I first came across IE Law School while attending a lecture by one of their faculty members on legal technology. Digging a little deeper, I found a well-established law school that has a pretty interesting set of programs, especially at the post-graduate level and for those interested in law and technology.
It is also a law school that is investing a lot of time and effort in India.
In this edition of the Admissions Interviews, I speak with Javier Aviles, the Associate Director of Admissions. In this interview, he discusses the benefits of an international LLM, the LLM admission process at IE Law School, recruitments of international lawyers, and a whole lot more.
What do you think are the benefits of an international LLM in general, and more specifically, the ones offered by IE Law School?
International LLMs could be the key to generate an enriching experience on the base of a practical and interdisciplinary approach, oriented to satisfy the present and future needs of the legal and corporate global community. This is, in a nutshell, the essence of all our programs.
In the last 35 years, IE Law School has consolidated itself as a national and international reference in training globally oriented law practitioners. This has been achieved through a combination of an extraordinarily rich and varied faculty, programs based on the case-method, active research centers that bring together scholars, practitioners and students, and sophisticated programs which count with an active involvement of top civil servants and lawyers.
The School benefits from an intensive focus on technology in terms of content and learning methods, promotes an entrepreneurial mindset in students to transform the practice of law, and generates relevant knowledge of business-related areas to create value.
The School benefits from an intensive focus on technology in terms of content and learning methods, promotes an entrepreneurial mindset in students to transform the practice of law, and generates relevant knowledge of business-related areas to create value.
We deliver top-notch, innovative, globally oriented and multidisciplinary legal education that breaks traditional barriers to shape the legal professionals of tomorrow.
The mission of IE Law School is to form excellent lawyers that can become global leaders, thanks both to their outstanding skills and to their courageous commitment to promote constantly the global common good. We promote this in many ways: by establishing strategic alliances with key stakeholders from common law and civil law jurisdictions, by introducing a clinical approach to law and by engaging with companies in developing extremely sophisticated programs.
How early do you think prospective applicants should start with their LLM applications?
The admissions process is a rolling process; therefore there is no deadline to receive applications. Notwithstanding, early application is recommended given the limited number of seats in the program.
We seek candidates who are dynamic, motivated and creative and who not only demonstrate academic and professional excellence, but who also offer the type of interpersonal skills that will foster integration and drive the maximum learning experience throughout the program.
A few specific questions on the application:
Can Indian law graduates seek an exemption from the English requirements?
Advance certificate (C1 level) is required for all non-native English-speaking applicants. This requirement does apply also for Indian Law Graduates.
What are the kind of questions that are asked in the online assessment, as well as the personal interview?
The Admissions Department has a rigorous selection process.
We seek motivated, creative and high-potential candidates who stand out for their academic and/or professional achievements, as well as interpersonal skills.
What are the qualifying scores in the GMAT, LSAT, GRE and IEGAT?
Students are required to take either the GMAT, GRE, LSAT or IEGAT, but we do not have a minimum grade. We take a holistic approach when evaluating each candidate in order to bring in the most talented people into our international classrooms.
A lot of applicants find the essay/personal statement component to be particularly challenging. Any advice on how one ought to go about writing the essay?
Just be yourself. We are looking for dynamic, motivated and creative students, with interpersonal skills that will foster integration and drive the maximum learning experience.
Some of your LLM programs have an online component – how does this work? And how many hours per day would you say are required to fulfil this component?
IE structures the programs to give you the flexibility to learn in the way that best works for you. Whether you choose a part-time or a full-time format, you gain the same global content, access to world-class faculty, and will be awarded with the same Master’s degree and the same certificate.
The part-time format, intended for working professionals, combines online classes with face-to-face periods. The workload will vary from student to student but 10 to 15 hours per week could be an accurate average.
Dean Javier has spoken about the Windows of the World room being used for law students – can you share a bit of information on how students and faculty have benefitted from this?
Javier de Cendra refers to Window of the World Room or WOW Room. This is a classroom with a 260 degree screen. This space enables to create a very real, unique learning experience where students from different jurisdictions can come together.
It is a unique experience that enables professors to analyze students’ reactions. And just as importantly, the WOW Room permits academics to bring their passion to teaching, which plays a key role in the learning process.
Do you see a large number of international LLM students being recruited in in Spain and the EU region?
International law firms and Company legal departments in Europe and in Spain increasingly demand lawyers with a global perspective, who are able to add value in complex international transactions.
This includes combining top quality legal advice with an in-depth understanding of business issues and the highest standards of professional ethics. IE LLMs will give you the knowledge and skills to become the perfect business lawyer.
Finally, any data that you can share on the amount of scholarships, if any, that international LLM applicants can expect?
The IE Foundation awards tuition assistance to talented students based on economic need, merit, distinctive competencies and academic/professional excellence. Scholarships generally can cover up to 40% of tuition and a few of them can even go up to 100% depending on the candidates profile and financial need.