future professional career?

The IE Legal Challenge showed me how important it is to be proactive, open to different viewpoints and able to quickly synthesize information to present clear and structured arguments. It strengthened my ability to think critically about and adapt quickly to complex legal issues, which is essential when working in mergers and acquisitions. Collaborating under time pressure helped me refine my communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

How would you describe the teamwork dynamic during the Challenge? What skills did you need to collaborate effectively?

Working in teams was incredibly stimulating. We needed to communicate effectively, listen actively and maintain mutual respect for one another to ensure that everyone could best contribute. We also had to organize ourselves quickly and efficiently, divide tasks and trust each other’s judgment in order to deliver a coherent and well-structured case strategy.

Despite it being a competition, the environment was collaborative and supportive. I was pleasantly surprised by how willing everyone was to share ideas, challenge one another intellectually and push each other to do better. The inspiring atmosphere motivated me throughout the experience.

What part of the Challenge most shaped your understanding of law in practice?

There was a moment during case preparation when my team and I had to decide on a strategy while under a tight time limit. It made me realize how lawyers must make well-reasoned decisions efficiently and collaboratively, despite often having limited information and short deadlines. Overall, I got realistic insight into the fast-paced and dynamic nature of legal work.

What part of the Challenge made the biggest impact on you?

While the whole experience helped me grow academically and professionally, I really valued the opportunity to meet students from diverse backgrounds and lawyers from prestigious law firms. Engaging with people with different perspectives, experiences and ways of reasoning broadened my understanding of the profession and gave me insights into the realities of working in the field. The Challenge helped me see law as more than theory. It’s a practical tool that requires creativity, strategy and interdisciplinary thinking to properly implement. I realized that being a lawyer is more than just knowing the law. You have to understand businesses, people and the broader context in which legal decisions are made.

What impact do you think the Challenge has on shaping future legal professionals?

By exposing students to real-world scenarios early on, the Challenge fosters critical thinking, teamwork and practical skills that students may not often be exposed to in traditional academic settings. It also brings them closer to the reality of the field and encourages them to build a professional mindset from the beginning.

What advice would you give to future participants of the IE Legal Challenge?

I would encourage future participants to approach the Challenge with curiosity and an open mind. Embrace the experience, learn from others and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of this unique opportunity by asking questions and absorbing as much as possible. It’s an experience that can truly shape your vision of the profession.