11/10/2022
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) at IE University offers a secure and broad knowledge to kick-start your career in the legal field.
IE University’s unique Master of Laws (LL.M.) takes earning an LL.M. to the next level—it also offers three specialization tracks to set you apart from the competition: International Business Law, International Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property and Technology Law.
Professors at IE Law School are top practitioners in their field, working in top law firms and expanding their industry expertise to share with their students every day.
One of these inspiring professors is Santiago Rodríguez Senior, adjunct professor of International Dispute Resolution.
Alongside his work as a professor, he is also a Senior Associate at Uría Menéndez, specialized in International Arbitration.
We had the chance to chat with Santiago Rodríguez Senior about careers in International Dispute Resolution. He offers his advice to students hoping to break into the sector below:
Kick-starting a dynamic lawyer career in international dispute resolution
In his words, international arbitration is “dispute resolution that involves international parties.” However, there are many different mechanisms within dispute resolution—including negotiations, mediation, conciliation and arbitration—and each of these has a different nature.
For example, Santiago’s work varies depending on the stage of the dispute. He may need to file a statement, claim or lawsuit, or respond to opposing counsel’s briefs, prepare for hearings or examine witnesses. His day-to-day role is dynamic and presents many opportunities.
It can very much resemble court proceedings, however it also has that international private nature that commercial arbitration has, which is the sort of arbitration I specialize in. Different cases have a different set of rules of procedure.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is designed around real-life experience, especially as putting theory to practice is one of the best ways to learn.
With this in mind, to students passionate about a career in international arbitration, Santiago suggests “getting involved in moot courts as much as possible. There are many different international moot courts with competitions for international arbitration, which is a great stepping stone for students to get involved in the international arbitration world.”
Stand out from the rest
Santiago goes on to explain what sets this program apart from the rest, concluding by offering a bit of advice for future students. “Given that law firms tend to look at candidates with academic experience in international arbitration when hiring junior associates, taking classes in international arbitration as part of the Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a plus too.”
Be curious—be intellectually curious. Arbitration is a very dynamic area and practice of law. It forces you to learn a lot about many different topics, so if you’re intellectually curious, it’s an ideal world to work in.
The International Dispute Resolution specialization track is a great opportunity to expand your skills to a more niche focus within law.
Santiago Rodríguez Senior shared some great tips to make that first venture into international dispute resolution as beneficial as possible. If you’d like more career advice, IE Talent & Careers is on hand to speak to you about your future career goals and map out the best way to achieve them.
