María Luiza Lins

Prior to her arrival in Spain, María Luiza had already established herself as a corporate lawyer in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Working closely with a corporate partner at a law firm, she developed her skills in the oil and gas sectors, tackling a variety of corporate issues.

Looking to continue her educational journey in a country where both the weather and the people were warm and welcoming, María chose Spain. She makes no secret of the fact that the weather has an important influence on her mood, so for her, this was a key factor in her final decision. Initially faced with the choice between Barcelona and Madrid, since both cities are highly cosmopolitan—another important factor for her- she ultimately chose the capital due to the number of leading companies headquartered in the city and promising post-graduation job opportunities. 

María was particularly attracted to IE University due to the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program's international scope and the exceptional caliber of its faculty. Her research revealed that IE Law School's faculty were not only experienced and highly regarded in their fields but also that the program's innovative delivery stood out. The program takes a comparative approach to international law and the practice of the profession in different jurisdictions. Students gain a global legal vision, the opportunity to collaborate with top companies and law firms, exposure to diverse worldviews and the choice of an additional elective specialization, making this a truly unique offering.

But María also brings up another element of the IE University ecosystem that is as important to her as the outstanding academic offering. The balance between her professional and personal life also impacted her choice. She values the institution's commitment to the well-being of its community, participating in the IE Center for Health & Well-being and engaging in numerous workshops and extracurricular activities. All of these elements, which combine to make her a better professional, as she puts it, appealed to her immediately when she looked into her options for programs.

Another aspect María has found available to her at IE University that may not be possible elsewhere are experiences such as the Legal Immersion Experience. In fact, she was in London when we caught up with her, getting firsthand insight into how the legal profession deals with global issues such as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and building her global network of contacts. María intends to take full advantage of this and other immersive experiences available to her at IE University.

When asked for advice for prospective Master of Laws students, María emphasizes the importance of thorough research and ensuring alignment with personal values. She highlights the diverse perspectives and opinions at IE University as a valuable aspect of her education. She advocates for open-mindedness in students choosing IE University since it is composed of students from different backgrounds, values and opinions. 

Reflecting on her journey, María notes her significant personal and professional growth over just a few months, stepping out of her comfort zone. “If you choose to study the Master of Laws (LL.M.)," she says, "be prepared to transform yourself into a whole new individual and a  professional equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the legal world.”