María Baeza

Even before finishing her science-focused high school studies, María had already been admitted to an industrial engineering degree. However, after exploring other academic options and reflecting on her true interests, she decided to rethink her choice. Although she wasn't entirely sure at first, she soon realized that arts subjects felt more natural and less academically challenging. Her teachers and those around her encouraged her to follow that path, which led her to study a dual degree in law and business administration.

It was in her fourth year of college that María decided that law was her true calling. In fact, for five years, she prepared intensively for the competitive public examinations to enter the State Bar and the Diplomatic Corps. Later, when she joined an international firm, she decided to close that period and focus on professional practice. It was her tutors and more experienced lawyers who recommended that she continue her training with a program that offered solid and comprehensive preparation for entering the workforce. That’s how she chose the Doble Máster en Abogacía y Procura + Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas (LL.M.) at IE Law School.

One of the aspects that most attracted her to the program was IE University's global prestige and international character. María was clear that she was looking for a high-quality education that would successfully prepare her to face the challenges of professional practice in the corporate legal environment.

Within the master's program, María highlights the value of teamwork. In particular, she highlights the Legal Challenge, a complex, cross-disciplinary project in which she collaborated for four months with students from other programs, such as tax and technology master’s programs. This challenge required great dedication, coordination and the ability to deal with critical situations. Although it was an intense period, she acknowledges that the joint effort bore fruit—both academically and personally. For Maria, it was a unique opportunity to develop practical skills and learn how to build legal solutions in a collaborative and realistic environment.

Practical classes, as well as trial simulations, have also given her clarity about which legal specialty to pursue. Moreover, she highlights the combination of a legal and business approach as a major part of the program’s success. "The more education you have and the greater the variety, the better your ability to adapt to the different scenarios lawyers face every day," she adds.

Another of IE University’s strengths is the access it provides to the professional world through networking: "Professors are working professionals and hold senior positions in the offices many of us aspire to. Having direct communication with them allows us to understand the sector better and demonstrate our capabilities in the classroom." 

Looking ahead, María sees herself working in an international firm, and she's convinced that the master's degree is comprehensively preparing her to do just that. For anyone considering the same program, her advice is clear: "Whether you're leaving college or at a later stage in life, like I was, I recommend it. It allows you to close the loop on what you learned during your degree, and gives you the tools you need to apply the law and see what your career as a lawyer will be like."

With a career marked by effort, reflection and commitment, María Baeza represents the profile of the students we seek at IE University: professionals with purpose, adaptability and vision for the future.