María Laura Acosta

María Laura always knew she wanted to study Law, but she was seeking a program with an innovative edge. Passionate about new technologies, she was looking to enroll on a program that would give her an insight into how the legal space is changing as new advances emerge. When she came across IE University at a university fair, she immediately felt like it was the perfect choice for her and quickly sent off her application to the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.).

It was such a positive experience and opened so many doors, that María Laura decided to continue her education at IE University. Given her interests, it comes as no surprise that she opted to steer her career towards the field of intellectual property. The Doble Máster en Abogacía y Asesoría en Derecho Digital y de la Tecnología (LL.M.) at IE Law School had a study plan which, she says, “matched up perfectly with everything I wanted to do.”

The program has been a constant challenge, giving her the opportunity to learn new things every day. “We don’t only look at matters strictly related to law, we also learn about the workings of emerging technologies,” María Laura explains. “We study startups, blockchain, artificial intelligence and data protection, among other areas.” IE Law School also prides itself on approaching law from a highly practical perspective. María Laura and her classmates often work on real-life legal cases which mirror those they will later encounter in the working world, constantly forcing them to step out of their comfort zones.

María Laura was delighted to see how the dual master’s degree has brought her into contact with a group of classmates and teachers who share her passion for technology. She highlights how, “studying with others who share your passions is a beautiful experience,” before going on to explain that beyond that common interest, her classmates on the program are vastly different. They come from different corners of the globe, bringing with them diverse points of view on law, which makes studying alongside them even more engaging and enriching.

María Laura has come to know herself extremely well after all this time at IE University. Her studies have allowed her to develop her technical and interpersonal skills and now, finally, she is excited finally to make the leap into the world of work: “I feel like I’m ready for whatever the world throws at me.”

It certainly looks as though she is well set to begin her professional career on the right foot, especially given she will start an internship with ECIJA’s Intellectual Property and Technology Department in September. She is thrilled to be able to take up an opportunity at precisely the law firm that most caught her eye and is hugely grateful for the support of the IE Talent & Careers team: “They’re always available to resolve any doubts and to give your their unconditional support in something as important as finding work.”

Although she opted to pursue her dual program due to her passion for the world of intellectual property, she recommends it to any legal professional, underlining how useful and necessary the content would be in any area of law. If she had to give one piece of advice to prospective students, it would be not simply to attend class, but to take full advantage of the various opportunities IE Law School provides. “I’d recommend they try to chat with their professors, go to the talks and other activities and even join an extracurricular club. All of these experiences will ensure they have an unforgettable year,” she says.