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UNIQUE BACHELOR OF LAWS (LL.B.)
The study plan of IE University's program is designed based on the prestigious academic experience of the university, the knowledge and research of our expert faculty in the field, and the institution’s close ties to the world of work.
The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) is an official degree, which is the first step IE Law School students have to practice law in their respective countries. The program’s study plan is designed to educate young professionals to face global challenges and develop the skills they need to be successful in the world of law. It offers the opportunity to dive deeper into different areas such as international business law, human rights and social justice, tech and digital law or Spanish law.
Students interested in continuing their academic and professional career in Spain have the option to choose the Concentration in Spanish Business Law, thereby complementing their studies by deepening their education in Spanish Law. Through practical and personalized learning, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) students achieve the right balance between the program’s academic components and real-world, applicable projects. This balance helps them develop profiles that adapt to the new trends of the complex world of work that they’ll face after graduation.
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FIRST YEAR
Get ready to discover a world of law that knows no borders. In year one, you’ll become familiar with different jurisdictions and learn about the day-to-day lives of legal professionals who work internationally. You’ll get to know the legal-services market, explore various legal systems and gain practical experience of the realities of the profession. The program's Comparative Law methodology will teach you how to work in situations where different legal systems are applied. It’s an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of Private, Civil and Criminal law. You will also be able to complement your studies with the Spanish Law Concentration, preparing you from the start to build your professional career and gain the skills you need to practice law in Spain.
SECOND YEAR
Build on those foundations in year two, developing the skills needed to understand and apply the main principles of Civil Procedure. You will also acquire the analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills required of all legal professionals in today’s world. Throughout this academic year, you will tap into your entrepreneurial side while also exploring the importance and impact of technology in the field of law. Finally, you’ll be introduced to Administrative, Employment and Property Law, with special emphasis placed on Private International Law. By the end of the year, you will also have an in-depth appreciation of the most pressing legal issues facing global corporations through an understanding of Commercial Law.
THIRD YEAR
Now is the time to start honing your critical-thinking skills and legal knowledge by studying advanced subjects and participating in international competitions such as the Comparative Law in Action Challenge or LawWithoutWalls. In addition, you’ll learn the most significant aspects of civil, labor and criminal litigation processes, and explore fundamental legal problems such as civil disobedience or the concept of justice. Increased focus will be given to the management skills required to run a law firm successfully, as well as taxation, accounting and finance. You can also participate in an internship or mentoring program at prestigious firms such as PwC, Latham & Watkins or Pérez-Llorca, among others.
FOURTH YEAR
This is the year where everything you’ve learned takes shape, and you come into contact with your professional future. During this year you’ll be able to personalize your education by choosing the electives that best suit your professional preferences. There’s a wide offering, ranging from competition law to legal tech or environmental law, as well the option to specialize your studies in various jurisdictions. You will have multiple opportunities to develop your legal skills and raise your profile by participating in Moot Courts and other international competitions such as the Comparative Law in Action Challenge or LawWithoutWalls. If you’re interested in continuing your career in Spain, at the end of this year you’ll have the option to apply to study a specialized Doble Máster en Acceso a la Abogacía + LL.M. at IE Law School.
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Tracks
An essential part of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) learning journey is that you follow your own path and customize your program. You will be able to deepen your knowledge of areas such as International Business Law; Human Rights and Social Justice or Tech and Digital Law.
In these tracks, you’ll receive classes from industry experts, top academics, and real-world professionals, each of whom will help prepare you to face the most complex challenges in these areas.
Starting in the third year, you will be able to choose from a variety of courses that comprise one of the three tracks offered:
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW
By studying this track, you will specialize in the intersection between law and business. You will discover the legal implications of globalization and business internationalization by studying topics such as advanced corporate law, contract drafting, cross-border mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance and international tax planning, to name a few. These courses will prepare you to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer, in-house lawyer or arbitrator, among others. Real-life examples and case studies will give you practical, technologically focused experience into agreements of this kind, paving the way for your future career.
You will also be encouraged to participate in international competitions on international business law to develop your public speaking, persuasion, negotiation and advocacy skills. Additionally, we host many specific career related workshops and activities, ensuring you’re well-equipped for a range of career paths.
LAW, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
By specializing in Law, Human Rights and Social Justice, you will develop the strong analytical skills necessary to understand the challenges and stakes in human rights and social justice, such as minority rights law, access to justice, criminal prosecution of human rights violations, gender & child rights, refugees and asylum, among others.
The track in Law, Human Rights and Social Justice prepares you to pursue a career in international organizations, international courts, public servant roles, non-government agencies, or any other position where a deep knowledge of international human rights law and public international law is required.
Through a practical approach, you will also develop the necessary skills to become an advocate for human rights such as leadership, negotiation, persuasion, empathy and public speaking. You will be encouraged to participate in the prestigious European Human Rights Moot Court Competition, organized annually by the European Law Student Association (ELSA) in cooperation with the Council of Europe, with the final rounds in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
TECH & DIGITAL LAW
While technology presents enormous opportunities for social change and business disruption, it also poses many legal and ethical challenges. The tech and digital regulatory landscape is changing rapidly. To this end, it’s essential to equip future legal professionals with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a vibrant and transforming legal landscape.
Delve deeper into tech and digital regulation such as data protection, patent and trademark law, cybersecurity, competition law, and law & policy. You will also have the opportunity to learn key technological developments and how they impact the legal field.
This track will introduce you to professional pathways such as compliance, cybersecurity and cybercrime, media and telecommunications, tech companies and more.
CONCENTRATION OF SPANISH BUSINESS LAW
CONCENTRATION OF SPANISH BUSINESS LAW
The Concentration in Spanish Business Law is the ideal complement to the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program for students who want to deepen their understanding of the Spanish legal system. With all modules fully taught in in Spanish, the Concentration presents a rigorous curriculum that covers the main areas of Spanish law, including Constitutional and Administrative Law, Commercial Law, Tax Law, Procedural Law and Property Law. The academics of the program are enriched with a series of extracurricular activities that bring students closer to the Spanish legal system, with opportunities ranging from visits to public institutions to networking opportunities with leading law firms and many more!
The Concentration is designed to build seamlessly on top of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program, leveraging students’ solid analytical skills and global legal knowledge. Upon completing both the LL.B and Concentration in Spanish Business law, students are well prepared to pursue the Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía and later qualify as practicing lawyers in Spain. They graduate with a strong understanding of Spanish Law, an international perspective of the legal systems of the world and how they interact with one another.
FIRST AND SECOND YEAR
During the first two years of the program, students are immersed in a series of extracurricular activities that introduce them to the Spanish legal system and its many dimensions, including the interworking of the public and private sector, current legal issues and debates, market realities and professional career paths. These early experiences are designed to spark students’ interest in Spanish Law and continue to inspire them as they progress through the academic curriculum in later years.
1. Sessions on career pathways and public examination: Led by experts who explore the diverse career paths for Law graduates, both in the private sector (law firms, legal departments, consultancy) and the public sector (judiciary, prosecution, registries, State legal service, etc.).2. Institutional visits: Exclusive access and guided sessions at key institutions such as:
- The Spanish Congress of Deputies, to learn about the legislative process
- Madrid International Arbitration Center (CIAM), where commercial disputes are resolved
- Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid (ICAM), one of the leading institutions in the Spanish legal profession
3. Workshops and networking events at top-tier law firms: Students are invited to the offices of leading law firms such as Pérez-Llorca, Uría Menéndez, and Garrigues, where they meet practicing lawyers, learn about the inner workings of the firm and gain insight into the legal market and industry expectations.
4. Conferences on current legal issues: Interactive spaces where academics, professionals and students debate contemporary challenges.
THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR
The last two years of the program are dedicated to academic course work that consists of core Spanish Law courses (36 ECTS) and a final thesis project (12 ECTS). Combining both theory and practice-oriented components, the curriculum provides students with the substantive legal knowledge to navigate the key branches of Spanish law and work through legal cases with a critical lense.
Year 3:- Public Law (6 ECTS): Analysis of constitutional foundations, the organization of the State, and the functioning of public administration
- Property Law (6 ECTS): Study of legal relationships concerning property, contracts, civil liability and rights
- Commercial Law (6 ECTS): Understanding the legal framework that governs entrepreneurs, corporate entities, commercial contracts, and competition law
Year 4:
- Procedural Law (6 ECTS): In-depth study of civil, criminal, and commercial litigation, declaratory and enforcement proceedings, appeals and arbitration
- Tax Law (6 ECTS): Study of the Spanish tax system, including direct and indirect taxes, corporate taxation, and tax procedures
- Legal Challenge (6 ECTS): A practical course where students work in teams on a real-life case that encompasses different areas of Spanish law. Students are challenged to develop legal strategies and defend proposed solutions before an academic tribunal.
- Final Degree Project (12 ECTS): Students complete their final thesis paper (“TFG”) on a topic related to Spanish Law, written and defended before academic tribunal in Spanish.
COMPARATIVE LAW METHODOLOGY
As today’s economies and societies become increasingly globalized, so do legal services and education. This is why we teach comparative law—to provide an entirely global approach to legal training. We apply comparative law as a methodology, followed in all our undergraduate programs across all legal disciplines, training our students to acquire a global legal mindset. Through this methodology, we compare similarities and differences across various legal systems, and offer comprehensive training by comparing civil law and common law jurisdictions.
From beginning to end, our comparative law programs prepare our students to think and act as international legal professionals, giving them a thorough understanding of legal concepts, systems, and institutions. In addition to this emphasis on comparative law, our programs feature a practice-oriented approach, helping students to deepen their understanding of legal institutions and solve problems by focusing on international legal practice. We aim to produce graduates who truly understand legal institutions from a conceptual perspective, allowing them to master the practice of international law.
Discover more about COMPARATIVE LAW METHODOLOGY
Discover more about COMPARATIVE LAW METHODOLOGY
MEET OUR FACULTY
Meet the professors teaching on your programme and explore their academic backgrounds, areas of expertise and professional experience.
Faculty Stories
Our 500-strong faculty guides students to unleash their potential day in, day out. Their influence across all five Schools can’t be overstated, inspiring young, energetic minds as they define their personal and professional trajectories.
But what kind of person does it take to create such impact? The individuals that make up the IE University faculty are special. Coming from diverse, global backgrounds, they each bring distinct perspectives and innovative ideas that embody what makes IE University stand out. Their stories are personal and unique—but don’t take our word for it. Read their stories to see for yourself.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many years does it take to study law in Spain?
The LL.B. itself takes 4 years. To practice law in Spain, the full path requires 6 years minimum: the 4-year LL.B. plus a 2-year pathway consisting of an official Master's degree and a supervised internship, followed by passing the entrance exams required by the Spanish Ministry of Justice. IE University offers a 15-month accelerated dual master's that covers this entire post-LL.B. requirement.
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What subjects are typically in a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) study plan?
The IE University LL.B. curriculum spans 4 years of progressive legal education. Year one covers the fundamentals of Private, Civil and Criminal Law. Year two introduces Civil Procedure, Administrative, Employment, Property, Private International and Commercial Law. Year three focuses on advanced litigation, taxation, accounting and finance. Year four is dedicated to electives ranging from competition law to legal tech and environmental law, plus a final degree project. The full program totals 240 ECTS.
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Can I specialize during my LL.B.?
Yes. IE University's LL.B. offers specialization from the third year onwards. Students choose one of three tracks: International Business Law, covering corporate law, M&A and international tax planning; Law, Human Rights and Social Justice, focused on international human rights, refugee law and access to justice; or Tech & Digital Law, covering data protection, cybersecurity, patent law and legal tech. Students targeting the Spanish market can additionally pursue the Concentration in Spanish Business Law throughout all four years.
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Is the IE University Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) an accredited law degree?
Yes, the IE University Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) is a fully accredited law degree. IE University is an official private university accredited by the Spanish authorities and is registered in the Ministry of Education's National Registry of Universities, Institutions and Degrees. The program is also accredited by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) through the Bologna Process, ensuring recognition across Europe. Additionally, the degree meets the academic requirements to practice law in Spain, the US, the UK, Mexico, and India through partnerships with universities such as King's College, Northwestern University, and ITAM.
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What is the difference between an LL.B. and an LL.M.?
The LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) is an undergraduate degree that provides a broad foundation in law and is the starting point for a legal career. The LL.M. (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate degree pursued after completing an LL.B. or equivalent, designed for lawyers who want to specialize in a specific area or gain legal credentials in a second jurisdiction.
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Can I study the Spanish Law Concentration in English?
No. The Concentration in Spanish Business Law is taught entirely in Spanish. The curriculum covers Constitutional and Administrative Law, Commercial Law, Tax Law, Procedural Law, and Property Law, preparing students to navigate the Spanish legal system professionally and pursue the Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía.
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