Thirty top international law schools meet at IE to examine innovation and technology in the legal sector

Almost two hundred professors and students from thirty of the world’s top international law schools, together with legal experts from law firms and companies like Eversheds, American Express, Barclays, Microsoft or Vodafone, met on January 16 and 17 at IE University’s Madrid campus to examine the future of law practice on a global scale and to propose innovative solutions for law programs and lawyers. The occasion was the first session of the “LawWithoutWalls” program run each year by Miami University, coordinated by professors Michele DeStefano and Erika Concetta. Hence, last weekend Madrid was the backdrop for this key forum for professionals, entrepreneurs, professors and students in the field of law, from leading law schools worldwide, including Harvard, Stanford, University College of London, Peking University School of Transnational Law, Universidad Pontificia Católica de Chile, Wharton, St Gallen, NYU University, University of Witwatersrand (South Africa), Universidad de Sao Paulo, and IE University in Spain.

IE University hosted the onsite part of the program, known as the “KickOff” session, in which participants from fifteen countries pool their thoughts and experiences to undertake a first analysis of the current situation and future of practices and education programs in the field of law. Team members had the opportunity to get to know each other and their mentors in person, and to take part in a range of practical exercises for teambuilding and to generate ideas.

“We are delighted to be able to bring together the best students from so many centers of excellence based around the world, and have our students contribute to the development of innovative projects with global impact for the future of the profession,” said Soledad Atienza, Director of the Bachelor in Law Program and Vice Dean of IE Law School. “It has been a privilege to have the support and commitment of Miami University, and to host the “KickOff” session of the “Law Without Walls” Program.”

The “KickOff” session will be followed by a four-month online course during which students will tackle a complex case study, with the guidance of their professors. The module will include further practical cases and online workshops led by leading experts in the field. Activities will be rounded off with a closing session at Miami University known as “ConPosium,” in which each of the teams will present their projects on innovative themes in the field of law to a judges panel comprised of professors and investors. IE University will be represented by students Sarah R. El Azouzi, Santiago Menéndez, Emil Pappaterra and Luis Rodríguez.