Kevin C. Tatco
As a legal professional, I have always been deeply committed to public service. I grew up in the Philippines, in a family with a long history of grassroots advocacy and justice. My passions lie at the crossroads of public service and the law, driven by an enduring commitment to justice and community engagement. I am inspired by the power of the legal profession to effect change and protect the interests of those who need it most.
“An elite network of ambitious legal, business and academic leaders is a cornerstone of the IE Experience.”
Fulfilling a passion for law and public service with the Executive LL.M.
Kevin C. Tatco's approach to law is deeply rooted in his family's legacy of public service. He draws inspiration from members of his extended family who were very dedicated to their community. Their exemplary service, marked by humility and integrity, has left an undeniable mark on Kevin's worldview. He sees the law as a powerful vehicle for service and upliftment, a belief that has guided his career and led him to enter the Executive LL.M. program at IE University.
Nearly a decade of dedication to public service
Over the past decade, Kevin C. Tatco has made significant strides in his legal career, working in the Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines. Starting as an Associate Solicitor and progressing to be one of the youngest serving State Solicitors, he has honed his expertise while serving a range of government agencies and state corporations with unwavering integrity.
Kevin's academic background, which includes a degree in Political Science from Ateneo de Manila University and a Juris Doctor from Arellano University School of Law, provides him with a strong foundation in both legal theory and practice. He has also passed the Philippine bar qualification.
Before his service in government, Kevin volunteered in political campaigns in his country. His experience working with engaging marginalized communities and vulnerable sectors during the 2013 and 2016 National Elections further cemented his commitment to inclusive governance and social justice. His subsequent experience on the transition team of the 14th Vice President of the Philippines enriched his grasp of the political intricacies of his country’s legal system.
International aspirations in law
Kevin's career has given him opportunities to effectively represent the Philippines in complex legal disputes at both local and international levels. In the future, he aspires to expand his service to an international platform where he can apply his skills and experiences to address broader and more diverse challenges and opportunities.
In pursuit of these ambitions, Kevin made the decision to enroll in the Executive LL.M., a joint degree offered by IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. “The program's aim of fostering an in-depth understanding of Anglo-American law, juxtaposed with essential business disciplines such as corporate finance, accounting, marketing and strategy, is particularly compelling,” he explains.
When asked what appealed most to him about IE University’s educational methodology, Kevin highlighted the comparative law approach. “It resonates with my belief that a successful legal practitioner must possess a robust, multijurisdictional understanding to navigate the complex challenges that arise across borders.”
Another attraction of the program was the collaboration with the globally ranked IE Business School, accredited by institutions like AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Moreover, IE Law School’s collaboration with Northwestern Pritzker School of Law—a name held in high regard by prestigious legal bodies like the International Bar Association and the European Law Students’ Association—further underscored its caliber and alignment with Kevin's professional goals.
Kevin believes that this educational journey will not only enhance his professional practice but also enable him to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of legal frameworks within the Philippines and the ASEAN region. He elaborates, “My ultimate goal is to develop a nuanced understanding of global legal systems, which will empower me to advocate for and implement policies that foster social and economic development, particularly in my home country.”
Advice for future students
For those considering pursuing the Executive LL.M. program, Kevin's advice is clear. Embrace the comparative law methodology, which is designed to develop your ability to operate across different legal systems. Prepare to engage deeply with legal principles and essential elements of corporate finance, accounting, marketing and strategy.
At the same time, recognize the value of the networking opportunities that come with the program. The relationships you build with your cohort of global peers and the elite professional network you enter can offer lifelong benefits, both professionally and personally. Take advantage of the invaluable opportunity to build bonds with people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique insights that will enhance your understanding and growth.
For Kevin, the Executive LL.M. program has been a transformative educational journey, both challenging and enriching. Balancing professional and academic duties hasn’t been easy, but the rewarding learning experiences and stimulating discussions with his classmates and professors have been more than worth it.
